AJ Dybantsa ready to lead USA to victory at FIBA U19 World Cup

The FIBA U19 World Cup has arrived, with the best rising basketball talent from across the globe set to compete for glory. 

The favourites for gold will of course be Team USA, looking to return to the top for the first time since 2021, after finishing in fourth place in 2023. 

At the head of this lethal American unit will be AJ Dybansta, the future BYU star who is expected to be the leading contender for the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. 

WATCH: FIBA Under-19 World Cup via Courtside 1891 on DAZN

AJ Dybantsa ready to lead USA to victory at FIBA U19 World Cup

The FIBA U19 World Cup will feature some of the top young basketball talent from across the globe, but it's likely that none will shine brighter than America's AJ Dybantsa. 

Dybantsa is currently the number one ranked player in the Class of 2025 and has committed to play his college basketball at BYU, where he will put together an emphatic case to be the number one pick in next year's NBA Draft. 

Aj Dybantsa is going crazy for Team USA in the scrimmages and practices … he’s been elite on both sides of the ball @AJ_Dybantsa via @JordanRichardSC
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The teenager has already impressed in the team's pre-tournament scrimmages, leading to comparisons with NBA Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett. 

"Best description is that if Kevin Garnett came back as a small forward with his intensity, athleticism & his team-first style, that’s who the Cougars have," said ESPN college basketball expert Fran Fraschilla.

"There is very clearly one player that is dominating these Team USA workouts, one player that even amongst a group that is going to include dozens of NBA players is taking it to another level and is dominating in a way nobody else does and that player is AJ Dybantsa," added Fox Sports' Aaron Torres. 

While Dybansta is Team USA - and the entire tournament's - top-ranked player, he will not be without help, with the American roster also featuring top-10 players Koa Peat (Arizona), and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), as well as plenty of extra talent. 

The FIBA U19 World Cup will tip off June 28, in Switzerland, where America will take on fellow heavyweight Australia in their opening game. 

USA U19 FIBA World Cup squad