Currently weighing 210 lbs, AJ has a broad-shouldered frame that suggests significant room for "bone density" growth. While he still possesses a slender "one-and-done" build, he has shown remarkable durability through heavy workloads with USA Basketball and a high-usage freshman season at BYU. He absorbs contact well in the air, but he will need to continue filling out his frame to handle the 82-game "bump" of NBA veterans who will try to physically overwhelm him in the post or on drives.

His "lower-half anchor" is surprisingly advanced for a player of his age and archetype. You see this manifest in his ability to maintain his line on drives and finish through chest-to-chest contact at the rim. While he isn't a "power forward" who will out-muscle traditional bigs, he has the core strength to hold his ground when switched onto larger opponents in the mid-post, preventing them from "backing him down" into the restricted area with ease.

This is Dybantsa’s "S-Tier" trait. He recorded a 40.5-inch max vertical, which is elite for a 6'9" athlete. More importantly, he has "instant air"—the ability to explode off one foot in transition or off two feet in the half-court with almost no "gathering" time. This explosiveness forces defenses to account for him as a lob threat the moment he crosses half-court and ensures that his "put-back" dunks are frequent highlights that shift game momentum.

Commonly referred to as the "Pogo Factor," AJ’s ability to land and immediately return to the rim is a nightmare for opposing rebounders. In BYU’s system, he often generates his own second-chance opportunities by mistiming a layup and beating the defender back to the ball for a tip-in. This trait is essential for his offensive rebounding upside, as he can jump twice in the time it takes a traditional big to load for one contest.

For a player of his height, his hip fluidity is exceptional. Dybantsa can "flip his hips" to run with elite guards and then "flip back" to cut off a baseline drive without losing his balance. This lateral twitch is what gives scouts confidence that he can guard positions 1 through 4 at the next level. He doesn't just move side-to-side; he slides with a low center of gravity that makes him difficult to shake with simple crossovers.

AJ is a "rim-running" terror in transition. His end-to-end burst allows him to beat his man downcourt consistently, creating the 5-on-4 advantages mentioned in the manual. His long strides mean he covers the floor in fewer steps than his peers, often turning a defensive rebound into a dunk at the other end in under four seconds. This speed ensures he is always a threat to leak out and punish lazy transition defenses.

This is the secret behind his elite shot creation. AJ’s ability to decelerate—going from a full-tilt drive to a dead stop in a single step—is professional-grade. His core control allows him to remain perfectly vertical during mid-range pull-ups, even when moving at high speeds or fading away. This "body-centering" ability is why he is a high-level "Stop-and-Pop" shooter despite the high degree of difficulty on his attempts.

Dybantsa plays heavy minutes at BYU and is often asked to carry the scoring load while defending the opponent's best player. His "Performance Floor" remains high throughout the game; his shooting mechanics don't break down, and his defensive stance remains disciplined even in the fourth quarter. While every rookie faces an adjustment to the NBA travel schedule, AJ’s current conditioning suggests he is physically prepared for a high-usage role from day one.

While Dybantsa’s free-throw percentage at BYU has dipped slightly to 74.6% compared to his 89% mark in the EYBL, it remains a "Pure Touch" proxy that scouts trust. He is a master at drawing contact, leading his team in attempts, and his repeatable routine suggests that his college percentage is more of a high-usage fatigue indicator than a mechanical flaw. In the NBA, he projects as a reliable late-game option who will capitalize on the "foul grifting" that comes with his aggressive slashing style.

This is Dybantsa’s "Playoff Tool." He is currently one of the most efficient mid-range scorers in the country, often compared to a taller DeMar DeRozan. Whether it is a contested 15-foot pull-up or a sophisticated step-back, his ability to rise over defenders with his 8'10" reach makes this shot nearly unguardable. In a league where the "rim and three" are often iced in the post-season, AJ’s ability to thrive in the "dead zone" makes him a projected #1 option.

