Tue Dec 10 16:10:00 UTC 2024: **Top Basketball Recruit A.J. Dybantsa Commits to BYU**
PROVO, UT – In a major upset for college basketball recruiting, five-star prospect A.J. Dybantsa, the nation’s No. 1 ranked high school basketball player, announced his commitment to Brigham Young University (BYU) on Tuesday morning. The announcement, made live on ESPN’s “First Take,” marks the first time a five-star recruit has pledged to BYU since ESPN began tracking recruiting data in 2007.
Dybantsa, a 6’9″ wing player projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, chose BYU over powerhouse programs Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas. His decision was heavily influenced by BYU’s coaching staff, which boasts extensive NBA experience. Head coach Kevin Young, who previously coached NBA stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, played a pivotal role in securing Dybantsa’s commitment. Young’s NBA connections, which extend to other members of the BYU coaching staff, including the strength and conditioning coach and nutrition director, were a major factor in Dybantsa’s choice.
“Coach Young’s NBA background played a big factor in my decision,” Dybantsa stated. “He came from the NBA. He coached NBA players. You cannot get any closer to where I want to be.”
The highly touted prospect, who reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 class, boasts an impressive resume. He won Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts, led the Nike Peach Jam in scoring, and earned gold medals with USA Basketball at both the U16 and U17 FIBA World Cups. His exceptional scoring ability, combined with his size and versatility, make him a coveted prospect.
Dybantsa acknowledged the difficulty of his decision, stating, “The hardest part about the recruiting process is after every visit you want to go to that school.”
Dybantsa joins fellow recruits Xavion Staton and Chamberlain Burgess in BYU’s 2025 class. While BYU’s roster is relatively young, the addition of Dybantsa significantly elevates the Cougars’ national championship aspirations. His individual goal is to prepare for the NBA, aiming for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
First Piper 