"I just really let the game come to me": When 5-star BYU commit AJ Dybantsa shared his feelings on dominating games against elite opponents.

In an interview with John Dauphin on the "Says Who Sports" podcast, AJ Dybantsa, the current No. 1 high school basketball player in America, opened up about his remarkable journey in basketball and his approach to the game. The conversation, which aired on YouTube on Sept. 4, featured the Utah Prep star and BYU commit reflecting on his rise to the top and what drives him on and off the court.

A major highlight of the discussion was Dybantsa's ability to excel against the best competition, not only in the U.S. but also on a global stage. As Dauphin noted, Dybantsa is "getting it done at a high level" against elite opponents.

When asked about his ability to dominate elite opponents and what it feels like to be "in the zone," Dybantsa responded saying:

"I mean, the way I play, I don't usually try to force a lot of the issue... I really just let the game come to me. So it's really just a feeling like once you feel it you just start attacking certain spots…" (11:51 - 12:18)

Dybantsa also took a moment to reflect on his 12-year journey in basketball, a path that has seen his skills, performance and overall game evolve tremendously.

"I try to enjoy it, and I still enjoy it as much as I can. It's not a job yet, so I mean, me playing, us winning, us travelling, it's still fun to us. I mean, we are still under 18 years old like we are; we are just still trying to have fun with it."

When asked what he loves most about basketball, Dybantsa said:

"I mean, I just love competing. I love to win everything. so I just love winning games. Just any type of competitive drill or any type of competitive aspect, I just love winning it."

Many will agree Dybantsa represents the future of basketball. From his early beginnings in Brockton, MA, to his dominant performances at Utah Prep, he has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Dybantsa Becomes BYU's First Five-Star Recruit

Dybantsa's commitment to BYU is a historic moment for the program, as he becomes its first five-star recruit. The 6-9 forward, projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, chose the Cougars over basketball powerhouses like Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas. He cited NBA-level expertise of BYU's coaching staff as a key factor in his decision.

Dybantsa's arrival is set to elevate BYU's national profile, bringing a new level of attention to a program that has traditionally flown under the radar. With his exceptional talent and the guidance of first-year head coach Kevin Young who brings extensive NBA experience, the Cougars are positioning themselves as a potential destination for top basketball prospects going forward.