Dybantsa is currently shooting 32.6% from deep on moderate volume. While he provides "Spacing Gravity," he is more of a rhythm shooter than a pure floor spacer at this stage. He is "shot-ready" when the ball swings his way, but NBA teams will likely "dare" him to beat them from the perimeter early in his career until he proves he can consistently punish closeouts. The mechanics are fluid, but the consistency is the final hurdle for his offensive ceiling. 

The self-creation from deep is a situational weapon for AJ. He has shown flashes of deep step-backs that force defenses to "show" on screens, but his efficiency on these high-difficulty looks is still raw. At BYU, he often settles for these late in the shot clock; for this to translate to "Cornerstone" status, he must improve his balance when moving to his left and ensure he isn't "pushing" the ball from 25 feet.

Dybantsa has "NBA Power" in his shooting motion, comfortably hitting triples from several feet behind the college line. His one-motion mechanics are built for the deeper pro arc, and he doesn't experience the "arc drop" that plagues many young wings when tired. While the percentage needs to catch up to the range, the physical ability to stretch a defense to the logo is already present.

AJ’s "Rim Pressure" is elite because he blends his verticality with a willingness to absorb contact. He finishes 72.1% of his looks at the rim, a mark that puts him in the upper echelon of wing prospects over the last decade. He doesn't just look for the layup; he looks to "dunk through a chest," which directly correlates to his high Free Throw Rate (FTr) and forces rim protectors to think twice before rotating.

When he can't out-jump the defender, AJ relies on "English" off the glass and a soft "wrong-foot" layup package. His touch on floaters is advanced for a 6'9" player, allowing him to score over drop coverage without having to reach the restricted area. This "touch" is the differentiator that suggests he won't struggle against the massive, shot-blocking "Wemby-style" bigs of the modern NBA.

One of Dybantsa’s most underrated traits is his ambidexterity around the basket. He is equally comfortable driving left and finishing with a high-off-glass left-handed layup as he is with his dominant right. This makes it impossible for scouts to "force him left," as he simply accepts the invitation and uses his length to finish on the other side of the rim.

Despite his height, AJ possesses a "wiggle" and ball security that are rare for wings. He keeps his dribble alive against "hounding" point-of-attack defenders, using his body to shield the ball without turning his back. His crossover is low and explosive, allowing him to navigate tight spaces in the half-court and create a shot "at will" even when the defense is keyed in on him.

The hallmark of Dybantsa’s playmaking is the "one-handed whip." He can find corner shooters in the middle of a drive without picking up his dribble, a high-level skill that punishes help defenders. At BYU, his assist rate (21.2%) has climbed as he has learned to use his scoring gravity to manipulate the defense, projecting him as a secondary or even primary "Point Forward" initiator.

AJ is excellent at using screens to put defenders "on his back" (the prison dribble), allowing him to probe the paint and wait for the low-man helper to commit. He isn't just looking for his own shot in the pick-and-roll; he is increasingly adept at identifying the "second read"—hitting the roller or the weak-side "tagger" replacement—with precision and patience.

His "Second Read" vision is rare for an 18-year-old. He doesn't just pass to the open man; he passes to where the shooter will be. He has a knack for identifying the "low-man" helper before they even rotate, allowing him to throw lobs or kick-outs a split second before the defense is ready. This anticipation is what allows him to average nearly 4 assists per game as a primary wing.

He throws "bullet passes" that arrive in the shooter's pocket with enough heat to negate recovery time. His accuracy on long cross-court skips is a major reason why BYU’s floor spacing has remained effective despite teams loading up on him. He rarely throws "lazy" passes, maintaining a high level of intentionality with every delivery.

Dybantsa has elite "Off-Ball Gravity." Even when he doesn't have the ball, the defense is terrified of his "ghost" cuts into space. He uses his vertical explosiveness to turn simple backdoor cuts into highlight-reel lobs, and he is a surprisingly willing screener who understands how to hit a defender to free up a teammate before slipping to the rim.

