AJ Dybantsa—the consensus No. 1 basketball recruit in the Class of 2025—has committed to BYU, bypassing traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, and North Carolina.

AJ Dybantsa—the consensus No. 1 basketball recruit in the Class of 2025—has committed to BYU, bypassing traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, and North Carolina.

The 6-foot-9 wing from Brockton, Massachusetts, announced his decision live on ESPN’s First Take, instantly elevating BYU’s national profile and sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape .

 

Dybantsa, who reclassified from the 2026 class, has been a dominant force at Utah Prep, showcasing elite scoring ability, athleticism, and a high basketball IQ. His commitment marks a historic milestone for BYU, as he becomes the highest-ranked recruit in the program’s history .

 

One significant factor in Dybantsa’s decision was BYU’s development program under head coach Kevin Young. Young’s NBA experience and his work with players like Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings resonated with Dybantsa, who stated, “Coach Young… he’s going to hold me to standards, NBA standards, and he’s coached some of my favorite players in the league” .

 

Additionally, a substantial NIL package, reportedly in the $3–$4 million range, facilitated by BYU alumni and Utah Jazz executives Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge, played a role in securing Dybantsa’s commitment .

 

With aspirations for the NBA, Dybantsa’s choice of BYU underscores a shift in college basketball, where development opportunities and NIL considerations can outweigh traditional program prestige. His presence is expected to make BYU a formidable contender in the Big 12 and a potential Final Four threat in the upcoming seasons.