In a significant development for college basketball, five-star recruit AJ Dybantsa has committed to play for Brigham Young University (BYU), marking a bold move that could reshape the team’s future. Dybantsa, who is ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 recruit for the 2025 class, aims to elevate BYU’s profile in a sport dominated by traditional powerhouses. His decision comes after a transformative visit to Provo, Utah, where he experienced the enthusiastic support of Cougars fans and the allure of a program that promises a pathway to the NBA.
During a recent practice session, Dybantsa impressed Kevin Young, BYU’s head coach and former assistant with the Phoenix Suns. Young, who has coached top-tier NBA talents such as Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, described one of Dybantsa’s dunks as “insane,” ranking it among the best he has witnessed in his career. Young remarked, “The first time he does that in the Marriott Center, we might have to stop the game.”
Dybantsa’s choice to join BYU was unexpected, as he initially envisioned playing for a prestigious program like North Carolina or Kansas. However, his visit to BYU during a football game in October 2024 changed his perspective. The fervent chants of “We want AJ!” from thousands of Cougars fans resonated with him, solidifying his connection to the school. Dybantsa shared, “It felt like home when I was here on my visit. I was like, ‘I can’t not come here.'”
Financial motivations were part of Dybantsa’s decision, with reports suggesting a high-seven-figure payment. Nevertheless, he and his family maintain that the allure of an NBA-style program, combined with the family atmosphere at BYU, played a crucial role in his commitment. Dybantsa is focused on honing his skills for a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and he sees his time at BYU as a vital step in that journey.
Dybantsa’s arrival at BYU comes as the Cougars aim for a deep postseason run, drawing parallels to the impact made by former star Jimmer Fredette over a decade ago. He expressed aspirations of reaching the Final Four and competing for a national championship, stating, “We don’t want anything else. It’s nothing short of that.”
The program has adopted an NBA-like approach under Young, with advanced analytics and a comprehensive support staff. For instance, Akash Sebastian, BYU’s director of analytics and strategy, utilizes technology to track players’ performance metrics, helping Dybantsa understand the most effective ways to contribute on the court. Dybantsa emphasized the importance of creating higher percentage shots, stating, “Higher percentage points win, higher percentage shots win.”
Physical conditioning is also a focus, with strength and conditioning coach Michael Davie emphasizing Dybantsa’s exceptional athleticism. With a vertical leap of 40.5 inches, Dybantsa would have excelled at the NBA Draft Combine, ranking among the top athletes in his position over the past 25 years. Davie noted, “It puts him in an elite category, in my opinion. He’s strong enough, lower-body wise, to compete with the big boys.”
Dybantsa has received guidance from Durant, who advised him to stay focused on his goals. The atmosphere at BYU contrasts sharply with his fast-paced upbringing in Boston, offering a quieter environment conducive to his development. He appreciates the approachable nature of the community, which aligns with the school’s honor code that limits distractions for students.
As Dybantsa transitions into this new chapter, he is already experiencing the heightened attention that comes with being a top recruit. While he aims to maintain a level of normalcy as a student, he has begun to receive autograph requests from fans. He said, “I really try not to say no… I don’t want to be the one to say no.”
BYU’s athletic director, Brian Santiago, is aware of the challenges that come with Dybantsa’s rising stardom and is prepared to support him through the transition. The university’s past experiences with notable players like Fredette have equipped them to manage the heightened attention surrounding Dybantsa’s arrival.
In summary, BYU men’s basketball is poised for a transformative season with Dybantsa at the helm. His commitment is not just about individual aspirations; it represents a collective vision for the program to return to national prominence. Young’s emphasis on talent and analytics, combined with Dybantsa’s exceptional abilities, could lead the Cougars to achieve their ambitious goals. Dybantsa himself remains focused, stating, “The ultimate goal is to get to the NBA, and if you get to the NBA, you have a chance to do whatever you want. But No. 1 pick? I’ve got to get it.”
