AJ Dybantsa’s recruitment has become one of the most intriguing storylines in college basketball. With seven elite programs vying for his commitment, the decision will not only shape the trajectory of his career but also impact the fortunes of the school he chooses
As coaches hit the road and Dybantsa takes more visits, the anticipation builds for what promises to be one of the biggest recruitment decisions of 2025.
AJ Dybantsa is expected to take more visits and continue meeting with coaches from his final list of schools.
With each program presenting its own set of advantages, the decision will ultimately come down to which school aligns best with Dybantsa’s goals, both in terms of college success and his long-term NBA aspirations.
Coaches will continue to vie for the chance to land the No. 1 recruit in the country, and Dybantsa’s visits to these schools will be crucial in shaping his decision.
Whether he opts for the historic legacy of a program like North Carolina or the up-and-coming potential of BYU, Dybantsa’s choice will have a significant impact on the future of college basketball.
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AJ Dybantsa: Hottest Basketball Prospect of 2025
AJ Dybantsa has become the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class, garnering attention from top college basketball programs across the country.1
A versatile 6-foot-9 forward, Dybantsa’s name has been making waves throughout the summer as his recruitment process intensifies.
Recently, the elite prospect narrowed his list of potential schools to seven top-tier programs: North Carolina, BYU, Kansas, Auburn, Alabama, Baylor, and Kansas State. As Dybantsa nears his final decision, he has captured the attention of the basketball world, with coaches from these programs racing to secure his commitment.
The Elite Seven: A Breakdown of Dybantsa’s Final College Choices
In August 2024, AJ Dybantsa released a list of the final seven colleges he is considering.
Each of these programs offers unique advantages and opportunities for the young forward, making his final decision a highly anticipated one. Here’s a closer look at the schools in contention:
- North Carolina: A storied program with a rich history of developing NBA talent, including legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter. The Tar Heels provide Dybantsa with the chance to join a program with high expectations and national championship aspirations.
- BYU: Known more for its connection to the Mormon faith and the Mountain West region, BYU has increasingly become a viable option for top basketball prospects. Under coach Kevin Young, the program is taking steps toward national prominence, and Dybantsa could be the centerpiece of that transition.
- Kansas: The Jayhawks boast one of the most successful college basketball programs in history, with a passionate fan base and consistent Final Four appearances. Kansas offers the allure of playing under head coach Bill Self, who has a track record of developing NBA-caliber players.
- Auburn: Head coach Bruce Pearl has built a dynamic program at Auburn, turning the Tigers into a force in the SEC. Pearl’s up-tempo style of play and ability to maximize player potential could make Auburn an appealing option for Dybantsa.
- Alabama: Traditionally known for football, Alabama’s basketball program has surged in recent years under coach Nate Oats. The Crimson Tide’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense could offer Dybantsa the freedom to showcase his versatility.
- Baylor: As the 2021 NCAA champions, Baylor has proven its ability to develop players and win at the highest level. Under coach Scott Drew, Baylor’s program continues to attract top talent, and Dybantsa could be the next piece in their puzzle.
- Kansas State: Although not as prestigious as Kansas, Kansas State has a strong basketball tradition and has been known for its competitive edge in the Big 12. The program offers Dybantsa the chance to be the star player and lead the Wildcats to prominence.
The Recruitment Process Intensifies
As the recruitment process enters a critical phase, college coaches have begun hitting the road to see top prospects in person. On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that coaches have begun traveling to meet with AJ Dybantsa.
BYU head coach Kevin Young and three assistants made an early visit to see Dybantsa in action, underscoring the school’s aggressive pursuit of the nation’s top player.
Tipton also noted that a Kansas assistant was in attendance for Dybantsa’s workouts, demonstrating Kansas’ continued interest.
This marked the first day that college coaches were allowed to travel to evaluate prospects in person, making these visits particularly significant in the recruitment process.
BYU’s Aggressive Pursuit of AJ Dybantsa
BYU has emerged as a major player in the race for AJ Dybantsa’s commitment, with On3 giving the Cougars a 20.3% probability of landing the star forward.2
This is largely due to the efforts of head coach Kevin Young, who has a deep background in NBA coaching, including his time with the Phoenix Suns and his work with NBA stars like Joel Embiid.
