Kevin Young Compares AJ Dybantsa Situation With Devin Booker’s Fate Following Kevin Durant’s Trade to Suns

BYU head coach Kevin Young, in a recent CBS Sports College Basketball interview, expressed that the arrival of AJ Dybantsa will generate new scoring opportunities for sophomore guard Richie Saunders. Young drew a direct comparison to when Kevin Durant joined Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns, indicating that Dybantsa's presence will similarly alter defensive strategies.

Young elaborated that defenses are expected to heavily focus on Dybantsa due to his exceptional talent and size, which will likely leave Saunders with significantly more open looks throughout the season. He recalled his experience coaching with the Suns, where Durant's arrival caused opponents to deploy extra defenders, resulting in Booker receiving numerous wide-open catch-and-shoot three-point opportunities.

The coach emphasized that this dynamic will benefit Saunders at BYU, as opposing teams prioritize stopping Dybantsa, creating easier scoring chances for Saunders, who was already a First Team All-Big 12 selection. Young highlighted the complementary skills and high basketball IQ of both players, with Dybantsa bringing top-level athleticism and Saunders offering reliable scoring and experience.

This strategic advantage could play a crucial role in BYU's championship aspirations, with analysts listing the team as a potential national title contender due to the talent assembled around Dybantsa and Saunders. Young's comparison underscores how Dybantsa's defensive attention could elevate the entire roster, positioning BYU for a highly successful season.