No. 1 Prospect AJ Dybantsa Picks BYU in Stunning Recruiting Twist
In a move that has shaken the college basketball landscape, AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class, has committed to Brigham Young University (BYU), choosing the Cougars over blue-blood powerhouses like North Carolina and Alabama.
The 6-foot-8 wing, widely regarded as one of the most complete high school prospects in recent memory, announced his decision via social media, sending shockwaves through the recruiting world. Dybantsa, who plays at Prolific Prep in California, has dazzled scouts and fans alike with his elite scoring ability, defensive versatility, and high-level basketball IQ. He was considered a near-lock for a top-tier program, making his decision to commit to BYU all the more surprising.
“BYU made me feel like a priority from the start,” Dybantsa said in his announcement. “They believed in my vision, and Coach [Kevin] Young laid out a development plan that felt real. It wasn’t just about hype — it was about growth.”
The commitment is nothing short of historic for BYU basketball. The Cougars, who recently joined the Big 12, have never landed a recruit of Dybantsa’s caliber. His decision signals a new era under head coach Kevin Young, who joined the program in 2024 after serving as an assistant coach in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns.
Young’s NBA background and player-first approach clearly made an impression on Dybantsa, who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The coach’s development-focused pitch stood out in a recruiting battle filled with tradition-rich programs.
“Coach Young talked about how I could be the foundation of something new,” Dybantsa explained. “He’s coached at the next level, and he understands the process. That really resonated with me and my family.”
Dybantsa’s recruitment had drawn attention from virtually every elite program in the country, with UNC and Alabama considered the most aggressive suitors down the stretch. Both schools offered championship pedigree, NBA pipelines, and national exposure. But BYU’s consistent communication, personal investment, and professional preparation ultimately won out.
“This isn’t just a win for BYU — it’s a statement,” said one national recruiting analyst. “When the No. 1 player in the country picks a non-traditional power over two Final Four contenders, people take notice.”
For BYU, the addition of Dybantsa is a program-altering move. His presence will immediately raise the team’s national profile and could help attract more top-tier talent to Provo. His commitment also proves that in today’s college basketball landscape, relationships, vision, and development can matter just as much — if not more — than tradition.
“I want to make history,” Dybantsa said. “I want to lead, to elevate a program, and to show that greatness can come from anywhere.”
With his decision now public, all eyes will be on BYU and its newest star. And if AJ Dybantsa lives up to his sky-high potential, college basketball may never look at the Cougars the same way again.