A.J. Dybantsa, the highly regarded college basketball recruit from the class of 2025, has officially committed to BYU. He made the announcement during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Dybantsa emphasized that BYU’s NBA-experienced coaching staff was instrumental in his decision. He specifically mentioned head coach Kevin Young, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns, as a significant influence. Dybantsa expressed his ambition to reach the NBA, noting that Young had previously coached his all-time favorite player, Kevin Durant. Throughout his visit to BYU, Dybantsa was impressed by the cohesive NBA-oriented focus of the entire coaching and support staff, from analytics to dietetics.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Dybantsa was one of four finalists for his commitment, alongside prestigious programs such as Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina. The consensus among analysts is that he is likely to be a one-and-done player, eyeing a top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. Notably, BYU has not produced an NBA Draft pick since Jimmer Fredette was selected 10th overall in 2011.
Dybantsa, who will turn 18 in January, is recognized as the top recruit in his class and is ranked above other notable prospects, including Cameron Boozer, a Duke commit, and Darryn Peterson, who will join Kansas. Observers have praised Dybantsa for his impressive skills and athleticism, describing him as difficult to ignore on the court and drawing comparisons to NBA stars such as Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Having built his brand with NIL deals from companies like Red Bull and Nike, Dybantsa has had an accomplished journey thus far, having started his high school career in Massachusetts before moving to California’s Prolific Prep and eventually settling at Utah Prep Academy.
This commitment represents a significant opportunity for BYU to enhance its basketball program with one of the nation’s brightest talents, and it highlights Dybantsa’s dedication to his goal of reaching the NBA. As he prepares for the upcoming college season, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Dybantsa develops as a player, potentially setting the stage for a remarkable collegiate career.
Overall, Dybantsa’s choice to join BYU could mark the beginning of a new chapter for both his career and the Cougars, with hopeful expectations around his potential impact on the program.