Dybantsa, Saunders named to Oscar Robertson Trophy Preseason Watch List

The duo combined for 36 points in No. 8 BYU's win over Villanova on Monday evening.

Author Tyson Jex
Dybantsa, Saunders named to Oscar Robertson Trophy Preseason Watch ListDybantsa, Saunders named to Oscar Robertson Trophy Preseason Watch List

PROVO, Utah — BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders were two of 50 players named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy Preseason Watch List.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a men’s national player of the year, since the 1997-98 season the award has been named for the “Big O”, the legendary hall of famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

"The USBWA is excited to reveal its first Watch List for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, which honors the nation's top men's college basketball player at the conclusion of every season," said 2025-26 USBWA President Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. "Our list is stacked with proven talent, returning All-Americans and glitzy freshmen. On the whole, this could be as talented a group of players as we've seen in the past five-plus years in college hoops. The voting was done by the USBWA's 2025-26 board, and our next Watch List will publish in January."

Dybantsa became the fifth freshman in program history to score 20 or more points in their collegiate debut with his 21-point performance in BYU’s 71-66 win over Villanova at the Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas. The Preseason AP All-American went 9-of-18 from the field, including knocking down his only attempt from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds and three assists, leading BYU to its seventh straight win in a season opener.

Saunders scored in double figures for a 13th consecutive game dating back to last season as the senior finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. He went 4-of-13 from the field, 1-of-4 from three and 6-of-6 from the free throw line, extending his consecutive free throw streak to 29 straight that began during BYU’s in win over Utah on Senior Day last season.

No. 8 BYU returns to the court on Saturday, Nov. 8, when the Cougars host Holy Cross in their home opener at the Marriott Center. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.