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AJ Dybantsa Reveals Three NBA Players Kevin Young Has Him Studying at BYU

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 10:22 AM ET

When AJ Dybantsa signed with BYU, he knew it came with a next-level approach. Cougars coach Kevin Young has a different mindset after being in the NBA for some time. He's taking those methods and applying them in Provo.

Dybantsa is currently at the USA Basketball U19 training camp. He's reportedly looked crisp on both ends in every session, "looking every bit the part of a No. 1 pick," according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

While he's projected to be the top overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa isn't there yet mentally. He's not allowing the noise to dominate and staying in the trenches to show off his work ethic.

Talking shop with AJ Dybantsa at the USA Basketball U19 training camp.

USA Basketball always brings out the best from Dybantsa and he's had some absolutely spectacular moments on both ends in every session, looking every bit the part of a No. 1 pick. pic.twitter.com/tQyKhUJKYT
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 16, 2025

Givony caught up with Dybantsa after the practice session and had a few good questions for the BYU signee. He asked about Young's NBA approach and which player has he been breaking down in film study.

"Obviously, (Young) coached KD (Kevin Durant)... So, when I'm off the ball, a lot of KD, Dybantsa said. "But there's a lot of Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander). A lot of Luka (Doncic), guys that play multiple positions."

With Egor Demin projected as an NBA lottery pick, Dybantsa's role will likely consist as a hybrid big guard. He explained how he see himself fitting in later this year.

"Egor was a big piece for them. Now, he was the starting point guard. We have Robert Wright, so I would not need to fulfill that starting point guard role," Dybantsa said. "But the way they use a big guard to handle at 6'8," I'll be able to handle some of those."

BYU opens the season with a difficult stretch of non-conference games, including UConn in Boston and the multi-team event at Disney World in Orlando. Dybantsa has already announced this will be his one-and-done season for the Cougars. Get ready for an exciting ride in one of the most anticipated seasons to date.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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