BYU hoops superlatives: AJ Dybantsa is the Cougars' most likely to be an NBA Hall of Famer

BYU had a fantastic nonconference slate, going 12-1 with quality wins against Villanova, Wisconsin, Miami, Dayton, and Clemson. The purpose of those 13 games was to prepare Kevin Young's squad for the buzzsaw that is Big 12 conference play, which tips off on January 3rd against Kansas State.

But before looking ahead to conference play, let's take a look back and give out some superlatives to BYU's key players. Today's spotlight is on freshman sensation, AJ Dybantsa.

Superlative: Most likely to be an NBA Hall of Famer

BYU has quite literally never had a recruit with AJ Dybantsa's talent, profile, and potential. The No. 2 prospect nationally in the class of 2025, the superstar from Brockton, Massachusetts, came to Provo with the expectations of being the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

So far AJ is living up to those expectations, if not somehow exceeding them.

His numbers are incredible: 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He's shooting 57.1% from the field and can get his shot from any spot he wants.

Oh, he also put down what might be the most incredible dunk in BYU history:

The 6-foot-9 superstar's superlative as the most likely to be an NBA Hall of Famer is because his ceiling is that high. He could be a generational talent at the next level. He has the skillset, mindset, and toolset to be an NBA All-Star.

What AJ Dybantsa needs to do in Big 12 conference play

Simply put, AJ needs to flat out dominate on both ends of the court in Big 12 conference play.

BYU is going to face some of the best defenses in the country over the next two-plus months. The Big 12 has five of the nation's Top 10 defenses, per Ken Pom, in Iowa State, Houston, Kansas, Arizona, and Cincinnati. Points are going to be at a premium some nights, and there are few premium scorers like AJ Dybantsa. When he aggressively looks to create for himself, he also creates open 3-pointers for Richie Saunders and driving lanes for Robert Wright III.

An aggressive AJ Dybantsa with the ball in his hands will be the difference between winning and losing come conference play.

But an often overlooked aspect of AJ's game is his outstanding defense. He's a focused, determined, rangy defender with excellent instincts. BYU will also be facing some of the best individual scorers in the country when Big 12 play starts, and AJ can guard a just about any position if Kevin Young needs his team to cool down an opposing hot hand.

While AJ Dybantsa's future could be the NBA Hall of Fame, let's just enjoy this generational talent while he's wearing a BYU uniform while we can.