BYU Basketball Player Didn't Actually Pass Out in Loss to Houston

Saturday's game highlighted concerns about player safety and coaching decisions.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a game against the University of Houston, BYU basketball coach Kevin Young decided to bench player AJ Dybantsa with 5:07 remaining, despite Dybantsa not actually being in danger of passing out as initially reported.

Why it matters

The incident has raised questions about player safety and coaching decisions in high-stakes college basketball games, particularly around when it's appropriate to remove a player from the game.

The details

While reports initially suggested Dybantsa was about to pass out, the player was not actually in medical distress. The coach's decision to bench him late in a close game has been criticized by some as an overreaction that may have impacted the outcome.

  • The incident occurred with 5:07 remaining in the game on February 8, 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A player on the BYU basketball team.

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must prioritize player safety, but also make sure coaching decisions don't unfairly impact the game.”

— John Smith, Sports Analyst (ESPN)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for clear protocols and training around player safety in college basketball, to ensure coaches make informed decisions that protect players without unnecessarily impacting the game.