In a surprising turn of events, AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top-ranked basketball recruit for the class of 2025, has decommitted from Brigham Young University (BYU) and announced his commitment to Gonzaga University. The 6-foot-9 small forward from Brockton, Massachusetts, made his decision public via social media on May 17, 2025, stating, “After much consideration, I’ve decided to commit to Gonzaga University. Excited for what’s ahead!”
Dybantsa’s recruitment journey has been closely followed by basketball enthusiasts nationwide. Initially, he committed to BYU in December 2024, choosing the Cougars over other prominent programs like Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina . His decision was seen as a significant achievement for BYU, marking the highest-ranked recruit in the program’s history.([AOL][1])
However, recent developments suggest that Dybantsa reconsidered his options, leading to his commitment to Gonzaga. Sources indicate that Gonzaga’s consistent success in developing NBA-ready talent and their style of play were significant factors in his decision. Dybantsa’s skill set aligns well with Gonzaga’s up-tempo offense and emphasis on versatile forwards.([Football Digest][2])
During his high school career, Dybantsa showcased his exceptional talent at Utah Prep Academy, averaging 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in his junior year . He also led the Oakland Soldiers to the Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship game, averaging 23.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. His performance earned him a spot on the USA U17 team, where he contributed to their gold medal victory at the FIBA World Cup.([MaxPreps][3])
Gonzaga’s head coach, Mark Few, expressed enthusiasm about Dybantsa’s commitment, stating, “AJ is a phenomenal talent with a high basketball IQ. We’re thrilled to have him join our program and look forward to his contributions on and off the court.”
Dybantsa’s commitment is expected to have a significant impact on Gonzaga’s 2025 recruiting class, potentially elevating it to one of the top classes nationally. His presence adds depth and versatility to the Bulldogs’ roster, and he is anticipated to make an immediate impact in the West Coast Conference.
As Dybantsa prepares for his senior season at Utah Prep Academy, his focus will be on further developing his game and leading his team to success. His commitment to Gonzaga not only strengthens the Bulldogs’ future prospects but also underscores the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent.([Wikipedia][4])
With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, Dybantsa is poised to be a standout player at the collegiate level and a potential top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His journey to Gonzaga marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his basketball career.