"I popped it back in place": AJ Dybantsa shares how he had to play through a finger dislocation in high school game

AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 high school basketball class, scored 31 points, even with a dislocated right pinky finger, in Utah Prep’s 78-73 win over the Patrick School in the Iverson Classic on Friday. The BYU signee discussed the injury after the game in a video that premiered on the shotsbykaii YouTube channel on Saturday.

“Yo, my finger is dislocated, bro. I popped it back in place," Dybantsa said (Timestamp: 31:54). "Look at the difference. I popped it back in place twice. Like, that hurts right there. ... Then, my shoulder popped. I’m like, 'Yo, what’s up with Jersey, bro?"

The 6-foot-9 small forward also recorded 41 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block in a 99-71 win against Western Reserve a day before.

Utah Prep (16-4) has won nine out of its last 11 games.

Countdown begins as AJ Dybantsa gets set for BYU

AJ Dybantsa is entering his final months at Utah as he gets set for college basketball after signing with BYU. Dybantsa chose the Cougars over Alabama, Kansas, Kansas State and USC.

The Brockton, Massachusetts, native, will lead Utah Prep against powerhouse Montverde Academy on Jan 19 in Springfield, Mass. Following that game, Dybantsa will be in action on Jan. 30 when Utah takes on Sagemont.

The small forward will also play in the Monteverde Invitational, multiple Grind Sessions and the Chipotle Nationals, according to Max Preps.

Dybantsa is sure to play at least a season with BYU before deciding on whether to declare for the NBA draft. He most likely will have summer workouts with the Cougars before preseason practice begins for the 2025/2026 season during the fall semester.

With Dybantsa, the Cougars are expected to compete for the Big 12 championship and make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars are 11-5 (2-3 Big 12) this season.