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AJ Dybantsa reminded everyone why he’s the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft with a breakout performance at the FIBA U19 World Cup. In Team USA’s hard-fought win over physical Canada, the 18-year-old forward delivered his best game of the tournament so far.
Basketball analyst Terrence Oglesby was enthusiastic about Team USA U19’s hard-fought win. He praised the victory and commended the 18-year-old for delivering his best game of the tournament.
AJ Dybantsa Silences Critics With Career-Best 22-Point Performance Against Canada
The basketball community is praising Dybantsa for his best-scoring game of the FIBA U19 World Cup. However, after his 7-point performance against Jordan, the situation was not as warm as it is right now.
Some observers began to question his ability to deliver in big moments. They pointed out that in earlier games against teams like Cameroon and France, Dybantsa scored most of his points after Team USA had already taken control. A few even suggested that he only shines during blowouts and fades when the pressure is high.
The criticism grew loud enough that ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla came to his defense. Fraschilla responded on social media, saying, “I am seeing these subtle shots at @BYUMBB @usabjnt @AJ_Dybantsa by people watching the @FIBAWC U-19’s on their laptops & I’m smiling… When AJ needed to dominate the scrimmages, everyone in the gym knew.”
I am seeing these subtle shots at @BYUMBB @usabjnt @AJ_Dybantsa by people watching the @FIBAWC U-19’s on their laptops & I’m smiling. No offense to some really great young teammates, but I watched him for a solid week in Colorado Springs. When AJ needed to dominate the…
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) July 2, 2025
However, the projected No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 draft answered his critics with style in Team USA’s hard-fought 108–102 quarterfinal win over Canada. Dybantsa exploded for 22 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. He also added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, and it was easily his most impactful game of the tournament.
Read More: BYU Freshman AJ Dybantsa Receives Top-5 NBA Draft Prediction From Basketball Insider After Fourth of July Message
Basketball analyst Oglesby praised Dybantsa’s showing, posting on X, “Team USA holds on! Physical game from a good Canada U19 squad. USA on to the Semifinals. AJ Dybantsa @BYUMBB with his best game so far going for 22 pts.”
Team USA holds on!
Physical game from a good Canada u19 squad. USA on to the Semifinals.
AJ Dybantsa @BYUMBB with his best game so far going for 22pts
Mikel Brown @LouisvilleMBB continues his impressive play with 20pts/8asts but not the same efficiency levels this game.
— Terrence Oglesby (@T_Oglesby22) July 4, 2025
He also applauded Mikel Brown for another strong performance, adding, “Mikel Brown @LouisvilleMBB continues his impressive play with 20 points and eight assists, but not the same efficiency levels this game.”
According to FIBA’s official stats, the BYU wing has averaged 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across five games so far. Team USA remains undefeated and will head to the semifinals on July 6. The performance against Canada showed why Dybantsa is considered the top prospect in his class and why he’ll likely be the first name called in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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