LAS VEGAS — Fans filled the Thomas & Mack Center wanting a show. No. 1 vs. No. 2 — AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson — from the most heralded draft class in a decade (at least), going head to head. Fans wanted to see if these two were worth the hype.
The fans got what they wanted.
It wasn't always efficient — they shot a combined 13-of-36 — and both showed things they needed to work on (Peterson had eight turnovers, Dybantsa was 0-of-5 from 3-point range). However, fans who came to see if these guys could live up to the hype were not disappointed.
Dybantsa was the best player on the floor and finished with a game-high 27 points. However, what stood out — what will translate to the NBA and make him a force — is his fluid athleticism. He's graceful, but he was blowing past guys, and his ability to get downhill at his size is impressive — he just glides. It's not to say he can't be physical, but this isn't like watching a Jalen Brunson drive. This feels effortless.
He also had some impressive finishes at the rim — he is a tough shot maker, and it showed.
The fans got what they wanted.
It wasn't always efficient — they shot a combined 13-of-36 — and both showed things they needed to work on (Peterson had eight turnovers, Dybantsa was 0-of-5 from 3-point range). However, fans who came to see if these guys could live up to the hype were not disappointed.
Dybantsa was the best player on the floor and finished with a game-high 27 points. However, what stood out — what will translate to the NBA and make him a force — is his fluid athleticism. He's graceful, but he was blowing past guys, and his ability to get downhill at his size is impressive — he just glides. It's not to say he can't be physical, but this isn't like watching a Jalen Brunson drive. This feels effortless.
He also had some impressive finishes at the rim — he is a tough shot maker, and it showed.
2 months ago
