AJ Dybantsa talks about Kentucky player who lost his life to horrific car crash: “He would’ve been a great star”

AJ Dybantsa, the top prospect in the Class of 2025, is part of a great deal of speculation as to which college he will join. On the Oct. 28 episode of "Podcast P with Paul George," the Utah Prep star took a few minutes to speak about late Kentucky Wildcats guard Terrence Clarke.

Clarke was a consensus five-star prospect from Boston who declared for the 2021 NBA draft after producing incredible numbers for the Wildcats in a freshman season marred by an injury to his right leg.

In eight appearances, Clarke recorded 77 points, 21 rebounds, 16 assists and five steals. However, just two months before the draft, Clarke lost his life in a tragic car accident in Los Angeles at age 19.

Although he wasn't close to Clarke, Dybantsa spoke volumes of his talent.

"This is who all the Boston kids look up to. ... if it wasn't for the incident, I think he would've been a great star in the NBA," Dybantsa, who recalled being in the gym with Clarke as a grade-schooler, said. "He would've done what he had to do. He was, for sure, a role model for Boston."

AJ Dybantsa dismisses similarities with Terrence Clarke in play style

The playing styles of Terrence Clarke, a 6-foot-7 guard, and Dybantsa, a 6-9 small forward, have often drawn comparisons.

"Everybody says we play alike," Dybantsa said. "I don't see it; his mom doesn't see it. I just think it's 'cause the way we play and we had the same hairstyle."

Dybantsa said Clarke pioneered a playing style that has come to define big guards from Boston.

"He was ... like 'I'm 6-7. I'm dribbling. I'm shooting over you," Dybantsa said. So, all the lengthy kids was like, 'Yo, we gotta be like him.'"

Dybantsa can vividly recall watching from the stands as Clarke was "frying" during games. "He was special, for sure," Dybantsa said. The NBA ceremoniously drafted Clarke following the lottery picks in the 2021 draft.

AJ Dybantsa embarked on a spree of official visits from Aug. 30, visiting six schools in the space of six weeks that recently ended with a trip to the BYU Cougars on Oct. 11. While he is yet to make a decision, he is heavily favored to commit to the Cougars.