AJ Dybantsa's 3-point shooting has been a topic of intense scrutiny and speculation, especially after a viral video of him missing his first four 3-point attempts at the NBA Combine. However, this incident should not be cause for concern. Dybantsa's overall performance and body of work, including his deep shooting ability, merit a more nuanced discussion ahead of the NBA draft.
Dybantsa's 3-point shooting at BYU was not elite, but it was still respectable at 33%. This is not a significant issue, as he managed to score profusely without relying heavily on 3-pointers. In fact, 3-pointers accounted for less than 25% of his total collegiate field goal attempts, and he still managed to lead the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game.
When removing 3-pointers from the equation, Dybantsa's scoring average was still impressive at 21.3 points per game, ranking No. 7 nationally and tops in the Big 12. This demonstrates his ability to score without relying on 3-pointers, and his overall performance should not be overshadowed by a single drill performance.
Dybantsa's catch-and-shoot success is an area that needs improvement, as he made only 30% of such shots at BYU. However, this is a common issue for many players, and it is not a deal-breaker. In fact, his ability to make tough shots in college is encouraging, and his smooth jumper and clean release have proven effective.
Dybantsa's future in the NBA is promising, and his 3-point shooting will likely improve with coaching and experience. His athletic workhorse nature and ability to make self-created triples off the dribble at BYU are encouraging signs. Additionally, his teammate Egor Dëmin's improvement from 27.3% to 39.5% from 3 as a rookie with the Brooklyn Nets is a testament to the potential for growth.
In conclusion, Dybantsa's 3-point shooting is not a cause for concern, and his overall performance and body of work should be considered in the NBA draft. His ability to score without relying on 3-pointers and his potential for improvement make him a valuable scoring weapon at the next level.
