AJ Dybantsa Envisions Swift Success in the NBA Like the Spurs

NEW YORK (AP) — AJ Dybantsa, a promising talent from BYU, is closely following the NBA Finals and sees a parallel between the young San Antonio Spurs and his potential future in the league. With the Washington Wizards holding the first overall pick in this year's draft, Dybantsa’s quick success as a professional could be on the horizon.

"It won’t take that long, especially with my adaptability and my work ethic," Dybantsa stated on Monday. He expressed confidence that his transition to the NBA would mirror the Spurs’ rapid development after selecting Victor Wembanyama with the top pick in 2023. Both Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, drafted fourth overall the following year, earned accolades as NBA Rookie of the Year.

Dybantsa had the chance to observe the Spurs firsthand during their game in Paris last year and is now participating in the NBA Finals as a player correspondent. He attended Game 3 and will also be involved in practices leading up to Game 4 on Tuesday. Previously, he witnessed Game 1 of the 2024 Finals, where the Celtics triumphed over the Mavericks.

Excited about the experience, Dybantsa said, "It feels good, especially tomorrow and on Wednesday, me working the finals." Other high-profile prospects, including Caleb Wilson from North Carolina and the Pelicans' Derik Queen, have also taken on similar roles during the Finals.

Standing at 6-foot-9, Dybantsa excelled in his only college season, leading the nation with an impressive average of 25.5 points per game, complemented by 3.7 assists. While he has yet to engage with the Wizards or other teams since the draft combine, he has been dedicated to training, working out three times a day. With the draft set for June 23 in New York, Dybantsa believes his skill set will allow him to make an immediate impact in the league. “There’s a lot of it. I think my ability to get in the paint and dish out to my teammates, as well as creating for myself, I’m just a natural playmaker,” he noted.