Fran Fraschilla Sends Shockwaves: Compares BYU Freshman AJ Dybantsa to Hall of Famer — A Star Is Born in Provo
By Jenna Wallace | College Hoops Weekly | June 24, 2025
In a statement that set the college basketball world ablaze, ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla made a bold and resounding comparison on national television Monday night: “AJ Dybantsa reminds me of a young Kevin Garnett — with more polish as a freshman.”
The remark came during a halftime segment of ESPN’s “College Hoops Tonight,” where Fraschilla broke down the early impact of standout freshmen across the country. But it was Dybantsa, the five-star phenom now wearing Cougar blue, who dominated the conversation.
> “He’s long, lean, and absolutely fearless,” Fraschilla said. “At 6’9″, he’s got the defensive instincts, the handle, the mid-range patience, and that rare killer instinct. He’s the most complete freshman I’ve seen in a decade — and he’s doing it at BYU, not a traditional blueblood.”
The praise isn’t unwarranted. Through his first 11 games with BYU, Dybantsa is averaging 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game, while shooting 53% from the field and a surprising 40% from three-point range. The former No. 1 overall high school recruit from Brockton, Massachusetts, stunned many when he chose BYU over offers from Kentucky, Duke, and Kansas.
Now, he’s rewriting what it means to be a freshman at BYU — and maybe what’s possible for the program itself.
Cougars head coach Mark Pope, who played under Rick Pitino at Kentucky, said he’s never coached a player quite like Dybantsa.
> “He’s got that alpha mentality. He’s not waiting his turn. He’s making this his team — and doing it with humility and work ethic that’s pure BYU,” Pope said.
Dybantsa’s maturity has also drawn attention. Teammates describe him as “quiet but intense,” a gym rat who leads by example and brings others with him.
> “It’s rare,” said senior captain Spencer Johnson. “Freshmen usually have to adjust to college pace, systems, and expectations. AJ walked in and raised our standards.”
The Garnett comparison, of course, is not made lightly. Kevin Garnett, a 15-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, was known for his ferocity, versatility, and ability to dominate on both ends of the court. Dybantsa is not there yet — but Fraschilla sees a similar trajectory.
> “Give him two years in college — or even one — and he’ll be a lottery pick. But if he stays longer, he could make BYU a Final Four threat,” Fraschilla added.
For now, Cougar Nation is simply enjoying the ride. BYU is off to an 10–1 start, ranked No. 15 in the country, and rising fast in national polls. Ticket sales have soared, and ESPN has already picked up two more BYU games for primetime national broadcasts.
In a season full of surprises, AJ Dybantsa’s emergence may be the most electrifying — and thanks to Fran Fraschilla’s bold proclamation, the spotlight on Provo just got a whole lot brighter.
