BYU Beats Out Powerhouses for AJ Dybantsa’s Signature
The nation’s No. 1 high school player opts for Provo over Kansas, UNC, and Alabama.
AJ Dybantsa, Top-Ranked Small Forward, Commits to BYU
AJ Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 small forward and the No. 1 player in the senior class, has signed his national letter of intent to play college basketball at BYU. The highly coveted prospect chose the Cougars over Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina, announcing his decision this morning on ESPN’s First Take.
Widely projected as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa has generated buzz across the basketball world with his blend of size, skill, and scoring versatility. Initially planning to commit in February, he surprised many by accelerating his timeline and making his announcement this December.
In October, 247Sports’ Crystal Ball predicted Dybantsa would land at BYU, though a late shift in forecasts last week injected suspense into his final decision. The Cougars emerged as a frontrunner early in the process, bolstered by a visit from Dybantsa’s family in April following the hiring of assistant coach Kevin Young. His unofficial visit to Provo in June and a follow-up visit on November 16 to watch BYU’s game against Idaho further solidified the program’s standing.
Dybantsa, who is listed at 210 pounds, has been playing his senior year at Utah Prep in close proximity to BYU. Originally from Massachusetts, he rose to national prominence after a dominant freshman season at Saint Sebastian’s School, where he averaged 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks, earning the Massachusetts Boys’ Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
Known for his polished offensive repertoire, Dybantsa’s ability to score in virtually every way imaginable has drawn comparisons to NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His skill set includes contested pull-up jumpers, mid-post scoring over smaller defenders, and relentless rim attacks. He’s also an underrated playmaker and defender, with the size and length NBA scouts covet in a modern wing.
His track record speaks for itself: Dybantsa led the 2023 Nike Peach Jam in scoring with 25.8 points per game and excelled during Team USA’s title run at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup this summer, averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting a blistering 58% from the field.
After reclassifying from the 2026 to 2025 class, Dybantsa spent his junior season at Prolific Prep in Napa, California, averaging 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His move to Utah Prep has kept him close to BYU, a factor that undoubtedly played a role in the Cougars’ early edge in his recruitment.
Dybantsa formally narrowed his list of schools to Alabama, BYU, Kansas, and North Carolina last week, setting the stage for this morning’s announcement.
His decision represents a landmark moment for BYU, as they secure a potential generational talent whose professional ceiling is as high as anyone in recent memory.