Fran Fraschilla Compares BYU Freshman AJ Dybansta to Hall of Famer

Originally posted on BYU Cougars on SI
By Casey Lundquist | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Over the last week, BYU true freshman AJ Dybansta has been practicing with the USA U19 team. According to multiple reports, Dybansta has been the best player in attendance. He went on a scoring spree earlier in the week to pull off a comeback in a scrimmage, he has impressed with his defensive intensity, and he has looked like the best player in the world for his age.

ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla was in attendance this week for the USA U19 practices. Fraschilla compared to Dybansta to a Hall of Famer: Kevin Garnett.

"I'll try to create a visual for BYU fans for what to expect from AJ Dybansta after watching him all week at USA U19 practices," Fraschilla wrote. "Best description is that if Kevin Garnett came back as a small forward with his intensity, athleticism, and his team-first style, that's who the Cougars have."

I’ll try to create a visual for @BYUMBB fans for what to expect from AJ Dybantsa after watching him all week at @usabjnt Under 19 practices. Best description is that if Kevin Garnett came back as a small forward with his intensity, athleticism & his team-first style, that’s who…
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) June 21, 2025

Garnett was a 15-time NBA All-Star and was known for his intensity. His Hall of Fame bio says it best:

"His passion was unmistakable, and often manifested itself in his pregame rituals, trash talking, and raw athleticism that bordered on the unimaginable."

Dybansta creates offense effortlessly. Whether he is in transition, taking defenders off the dribble, or creating open looks for his teammates, his offensive arsenal has been well documented. Where Dybansta has really improved his game is on the defensive end and it showed this week. His competitiveness and passion also stood out this week.

Aj Dybantsa is going crazy for Team USA in the scrimmages and practices … he’s been elite on both sides of the ball @AJ_Dybantsa via @JordanRichardSC
pic.twitter.com/53DBf5HkTb
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) June 21, 2025

On3 said Dybansta is "on a planet of his own at no. 1." Here's a snippet from the practice report from Jack Pilgrim.

"It was a performance that led to a postgame debate wondering how many points per game he’d average in the NBA today. Down big in the final minutes of the afternoon session scrimmage, the BYU signee single-handily led his team back to victory with not one, not two, but three separate clutch buckets with defensive stops and forced turnovers to pull it off."

Dybansta has a good chance to be the best freshman in college basketball next season.

This article first appeared on BYU Cougars on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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