"AJ is better!" "Copper Flagg is the better all-around player": Hoops fans debate the better player between AJ Dyabntsa and Cooper Flagg

There is an ongoing debate about who is the better player; 2024's No. 1 ranked Cooper Flagg or 2025's No. 1 ranked AJ Dybantsa. Both players have followed remarkably similar paths, with each reclassifying to a higher class and then being ranked No. 1 in their respective classes. Courtside Films posed this question on X, sparking an online debate with fans divided.

"Cooper Flagg or AJ Dybantsa? If you were a NBA GM who would you build your team around?? 🤔"

In terms of team success, Cooper Flagg has the upper hand, as Montverde Academy went undefeated and won the Chipotle National title. In contrast, Dybantsa's Utah Prep has already suffered several defeats. However, individually, many fans argue that AJ Dybantsa has the edge.

"AJ is better! There is no debate," one fan said.

"AJ by far. Flagg has two games shooting 50% or better despite high usage and shot attempts. He is a great All Star potential role player. He is more of an athletic Draymond Green, Shawn Marion do it all guy great defender than a Luka, Lebron, or even Zion.," another fan said.

"Aj and not even thinking twice about, and this is a copper fan saying this," one fan said.

However, there were still those saying Cooper Flagg would be the better player to build a team around.

"Copper Flagg is the better all-around player but not sure he can be a lead scorer on a championship team. AJ’s upside as a lead scorer might make him an all star sooner. Depends what team drafts them too," one fan said.

"Flagg," one fan said.

"Flagg," another fan said.

Flagg is now playing for Duke but is expected to enter the 2025 NBA draft as one of the favorites to be drafted as the first pick. Meanwhile, AJ Dyabantsa is currently playing for Utah Prep and has already committed to BYU. However, he is expected to only spend one year there and enter the 2026 NBA draft and is a favorite to be the No. 1 pick as well.

---

Former NBA player Jeff Teague has much praise for AJ Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa is getting praise from former and current NBA players. This includes former player Jeff Teagye, who talked about the BYU commit during a Dec. 27 episode of the "520 Club" podcast.

"You see him cross somebody and go dunk, it's like Jaylen Brown. You're like, damn," Teague said regarding AJ Dybantsa. "Then you see him do a hezzy pull, it's like T-Mac. You know what I mean? It’s like a mixture of Jaylen Brown and T-Mac."

Dybantsa has been described as a generational talent, and Teague added that the Utah Prep star has Tracy McGrady's signature hesitation moves and pull-up jumpers.