Young’s experience in professional basketball has resonated with Dybantsa, who has spoken highly of the coach’s knowledge and vision.
I’m blessed to receive an offer from the University of Central Florida! Go knights 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/XEE3gcaK1I
— AJ Dybantsa (@ADybantsa) July 14, 2024
“After my unofficial visit and conversations with Coach [Kevin Young], he can bring me in and play me like a pro with his knowledge of the NBA with the [Phoenix] Suns and taking it to BYU,” Dybantsa told ESPN in a recent interview. “He also mentioned he coached Joel Embiid. He knows what he’s talking about. It’s a big campus and facility.”
BYU’s facilities, coaching staff, and the prospect of playing in a system that mirrors NBA principles have clearly piqued Dybantsa’s interest.
The combination of strong coaching and the opportunity to be the face of the program could make BYU an attractive landing spot.
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AJ Dybantsa: High School Career
From Saint Sebastian’s to Utah Prep
AJ Dybantsa’s journey to becoming the top recruit in the class of 2025 has been marked by significant milestones.3
The forward first gained attention at Saint Sebastian’s School, where he displayed his immense potential. His time at Saint Sebastian’s helped shape his basketball foundation, but it was his move to Prolific Prep that put him on the national radar.
At Prolific Prep, Dybantsa’s skills were further refined, and he began to garner attention from major college programs. His versatility as a forward, combined with his ability to play multiple positions, made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
Now, heading into his final high school season at Utah Prep, Dybantsa is poised to make an even bigger impact as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
Why BYU Could Be the Dark Horse in Dybantsa’s Recruitment
While traditional powerhouses like North Carolina and Kansas are expected to be major contenders for AJ Dybantsa’s commitment, BYU has quietly positioned itself as a legitimate dark horse in the race.
One factor that works in BYU’s favor is head coach Kevin Young’s ability to sell the program’s connection to the NBA.
With experience coaching at the professional level, Young’s pitch to Dybantsa includes the promise of NBA-style development and exposure, which could accelerate his path to the next level.
Another advantage for BYU is the state-of-the-art facilities that the school offers. In an era where top recruits are often swayed by the amenities and resources available to them, BYU’s campus and training facilities could play a role in Dybantsa’s decision-making process.
Finally, the opportunity to be the face of a program that is on the rise, rather than being just another star at a more established school, could be appealing to a player of Dybantsa’s stature.
BYU offers Dybantsa the chance to make history and build something unique, which could resonate with the forward as he contemplates his future.
AJ Dybantsa: Reveals His Criteria for Picking a School
AJ Dybantsa, a top basketball prospect, has drawn significant attention from college programs across the country.
With offers from nearly 30 schools, he recently narrowed his list down to seven, with plans to make his final decision in February.
As he prepares for official visits and considers his options, Dybantsa opened up about what he’s looking for in a college program, emphasizing the importance of relationships with coaches, on-court development, and team success.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into Dybantsa’s thought process, the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, and how his family’s values are shaping his future college decision.
AJ Dybantsa: Charity
AJ Dybantsa organised a special event with World Vision USA, donated backpacks and school supplies for more then 800 kids in Brockton and Boston.
View this post on Instagram
Building Trust and Relationships with Coaches
For AJ Dybantsa, the relationship with the head coach is paramount. He seeks a coach who can be honest with him while maintaining a strong bond both on and off the court.
This desire reflects a mature understanding of the importance of coaching in a young player’s development.
Dybantsa’s focus is not just on basketball mechanics but also on the broader mentor-student relationship that can help him grow as a person.
“I’m looking to build a relationship with a head coach who doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” Dybantsa told ESPN. “We can still have that bond both on and off the court. [We can] talk about things on and off the court and play to my strengths while helping me with my weaknesses.”
The balance between honesty and support is key here. Dybantsa recognizes that to reach his full potential, he needs a coach who will not shy away from tough conversations but who will also offer guidance and mentorship.
This type of relationship can be vital in a player’s career, especially at the college level, where athletes are often navigating personal development, academic challenges, and the pressures of competitive sports.
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