LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - AJ Dybantsa came to Lausanne on a mission - winning the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 to become a back-to-back FIBA youth world champion.
The projected number 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has United States just two wins from that goal thanks to an amazing all-around game and great off-court personality.
USA thus far has been challenged only twice, and both times Dybantsa has been there to shine for the team. In the opening game against Australia, the Americans were never really able to fully put them away and Dybantsa collected 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. But most importantly, he was a menace driving to the basket, converting 12 of 15 free throws.
Dybantsa played his usual versatile game in the next three games with limited minutes on the floor, picking his spots and scoring 16 points against France and Cameroon and then totaling 7 points in 12 minutes in a blowout of Jordan in the Round of 16.
But USA were faced with a major challenge against Canada and Dybantsa was there for his best game of the tournament: 22 points on 5 of 8 shots and 12 of 13 free throws, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a 108-102 win.
The 18-year-old himself is strictly business off the court with the media. He answers journalists’ questions but is short and to the point.
It's a blessing to be here and represent my country
"It's a blessing to be here and represent my country," he said about being back on the global stage after taking the title at the FIBA U17 World Cup 2024. "It's not any different, it's the same mission. Gold, I'm only here for gold."
Instead of pressing for more information from Dybantsa, why not let the people around him in Lausanne speak about him?
A world class talent and teammate
"He's a world class talent but he’s also a world class teammate. He does a really good job playing through the team concept. He's really not trying to play for himself. So that's been really refreshing," USA head coach Tommy Lloyd said about Dybantsa.
And when asked about what impresses him most about the guard, Lloyd added: "Amazing physical ability, good IQ, willingness to play within the team concept. I dont know if he is necessarily trying to come here and trying to be the leading scorer. I just think he’s trying to make sure USA comes out on top in the end."
Daniel Jacobsen is playing with Dybantsa for the first time as the big man is part of the 2006-born generation, which played the FIBA U18 AmeriCup 2024 last summer.
"I think he's a great player. Obviously he can do it all on the court. But more importantly he's a really good teammate. He’s able to share the ball, especially with a star-studded team. He can play more of a role. He's been awesome so far."
Morez Johnson also played with the U18 team last summer and is teaming up with him for the first time on a USA squad.
"I don't think AJ is worried about any pressure. That is important. The game is still a game at the end of the day. You can’t worry about that. And he’s handling that very well," Johnson said.
And what about Dybantsa off the court?
"He's a very vocal guy. He's a leader by example and he talks. That is very important that you talk to the guys. A lot of guys are shy when they are around other good players - not AJ," Johnson added.
Dybantsa is one of seven players in Lausanne who were on the USA team at last summer’s FIBA U17 World Cup.
“Obviously he’s gotten better. He’s shooting the ball better and he gets to his spots. People can’t guard him so you have to foul him. He’s getting to the free throw line at a higher rate,” said Caleb Holt about the difference between last summer and this one.
"AJ is great. Everybody knows he’s a team player and he can get a bucket. AJ's the number one player in the country for a reason."
Tyran Stokes got to know Dybantsa well after playing with him the entire 2023-24 season in high school and the AAU circuit and then last summer in Istanbul with USA Basketball. Dybantsa transferred high schools for this past season and Stokes sees a difference.
"I got to watch him day and night in the gym. I could see he has a great work ethic and great motor. Him being at Utah Prep and being out of the way really helped him a lot. He was able to lock in on what he was able to do, which is get better and stay in the gym. And I can really see that translate, especially from the high school level to the FIBA level," Stokes said.
Another teammate from the U17 national team with Dybantsa against is JJ Mandaquit, who played with him this past season at Utah Prep.
"He's grown a lot from a leadership standpoint, from his game. Obviously his shooting has gotten a lot better, but also the leadership part - making sure everybody stays together and plays the right way," Mandaquit said.
And when asked how he shows that leadership, Mandaquit answered: "He jokes around a lot and dances. He's always posting videos on TikTok. He gets our team going in the locker room with the music and dancing."
Going back to Dybantsa himself, the dynamic guard said his experience in Türkiye helped him know what to expect in Lausanne.
"Just playing together. We’re kind of unbeatable with all the talent we have. So we just have to play together," Dybantsa said.
And having that U17 core back is a benefit for the whole team, he says, adding: "It's better for us because we have good chemistry."
Mikel Brown also talked about Dybantsa and said he’s a big part of the team’s success.
"I am blessed to have the opportunity to play alongside him in this tournament. He does a little bit of everything. He’s kind of a Swiss army knife," said Brown, who was a member of the U18 team last summer.
"AJ keeps it simple. He's very unselfish and he wants the best for his teammates. That's something that people don’t always see. He's always being a good teammate."
A good teammate who makes a great team even greater.
FIBA