It's a pattern: 5-star prospect AJ Williams sets official visit to BYU basketball

It's wild to remember that BYU basketball had never signed a 5-star-rated freshman recruit in their program's history prior to the Kevin Young signing. Since Young stepped down from his position as the highest-paid assistant in the NBA to oversee BYU hoops, the Cougars have seen such a talent join the roster every year without fail.

First it was Egor Demin, a Russian point guard with tantalizing vision. Then came AJ Dybantsa, the nation's highest-rated recruit and eventual number-one overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This year, BYU will feature Bruce Branch III, an All-American, Team USA member, and another likely lottery selection in next year's draft.

If that pattern is to continue, it seems like BYU has their sights set on 5-star recruit AJ Williams.

Williams was the number-one recruit in the class of 2028 before he reclassified up a year (not at all unlike Dybantsa and Branch) to join the 2027 batch. According to 247 Sports' rankings, the 6'7" wing is the fifth-best player in the 2027 class.

And according to reports, BYU has been the frontrunner in the race for Williams' commitment for some time now.

Williams has one of the most objectively beautiful jump shots I've ever seen. Shoulders square to the basket, elbow tucked under his wrist, and a feathery release at the top of his jump, Williams is a deadly weapon on the perimeter. But he's far from a pebble-chucker who keeps his heels behind the arc. AJ Williams can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot from all three levels.

BYU has made Williams a priority early into the recruiting cycle, with North Carolina as another team to watch in making a run at the star wing.

247 Sports reported today that Williams has set an official visit to BYU, and will take a trip to Provo later this month -- I'd add his visit will likely coincide with a weekend that features a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Notre Dame, anyone?

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