Decision-making at 100mph is perhaps AJ’s most "pro-ready" skill. Whether he is the rim-runner, the ball-handler, or the trailer for a 3, he consistently makes the right choice in transition. His speed and length make him a one-man fast break, often grabbing a rebound and finishing at the other rim before the television cameras can even pan downcourt.

Dybantsa is a "Worm" on the glass, using his second-jump speed to generate high-value second-chance points. He has a nose for where the ball will land and uses his "lower-half anchor" to move traditional bigs out of the way. While he isn't a primary "glass-cleaner," his ability to give his team extra possessions is a vital "winning rotation" trait.

Dybantsa is increasingly being tasked with guarding the opponent's primary ball-handler in late-game situations. His "sit in a stance" discipline is elite for a player of his height; he uses his 6'9" frame to physically overwhelm smaller guards, essentially "walling off" the paint. While he can occasionally be shifted by the most elite twitchy creators, his recovery speed and length allow him to stay in the play and contest from behind, making him a nightmare for POA players who think they’ve gained a step.

This is where Dybantsa is most dominant. On an island, he is nearly impossible to shoot over due to his +4" wingspan and disciplined closeouts. He rarely bites on pump fakes, showing a level of veteran composure that belies his freshman status. NBA scouts are particularly enamored with his "mirroring" ability; he stays chest-to-chest with elite wings, using his length to contest pull-ups without needing to leave his feet, which keeps him out of foul trouble.

While Dybantsa is thin at 210 lbs, his "lower-half anchor" allows him to hold position against traditional Big 12 power forwards. He uses his chest effectively to absorb the first "bump" and prevents opponents from backing him deep into the restricted area. He won't be a primary post-stopper against NBA centers, but in a switching scheme, he provides enough resistance to buy time for help rotations or to force a difficult turnaround jumper over his outstretched arms.

AJ has shown a professional-level ability to get "skinny" when fighting over screens. He uses his long limbs to stay attached to shooters, avoiding the "trailing" position that often gives up open triples. While he still occasionally gets hung up on "brick wall" screens from veteran bigs, his lateral quickness allows him to recover rapidly. His versatility to "switch everything" is a core component of BYU's defensive identity this season.

Averaging nearly 1.0 block per game, Dybantsa is a high-level "secondary" rim protector. He excels at "verticality"—rising with arms straight up to alter the trajectory of a shot without fouling. His "instant air" (from Pillar I) means he can rotate from the weak side and meet a driver at the summit in a fraction of a second. This "shot-altering" presence is often more valuable than the raw block numbers suggest, as it forces teams to pass out of the paint.

Dybantsa is an elite "closer" of defensive possessions. He currently ranks in the 87th percentile for defensive rebounding among all collegiate wings, a testament to his "want to" and motor. He doesn't just watch the ball; he makes contact with his opponent first, secures the board, and then has the "live-dribble" skills to ignite the fast break himself. This makes him a triple-threat every time the ball hits the glass.

With 1.5 steals per game, Dybantsa’s anticipation is clearly an elite tool. He uses his length to "shade" passing lanes, baiting quarterbacks into throws he can deflect. This "Disruption Index" often leads to high-value transition points. His High Steal % is a direct indicator of his growing Defensive IQ; he isn't just gambling—he is identifying the pass before it is released and using his 7'1" reach to erase the window.

Dybantsa’s "Sprint-to-Stall" technique has improved significantly since the start of the season. He closes out under control, using his length to contest the three while maintaining the balance to cut off a counter-drive. He rarely flies past shooters, a common mistake for high-flying prospects. This discipline ensures that his "Spacing Gravity" on defense is just as impactful as it is on offense. 

This remains the one area where AJ’s "selective motor" can occasionally show. There are possessions where he gets caught in "star-player mode," watching the ball and losing track of his man on the "low-man" rotation. However, when the game is on the line, his recognition of screen-left/screen-right and his ability to "tag" the roller are high-level. As his concentration matures, this score is the most likely to jump into the 90s.

