In a recent chat with CBS Sports, BYU Cougars freshman AJ Dybantsa opened up about what really pushed him to choose BYU for his college basketball path. Even though his NIL value sits at a staggering $4.4 million, Dybantsa made it clear that family and future goals mattered more to him than quick money.
The conversation also touched on BYU’s head coach Kevin Young. Young brings NBA know-how to the program, and that was a huge piece of the puzzle for Dybantsa. With the Cougars already off to a strong start this season, Dybantsa’s story is shaping up to be one worth following.
The Driving Factors Behind AJ Dybantsa’s Commitment to BYU
People have been buzzing about Dybantsa’s decision, especially with his high NIL value and all the NBA talk swirling around him. During the interview, he stressed that it wasn’t about chasing a paycheck right now—it was about setting himself up for the long haul.
He put it like this: Just my family, just knowing like I have the ability to like, the thing with the money was like hopefully, God-willingly, I’m making it to the NBA. So, however long it’s going to take get there, I’m going to be making more money than I’ll be making in college. So, just try to use the best fit to be the most prepared for in the NBA.
Family and Long-Term Goals
Dybantsa’s focus on family and his NBA dreams really stands out. He’s thinking big picture—he wants to be ready for the pros, where he figures he’ll earn more than anything college can offer. It’s not the most common approach these days, but honestly, it feels refreshing.
The Role of Coach Kevin Young
Coach Kevin Young was another big reason for Dybantsa’s choice. Young’s been around the NBA block, working as an assistant coach for the Suns and Sixers. That NBA background? It mattered a lot to Dybantsa.
He said, Yeah, he was everything. Obviously, just him coming from the NBA, like directly from the NBA being an assistant coach, coaching my favorite players. It was kind of like a no-brainer for me.
BYU’s Strong Start to the Season
The Cougars have kicked off the season 2-0, grabbing the top seed in the Big 12 conference. It’s a good sign, and you can’t help but wonder how much Dybantsa will move the needle as the season rolls on.
They’re set to face the Delaware Blue Hens next, and that matchup should give us a better sense of where this squad stands.
Team Dynamics and Coaching Staff
BYU’s program doesn’t just stop at the head coach, either. Dybantsa pointed out guys like Akash Sebastian, who’s in charge of analytics, and Danielle, who’s got the nutrition game covered.
It’s a pretty rounded setup, all aimed at helping players thrive both on the court and off. That kind of support can make a real difference, can’t it?
Conclusion
AJ Dybantsa’s decision to commit to BYU says a lot about how he’s thinking about his basketball future. He’s not just chasing hype—he’s weighing family, his bigger goals, and what Coach Kevin Young brings to the table.
The BYU Cougars have already had some strong moments this season, which just makes Dybantsa’s story even more interesting. If you’re curious about what drives him, check out the full interview on College Football Network.
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