In a groundbreaking development for BYU basketball, AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, has committed to the Cougars. This marks the first time BYU has secured a five-star high school recruit from the United States, signaling a significant shift in the program’s recruiting prowess.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing from Utah Prep, announced his decision on ESPN’s “First Take,” choosing BYU over traditional powerhouses like Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama. His commitment is not only a testament to his belief in BYU’s program but also highlights the influence of the university’s NBA-experienced coaching staff.
“My ultimate goal is to get to the NBA,” Dybantsa stated during his announcement. “I went on my visit, and from the head coach down to the dietician, it’s all NBA staff. If it’s all NBA and I’m trying to get to the NBA, I think it’s going to be the best development program for me.”
Head coach Kevin Young, who took over the program in April after serving as the associate head coach for the Phoenix Suns, has been instrumental in transforming BYU into an NBA development pipeline. Under his leadership, the Cougars have already seen success, with players like Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings projected as first-round picks in upcoming NBA drafts.
Dybantsa’s high school career has been nothing short of stellar. He earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Massachusetts in 2023 and played a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal victories at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup. His performances have solidified his status as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Beyond the court, Dybantsa’s commitment to BYU comes with a record-setting Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, reportedly valued between $5 million and $7 million. This deal places him among the highest-earning student-athletes in the country and underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics.
Coach Young expressed his enthusiasm about Dybantsa’s addition to the team, stating, “AJ is a generational talent. He’s a great young man who has a strong appetite to be the best player he can be. His versatile skill set and playmaking will seamlessly fit into our style of play.”
Dybantsa’s commitment is part of a standout 2025 recruiting class for BYU, which also includes top-50 prospect Xavion Staton, a 7-foot center from Las Vegas, and four-star forward Chamberlain Burgess from American Fork, Utah. This influx of talent positions BYU as a formidable force in college basketball and reflects the program’s upward trajectory under Young’s leadership.
As BYU continues to attract top-tier talent and develop NBA-ready players, Dybantsa’s commitment serves as a milestone, signaling a new era for the Cougars and setting the stage for future successes on both collegiate and professional levels.