Team USA entered the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland as the gold medal favorite, and the Americans lived up to the hype, capturing the title with a dominant 109-76 victory over previously unbeaten Germany in Sunday\u2019s championship game. Both teams were 6-0 heading into the final, but the Americans\u2019 depth and firepower proved too much for a German squad led by Texas Tech standout and All-Big 12 freshman Christian Anderson Jr.<\/p>\n
Incoming BYU star freshman AJ Dybantsa capped off an impressive tournament run by achieving his goal \u2014 bringing home the gold with Team USA and taking home MVP honors with averages of 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.<\/p>\n
Dybantsa shows what makes him special<\/p>\n
Throughout the tournament, Dybantsa showed why he is such a highly touted prospect and presumed by many to be the No. 1 pick in next year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n
Dybantsa can impact both ends of the floor at a high level and has the potential to be a two-way star at the next level. He didn\u2019t shoot well from 3 in this tournament (11.1 percent), but he should benefit by playing in BYU\u2019s offense, a system that will give him wide-open opportunities.<\/p>\n
What Dybantsa can do with the ball in his hands is reminiscent of NBA veteran Paul George. Dybantsa is similar; he is a big-shot creator with an excellent feel for the game, who can get downhill to either score or make plays for others. He also has a great motor; you don\u2019t typically see kids ranked this high play this hard so consistently. He had a steal in every game but one (France), but his length and activity were always a problem for opposing teams.<\/p>\n
\nAJ Dybantsa \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@AJ_Dybantsa<\/a>) Was named \u201cMVP\u201d of the FIBA U19 World Cup.<\/p>\n
The BYU Cougars (@BYUMBB<\/a>) freshman averaged:
20 Minutes
14.3 Points (50% FG | 84% FT)
4.1 Rebounds
2.3 Assists
1.1 Steals
42 free throws made (1st) pic.twitter.com\/Xq5qcSFtL8<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Hoops HQ (@hhqsports) July 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The 2026 NBA Draft class is deep<\/p>\n
Dybantsa is one of the favorites to go No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft, and for good reason. However, the 2026 class isn\u2019t as clear-cut as Cooper Flagg\u2019s 2025 class. This class has four prospects capable of going first, including Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke) and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville).<\/p>\n
Several prospects boosted their draft stock during the World Cup, including Brown and Anderson.<\/p>\n
Brown, in particular, made a major statement \u2014 firmly inserting himself into the conversation as a potential No. 1 overall pick. He led Team USA in scoring (14.9 points) and assists (6.1) on 46\/47\/82 shooting splits. He also led the team in efficiency and made 3s (20). His combination of skill and feel as a lead guard will have plenty of NBA teams lined up wanting him to run the show.<\/p>\n
\nLouisville\u2019s Mikel Brown Jr again put together another elite offensive performance vs Cameroon this time. <\/p>\n
Mikel had:<\/p>\n
24 points
2 rebounds
8 assists
9-12 FG
5-6 3PT
19 minutes <\/p>\nMikel has been firmly making his case as a top 5 prospect in the 2026 draft class pic.twitter.com\/hMxFPVcD4L<\/a><\/p>\n