The promising future of AJ Dybantsa in basketball is becoming clearer as he takes significant steps in his athletic career. Dybantsa, a senior swingman at Utah Prep from Brockton, has recently emerged as the top-ranked player in the Class of 2025 for high school basketball recruiting.
On Tuesday, he made headlines by announcing his commitment to play for BYU Basketball during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. Dybantsa initially had a shortlist of four schools he was considering, which included Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina, but ultimately chose to join the Cougars.
This summer, Dybantsa transferred to Utah Prep after spending one season at Prolific Prep in Napa, California, and prior to that, two seasons at St. Sebastian’s, a private school in Needham, Massachusetts. He stands tall at 6 feet 9 inches and weighs 200 pounds, ready to make an impact on the court.
Dybantsa’s basketball journey began in Boston, where he grew up in Brockton and honed his skills at Jubilee Christian Church in Stoughton. His family includes his parents, Ace and Chelsea Dybantsa, and a younger sister, Jasmyn, who excels in volleyball at Cardinal Spellman High.
Notably, during his freshman year at St. Sebastian’s, Dybantsa was awarded the 2022-23 Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts, showcasing his remarkable average of 19 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. He achieved impressive shooting percentages of 60.8% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc, earning him a spot on the Independent School League First Team All-Conference. ESPN even recognized him as the top freshman in the nation.
After transferring to Prolific Prep for one season, Dybantsa reclassified to the Class of 2025, allowing him to play his senior year at Utah Prep in Hurricane, Utah. This summer, he further showcased his skills by competing with Team USA’s U17 FIBA World Cup team, which secured its seventh consecutive gold medal in Turkey. Dybantsa made a notable contribution in the championship game, scoring 14 points, along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, in a decisive victory over Italy.
Dybantsa has garnered attention from a multitude of Division 1 college basketball programs, with offers pouring in from traditional powerhouses. His list began with over 20 potential schools, which he narrowed down to seven, and has now settled on four: Alabama, BYU, Kansas, and North Carolina.
With such an impressive track record and recent accomplishments, the basketball community is eagerly anticipating what the future holds for AJ Dybantsa. His commitment to BYU is certainly a significant milestone in a career that continues to ascend. This journey reflects not only his talent but also the dedication and hard work that lie ahead as he aims to excel at the collegiate level and beyond.
Overall, Dybantsa’s story is one of hope and determination, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.