Dybantsa is often the first player back for BYU after a turnover or a missed shot. He is a vocal communicator in the chaos of a change of possession, pointing out assignments and identifying the rim-runner. His chase-down block potential is a constant threat; opponents are often hesitant to take a layup in transition if they see AJ trailing, fearing the "highlight-reel" rejection he has become known for.

Dybantsa adheres to the "0.5-second rule" with remarkable consistency. At BYU, he rarely stops the ball; he identifies whether to shoot, pass, or drive the moment the leather hits his palms. His high assist rate for a primary scorer (over 20%) is a direct result of this processing speed, as he is often one step ahead of college help rotations. While he still has moments of "star-player gravity" where he forces a look, his baseline for reading the game is already at an NBA-starter level.

His defensive "Real-time communication" is a work in progress but shows significant flashes of elite potential. He has become a vocal leader for the Cougars, often seen pointing out shooters and calling for switches before they occur. However, as noted in the TCU and Kansas State games, he can occasionally lose his "off-ball" focus when the play is away from him. When he is locked in, his awareness allows him to utilize his length to erase passing lanes and provide help-side rim protection.

Dybantsa has shown a sophisticated understanding of efficiency, currently boasting a True Shooting percentage (TS%) over 60%. He knows his "good shots" are at the rim and in the mid-range, and he rarely settles for low-percentage heaves early in the shot clock. While he will still take the occasional "heat check" three-pointer, his overall discipline in seeking high-value looks is a major differentiator from the "volume-at-all-costs" wings of previous draft classes.

Engagement is a skill for AJ. He doesn't just play hard when he has the ball; he sprints for chase-down blocks and dives for loose balls that a prospect of his status might typically ignore. This high-energy disposition is contagious for BYU’s roster. Scouts have specifically praised his "want to" on the defensive glass and his willingness to run the floor for all 40 minutes, which suggests his "Performance Floor" will remain high during the grueling NBA schedule.

Dybantsa embraces the "grind" of the game. Despite having a slender frame, he seeks out contact on drives and relishes the physical battles in the Big 12. He doesn't shy away from being bumped mid-air and has shown the toughness to get back up and finish the play. This "disposition" is critical for his transition to the NBA, where veteran wings will immediately try to test his resolve with physical play.

AJ has "Cortisol Control" that is rare for an 18-year-old. His recent performance against TCU, where he scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half to lead a comeback, is a testament to his demand for the ball in high-pressure moments. He has a history of this dating back to his MVP run in the FIBA U19 World Cup; when the game slows down in the final three minutes, Dybantsa becomes his most efficient self.

As the focal point of the BYU program, AJ has displayed exemplary influence. Even in games where he has struggled with turnovers (like the Kansas State win), his body language remained focused on rallying his teammates. He is frequently the first player to pick up a teammate off the floor and maintains a calm, professional demeanor during officiating disputes, showing a level of emotional intelligence that NBA front offices covet.

While he is currently a #1 option, Dybantsa’s game is highly adaptable. Because of his "Off-Ball Gravity," cutting ability, and improved passing, he can easily scale down to a secondary or tertiary role if drafted by a team with an established star. He doesn't need 25 shots to be effective; his defensive disruption and transition running allow him to impact winning even on nights when his jumper isn't falling.

Every coach who has worked with AJ, from USA Basketball to Kevin Young at BYU, has praised his "Correction Speed." He is a student of the game who reportedly watches hours of film to identify countermoves to his own tendencies. His willingness to buy into a complex, NBA-style system at BYU rather than a "stat-stuffing" environment elsewhere proves that he is prioritized winning and professional development over personal hype.

Born in late January 2007, Dybantsa is still only 18 years old and won't turn 20 until well into his rookie NBA season. This gives him one of the longest "runways" for development in the 2026 class. Combining his current elite production with the fact that he is younger than many of the players he is outperforming makes his ceiling arguably the highest in the draft. He is a "plug-and-play" talent with 15 years of prime basketball ahead of him.