AJ Dybantsa, the projected No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA Draft, leads top performers at Border League

LAS VEGAS — The Border League is the top team event of the fall, as the best high school competition from around the country gathers under the bright lights of Sin City for three days of high-level games. On Sunday night, NBA scouts and college coaches sat courtside as the No. 1-ranked player in the country, AJ Dybantsa, squared off against the No. 2 player in the country, Cameron Boozer.

Dybantsa and Utah Prep took home the close win over Boozer and the Explorers (Florida), 69-68. Dybantsa’s first-half performance was incredible as he showed off his elite shot creation, patience as a ball-handler and defensive versatility with his 7-foot-3 wingspan. He finished with 28 points (including five 3s) and four rebounds in the win, while Boozer tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for the Explorers.

“I just had to take that challenge, going against Cam [Boozer]. He’s a tough competitor and I just had to go out there and play defense, and our team did a great job with spacing, so I’m happy we got the win,” Dybantsa said after the game.

Dybantsa and Boozer are projected to go at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at seven top performers whom scouts were following closely all weekend.

If there were any questions still lingering as to who the best player in high school basketball is, regardless of class, Dybantsa silenced all critics this weekend. The skills he possesses at 6-foot-9, along with how well he reads the game, is so impressive, and he’s also turning into an elite defender, sitting down and guarding the switch off the perimeter. On Saturday night, he took over a tough game against the Florida Rebels and finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in a 64-58 win. There are few players at the high school level who can take over possessions and consistently make the right read. The way Dybantsa processes the game at just 17 years old is the reason so many teams are eyeing the 2026 draft.

Dybantsa’s recruitment has been unique with only a couple of blue bloods in play and BYU the favored landing spot. New BYU head coach Kevin Young and his staff made Dybantsa a priority and were…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-21 19:32:00

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