AJ Dybantsa, the top recruit in the 2025 class and projected number-one pick in the '26 NBA Draft is heavily favoring a commitment to BYU basketball.
In fact, his commitment is so likely at this point that 247 Sports' Crystal Ball Predictions strongly believe the Cougars are the favorite to land Dybantsa.
Um, guys? I'm freaking out. pic.twitter.com/l9KXfEHi3y
— Lawless Republic (@LawlessRepublic) October 30, 2024
As I'm certain you're all aware, AJ would be the highest-rated recruit in BYU basketball history. A 5-star talent and the undisputed best player in his class, he has received high praise from throughout the basketball universe.
Landing a player of his caliber would mean so much for the BYU hoops program. Namely, Provo is a legitimate destination for players who want to eliminate distractions, play against the toughest competition in the nation as a member of the Big 12 Conference, and prepare themselves for the NBA--the highest level of basketball on Earth.
AJ Dybantsa is quickly gaining increased notoriety by the day, as his official visits to the likes of North Carolina, Kansas State, and BYU have earned plenty of buzz across social media.
BYU hasn't been regarded as a blue-blood in the college hoops sphere (despite what their color palette may suggest), being one of the few teams of their caliber to be a regular NCAA Tournament participant without ever reaching the Final Four.
But that was the old BYU; the BYU that hesitated to recruit non-LDS talent. The BYU that would tread water in the Mountain West and West Coast Conferences. The BYU that could never escape the shadow of titans like Gonzaga and San Diego State. Now, in the Big 12 Conference, and with an NBA-experienced coaching staff, BYU's unique circumstances are no longer a hinderance to recruiting efforts.
BYU could be a legitimate condender for the national title with talent like Dybantsa, Demin, Catchings, and more stuffing the depth chart.
When Dybantsa transferred to Utah Prep in Hurricane, UT, I published an article fantasizing about the Cougars making a run at recruiting such an elite hooper. I expected severe backlash from this article, because--let's face it--none of us ever expected to see a player like Dybantsa show interest in spending his lone season of college basketball at BYU of all places.
Let's temper our excitement for a moment, though. 100% of experts at 247 Sports predicted that Richie Saunders would transfer to Kentucky only one day before he announced he'd stick it out with the Cougars. Until Dybantsa signs with BYU, this is all still speculation.
But it is exciting, isn't it?