The future looks bright for AJ Dybantsa, a senior swingman at Utah Prep and the top-ranked player in the 2025 high school basketball recruiting class. On Tuesday, Dybantsa made headlines by announcing his commitment to BYU Basketball during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take.
Dybantsa’s impressive list of potential colleges included notable programs such as Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina, showcasing his standing among elite prospects. This summer, the talented player made a significant transition by transferring to Utah Prep after spending a season at Prolific Prep in Napa, California, and two years at St. Sebastian’s, a private school in Needham, Massachusetts.
At an impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches and weighing in at 200 pounds, Dybantsa has proven himself to be a formidable competitor on the court. Originally from Boston and raised in Brockton, he developed his love for basketball at Jubilee Christian Church in Stoughton. AJ comes from a supportive family; his parents, Ace and Chelsea Dybantsa, along with a younger sister, Jasmyn, who excels in volleyball at Cardinal Spellman High.
Dybantsa’s basketball journey has been remarkable since he began his high school career. In 2022, as a freshman at St. Sebastian’s, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts, averaging 19 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 60.8 percent from the field. He followed this success by transferring to Prolific Prep and later reclassifying to the Class of 2025 for his senior season at Utah Prep.
In a highlight moment this summer, Dybantsa represented Team USA in the U17 FIBA World Cup, contributing to the team’s seventh consecutive gold medal victory in Turkey. He scored 14 points, along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists in a dominant 41-point win against Italy in the championship.
As Dybantsa prepares for his upcoming season at BYU, he emerges as a highly sought-after talent, having received offers from nearly every Division 1 college basketball program. Ultimately, his list of prospective schools narrowed down to four: Alabama, BYU, Kansas, and North Carolina.
With his commitment to BYU, the basketball community is eager to see how Dybantsa will continue to develop as a player and contribute in the collegiate ranks. His journey showcases resilience and determination, setting the stage for a successful career ahead.