Top-ranked basketball recruit AJ Dybantsa has announced his commitment to play at Brigham Young University (BYU), choosing the Cougars over strong competition from North Carolina, Alabama, and Kansas. Dybantsa, who is the leading prospect in the 2025 recruiting class and widely projected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, revealed his decision during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Throughout the recruitment process, BYU was frequently viewed as the frontrunner for Dybantsa, although both the Tar Heels and Crimson Tide made significant late pushes before his announcement. In September, he visited each of the four schools before making his final decision.
The 6-foot-9, 210-pound Massachusetts native has been showcasing his skills during his senior season at Utah Prep in Hurricane. In a recent game played on December 6, Dybantsa recorded an impressive 31 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, followed by 28 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals in a game against Prolific Prep the following day. As he prepares for a likely one-year stint in college basketball, comparisons to NBA stars such as Jayson Tatum and a blend of playing styles reminiscent of Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been drawn.
In light of Dybantsa’s absence, North Carolina has secured commitments from four-star guard recruits Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon, who have signed with the team ahead of the 2025-26 season. Currently, UNC ranks 29th in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite, and they are actively seeking additional high-profile recruits to fill the void left by outgoing fifth-year guard RJ Davis.
Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 power forward and the top player from Georgia, is a likely candidate for the Tar Heels, although Kentucky is a strong competitor for his commitment.
The dedication and talent Dybantsa brings to BYU could lead to exciting developments in both the NCAA and the NBA in the coming years. His commitment not only enhances BYU’s basketball program but also signals his readiness to step into a significant role, potentially making a major impact on college basketball. Meanwhile, UNC continues to strategize for a successful 2025 recruiting class as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the ACC.