BYU Freshman Dybantsa Sets Scoring Record in Loss to Arizona

The top NBA prospect continues to shine despite BYU's recent struggles.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The No. 23 BYU Cougars fell 75-68 to the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats on Wednesday night, but true freshman and top NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa continued his dominant season, scoring 35 points and setting the BYU freshman scoring record.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's record-breaking performance highlights his exceptional talent and potential, despite BYU's recent losses. As one of the top prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa's success could have major implications for BYU's basketball program and his professional future.

The details

Across 33.5 minutes per game, Dybantsa is averaging a country-leading 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting 53.1% from the field, 35.7% from three-point range, and 75.6% from the free-throw line. Following his performance against Arizona, BYU announced that Dybantsa now holds the all-time freshman scoring record at the university.

  • Dybantsa set the BYU freshman scoring record on February 19, 2026.
  • BYU lost to Arizona 75-68 on February 19, 2026.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A true freshman and top NBA prospect who is averaging a country-leading 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game for BYU.

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU Cougars basketball team.

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What’s next

BYU faces a massive game on Saturday that could keep them in the Top 25 when they host the No. 6-ranked Iowa State Cyclones, as the Cougars enter the final five games of the regular season.

The takeaway

Dybantsa's record-breaking performance and dominant season have made him one of the top NBA prospects in the country, despite BYU's recent struggles. His success could have major implications for the program's future, as they look to make a push for the NCAA tournament in the final stretch of the regular season.