AJ Dybantsa says watching A’ja Wilson and Las Vegas Aces changed everything

The Las Vegas Aces did not just win another championship. They also built a culture that’s shaping the next wave of basketball talent. From the energy inside Michelob Ultra Arena to the confidence A’ja Wilson radiates every night, the Aces have become more than a team. They’re a living example of how women’s basketball can inspire and influence players at every level.

BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa felt that firsthand. Before making his college debut, he spent part of his summer courtside at Aces games, soaking in the atmosphere. What he saw left an impression, not just the wins, but the way the players carried themselves. That exposure turned into motivation. When he stepped onto the floor for his own first big moment, he carried that same edge, that same Las Vegas spark.

The ripple effect of A’ja Wilson and Becky Hammon

It’s hard to talk about the Aces without mentioning A’ja Wilson. Her presence goes beyond MVP trophies or stat lines. For young players, she’s become the standard, proof that confidence, hard work, and leadership matter as much as athletic ability. Dybantsa mentioned watching her, NaLyssa Smith, and Becky Hammon closely, studying how they approach the game.

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That’s what makes this Aces era special. They’ve become mentors by example. Hammon’s coaching philosophy,  blending freedom with accountability, has created an environment where stars thrive and role players rise. The result is contagious. Even players outside the WNBA are paying attention, seeing how professionalism and passion can coexist on the same court.

When the WNBA becomes the classroom

For years, the WNBA has battled for visibility. Now it’s shaping basketball’s next generation. Young athletes like Dybantsa don’t just see the league as a destination for women; they see it as a masterclass in how to play the game right.

Wilson’s post moves, Kelsey Plum’s work ethic, Jackie Young’s composure, these aren’t just highlights; they’re lessons. The Aces’ consistency has made them the league’s blueprint for success. And in Las Vegas, where the crowd noise never dips, that energy spills into every gym and arena nearby.

Basketball is still growing to this day. The walls between leagues, genders, and levels are fading. The Aces might not realize it, but they’re doing more than defending titles. They’re redefining what inspiration looks like in modern basketball, one sold-out night at a time.

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