AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked basketball recruit for the 2025 class and a projected No. 1 pick for the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, has announced his commitment to play college basketball at Brigham Young University (BYU). He revealed his decision during a segment on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday morning, choosing the Cougars over notable programs such as North Carolina, Alabama, and Kansas.
Throughout his recruitment, BYU was widely viewed as the frontrunner for Dybantsa, although there was a competitive push from the Crimson Tide and the Tar Heels in the final weeks leading up to his commitment. In September, he took official visits to all four of his finalist schools to help determine his future.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 210 pounds, Dybantsa’s skill set has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum, who transitioned from a successful college career at Duke to stardom with the Boston Celtics. Dybantsa is currently in his senior season at Utah Prep in Hurricane, where he has demonstrated his elite scoring ability. In a recent game against Dream City, he scored 31 points, tallied 10 rebounds, and had six assists. The following day he excelled again, recording 28 points alongside eight rebounds and six assists in a match-up versus Prolific Prep.
On the other hand, North Carolina’s head coach Hubert Davis is focusing on enhancing the Tar Heels’ 2025 recruiting class. Recently, the team welcomed two guards, Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon, who signed with UNC as four-star recruits. The Tar Heels are currently ranked 29th in the 2025 recruiting class according to 247Sports Composite and are actively seeking high-caliber players to join the program.
Prospect Caleb Wilson, a top-ranked power forward from Georgia, appears to be a potential addition to the Tar Heels, although Kentucky is reportedly a strong competitor for his commitment. The UNC roster is poised for change, as several players, including fifth-year guard RJ Davis, will be graduating after this season.
This recruiting period presents challenges for Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels, but it also offers a fresh opportunity to build a competitive team for the upcoming seasons. As Dybantsa embarks on his collegiate journey, his presence at BYU could significantly impact the program and pave the way for future talent developments in college basketball.
In summary, Dybantsa’s commitment to BYU not only indicates his potential as he looks toward the NBA but also highlights the evolving dynamics in college basketball recruiting, where programs must continuously adapt to secure top-tier prospects.