U19 World Cup: Expected #1 NBA Draft 2026 pick wins MVP
The United States reclaimed their youth world throne by winning the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. Led by AJ Dybantsa, the Americans dominated Germany in the final (109-76) to secure their ninth title in this competition, erasing the disappointment of their fourth place in 2023.
Dybantsa confirms his phenom status
AJ Dybantsa was named tournament MVP after posting impressive statistics: 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. The 6’9″ wing, who will join BYU as a freshman, shined with his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
In the final, Dybantsa contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds in 19 minutes against Germany. His overall performance confirms why he’s considered a potential first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, alongside prospects like Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke) and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville).
Record-breaking Team USA and international all-tournament team
Team USA set a new FIBA record averaging 114.6 points per game, surpassing Yugoslavia’s mark from 1987. The team coached by Tommy Lloyd (Arizona) won all their games by an average margin of 39 points, with only one close game against Canada in the quarterfinals (108-102).
The all-tournament team includes Dybantsa and his teammate Mikel Brown Jr. for the United States, Germans Christian Anderson Jr. and Hannes Steinbach, and Slovenian Zak Smrekar. Brown Jr., future Louisville player, particularly impressed with averages of 14.9 points and 6.1 assists, establishing himself as a serious contender for the first pick in the 2026 Draft.
This victory marks the strong return of young Americans on the international stage, after finishing fourth two years ago despite having future top 6 Draft picks like Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson. With prospects like Dybantsa, this generation brings new hope to American junior basketball.
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