The Texas head coach, Sean Miller, was questioned about BYU’s star forward A. J. Dybantsa in his most recent media interview, and it’s fair to say that he has a great deal of admiration for the NCAA’s top scorer.
When asked a question concerning Dybantsa and how he compares to other outstanding college basketball freshmen, Miller made the following very interesting statement regarding Dybantsa’s overall ability:
That player has no specific place, AJ. I’m not sure what term you would use to describe him. He is capable of anything. Perhaps I’ve never seen anything quite like his ability to get fouled, just because he makes eight free throws every game. He can perform it between 15 and 17 feet away from the hoop, between the rim and the rim, and when driving, in that strange area. For both him and BYU, it is a genuine blessing.
I am unable to express his characteristics in words or with accolades. He’s a fantastic player. A player that you and we don’t often encounter in college. You can go a long way without seeing someone like him.
Perhaps this is the most compliments Coach Miller has ever given to a rival player, and it is well deserved. In 2025/2026, Dybantsa had an effective FG% of 55. 4% and an average of 25. 3 PPG, 6. 7 RPG, 3. 8 APG, and 1. 1 SPG. Those are astounding figures that have not been seen in college basketball in a long time.
The Longhorns must figure out how to restrict Dybantsa around the basket without committing fouls if they want any chance in tonight’s game. With how Texas has been playing defense this season, it may seem like an impossible feat on paper, but Matas Vokietaitis and Co. have been playing better D lately.
From a size standpoint, it will be intriguing to observe how the coaching team chooses to defend Dybantsa tonight. With Dailyn Swain manning the BYU star, I expect Miller to spend the entire night in zone+1. In the event that they require a bit more fabric covering him, Nic Codie might also be a possibility.
In any event, it will be challenging for Texas to defend the 6’9 forward who possesses the athleticism and scoring prowess of a NBA All-Star shooting guard.
