AJ Dybantsa has officially announced his commitment to play college basketball at Brigham Young University (BYU), marking a significant milestone in his career. The highly sought-after prospect, ranked as the top player in the 2025 class and a projected first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, made his decision public during a segment on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Hailing from Massachusetts, Dybantsa chose BYU over prominent basketball programs, including the University of North Carolina (UNC), Alabama, and Kansas. While BYU was considered the front-runner for Dybantsa’s commitment, both the Crimson Tide and Tar Heels mounted a strong late push in the weeks leading up to his decision. In September, he conducted official visits to all four competing schools.
Looking at Dybantsa’s skills and performance, he stands at 6 feet 9 inches and weighs 210 pounds, boasting the physical attributes and talent necessary to excel in college basketball and beyond. Currently playing his senior season at Utah Prep in Hurricane, he has demonstrated elite scoring ability, as seen in his recent games where he scored 31 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists against Dream City, followed by another impressive outing with 28 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals against Prolific Prep.
Dybantsa describes his playing style as a blend of Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, drawing comparisons to Jayson Tatum, who also made waves at Duke before becoming a star with the Boston Celtics. As he heads into a season that is expected to be a one-and-done at the collegiate level, he carries high hopes for his future.
On the other side of the court, head coach Hubert Davis of UNC has been actively recruiting for the 2025 season. The Tar Heels secured commitments from guards Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon, adding depth to the team ahead of the 2025-26 season. Currently ranked 29th in the 2025 class by 247Sports, UNC is still searching for more high-profile recruits to enhance their roster. Caleb Wilson, a highly ranked power forward from Georgia, is reportedly a primary target, while Kentucky poses a formidable challenge for his commitment.
AJ Dybantsa’s decision reflects not only his promising basketball journey but also signals a bright future for BYU’s program. For fans of Carolina basketball, even with Dybantsa’s choice, there remains optimism as head coach Hubert Davis continues to build a competitive team with new talent. The university’s recruiting efforts indicate a determination to maintain a strong presence in college basketball, paving the way for future success.