BYU basketball fans have a lot to be excited about next season. The commitment of #2 overall recruit AJ Dybantsa, the return of several key players, and the signing of Rob Wright give Cougies an abundance of joy for the 2025-26 season. Here we answer the question of what ceiling BYU might have next season.
First, we have to correctly state the impact that AJ Dybantsa will have on this team. His gravity on offense makes every player around him better. He draws so much attention from opposing defenses that his teammates are able to clean up some of the open lanes and shots. He dominated with a high school level offense and while Utah Prep has an extremely talented roster, it doesn't compare at all to the level of play under head coach Kevin Young.
Should Richie Saunders decide to return, he would be an incredible piece to the puzzle. With at least two or three sets of defensive eyes on AJ, Richie would have freedom to attack one-on-one. Just imagine what he could do with the opposing team's second or third best defender on him, instead of their best like he had for most of last season.
Rob Wright III is also an interesting addition to the team. He may be the most explosive guard that BYU basketball has ever seen.
AJ Dybantsa highlighted Coach Young and his NBA experience as major motivators for him signing with BYU, but we'd be fooling ourselves if he didn't see the writing on the wall. BYU is quickly becoming one of the flagship programs in college basketball.
What is BYU's ceiling with AJ at the helm?
In my opinion, the ceiling is a national championship. AJ and the talent that coach Young and his staff are starting to assemble around him fit the bill of a national champion. They have plenty of returning contributors, experience, star power, and an excellent head coach. BYU plays in one of the toughest conferences in the nation, which only continues to get better, and that will give them some opportunities for difficult games to prepare during the regular season.
I might propose the more important question: what is BYU's floor? I think that anything less than an Elite 8 appearance would be surprising. Not necessarily disappointing, but certainly surprising. At this point in time, it feels like BYU losing at any point before the Elite 8 would require an upset.
AJ is no stranger to the spotlight. He has had plenty of accolades in his young career already, but I'm sure he wants nothing more than to add a piece of the Indianapolis nets to his trophy chest. I think BYU was the right choice for him to get there.