In Kansas City, Missouri, the fourth leg of Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League commenced at the Hy-Vee Arena on Friday night with an intense start. The EYBL delivered excitement, including a thrilling buzzer-beater that settled a game between the top-ranked prospects in the 2025 and 2026 classes, alongside emerging three-star talents and other notable highlights.
AJ DYBANTSA COMES UP CLUTCH FOR SOLDIERS IN BATTLE OF TOP-RANKED PROSPECTS
Since its establishment, the EYBL has gained a reputation for its rich talent pool and the consistent delivery of top-tier matchups, which was evident on Friday as the Oakland Soldiers clashed with Arizona Unity at the revamped Kemper Arena. Arizona Unity, led by 2026’s top player Brandon McCoy, faced off against the Soldiers, boasting both 2025’s top player AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes, who McCoy surpassed for the No. 1 spot in the 2026 class.
While the expectation was offensive fireworks, the actual product on the floor was a grind it out, defensive slugfest that came down to the very last second. Literally.
On the day he revealed his decision to transfer to Utah Prep for his final year, the 6-foot-8 Dybantsa faced offensive struggles. His jump shot wasn’t clicking, and he seemed out of sync—until the crucial moments arrived. In the game’s closing minutes, Dybantsa showcased his talent, scoring 10 of his game-high 19 points. Among these clutch moments was a spectacular lob finish from Stokes in transition, three crucial free throws with 19 seconds left, and a remarkable three-pointer from about 28 feet as the buzzer sounded, securing a 60-57 lead. It’s no surprise that schools like Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, North Carolina, and many others are aggressively pursuing him, as he consistently proves his worth as the top prospect in the upcoming senior class.
His teammate Stokes didn’t have his best night either but did do some nice things. Stokes converted often at the free throw line, had four slick assists and along with Dybantsa teamed to really make McCoy work on the offensive end.
