AJ Dybantsa, a senior swingman at Utah Prep, is regarded as the top player in the high school basketball recruiting class of 2025, signaling promising days ahead for his basketball career. On Tuesday, Dybantsa made headlines by announcing his commitment to BYU Basketball during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take.
Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, Dybantsa has had an impressive journey as he has transferred to Utah Prep after a season at Prolific Prep in California and two seasons at St. Sebastian’s, a private school in Needham, Massachusetts. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Dybantsa has consistently proven to be a formidable player on the court.
His basketball journey began in Boston, where he honed his skills at Jubilee Christian Church in Stoughton. A talented athlete, he is the son of Ace and Chelsea Dybantsa and has a younger sister, Jasmyn, who excels in volleyball at Cardinal Spellman High.
Dybantsa’s high school career has been marked by accolades. In 2022, while playing for St. Sebastian’s, he earned the Gatorade Player of the Year award in Massachusetts, averaging impressive stats of 19 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. His shooting was remarkable, with 60.8 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc. He also made the Independent School League First Team All-Conference. Following his standout freshman year, Dybantsa transferred to Prolific Prep and later reclassified to the Class of 2025 as he joined Utah Prep.
This summer, he contributed to Team USA’s U17 FIBA World Cup team that celebrated its seventh consecutive gold medal victory in Turkey, where he showcased his talents by scoring 14 points in the championship game against Italy.
With numerous Division 1 college basketball programs vying for his attention, Dybantsa originally considered over 20 offers, including prominent schools but has narrowed it down to Alabama, BYU, Kansas, and North Carolina in his recruiting journey.
Dybantsa’s commitment to BYU marks an exciting milestone for both him and the program, suggesting the beginning of what could be a celebrated college basketball career. As he transitions into this new chapter, the basketball community looks forward to witnessing his growth and impact on the court in the years to come.
In conclusion, AJ Dybantsa stands at the brink of an enlightening phase in his athletic journey, embodying the hope and potential many young athletes aspire to achieve. His commitment to BYU emphasizes the strong foundations of talent, hard work, and perseverance that may lead him towards a bright future in basketball.