BYU Basketball Lands Top Recruit AJ Dybantsa Amid Huge Hype

BREAKING: The BYU Cougars have officially secured a major commitment from AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, sending shockwaves through college basketball. Dybantsa, who boasts a remarkable 40.5-inch vertical leap, is set to make an immediate impact on the court in Provo, Utah.

The announcement comes after Dybantsa’s electrifying performance during a recent practice, where he wowed Kevin Young, BYU’s head coach and former assistant with the Phoenix Suns. Young stated, “He had a dunk last week and it was insane. It was a top-three in-person dunk that I’ve ever seen.” This level of talent is rare for a program that has not sent a player to the NBA in 15 years.

Dybantsa’s decision to join BYU comes after a transformative visit in October 2024, where he experienced an enthusiastic welcome from thousands of Cougars fans during a football game, chanting, “We want AJ!” This passionate reception played a crucial role in his decision, shifting his focus from traditional powerhouses like North Carolina and Kansas to BYU.

“The family aspect that went into it felt like home,” Dybantsa shared with ESPN. “I can’t not come here.” His commitment is reportedly backed by a high-seven-figure financial package, although he insists that the allure of BYU wasn’t solely about the money.

Dybantsa is not just aiming for college success but has his eyes set on being the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He joins a strong freshman class that includes rivals at Kansas and Duke, yet sees BYU as his best chance to shine.

The Cougars are poised to make a serious run this season, aiming for the Final Four. Dybantsa remarked, “We’re hoping to get to the Final Four and then play in the national championship game. We don’t want anything else.”

BYU has equipped itself to support Dybantsa’s aspirations with a rigorous training regimen, including data-driven analytics and a strong strength and conditioning program led by Michael Davie, who has previously worked with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dybantsa’s athleticism is already drawing comparisons to elite NBA players.

Young’s recruitment strategy emphasizes an environment that mimics an NBA team. He has assembled an extensive support staff, including Akash Sebastian, the director of analytics, who tracks player performance using advanced technology. Dybantsa is already benefiting from this approach, noting, “Higher percentage points win, higher percentage shots win.”

As Dybantsa navigates his new life in Provo, he is also adjusting to the attention that comes with being a rising star. Former BYU standout Jimmer Fredette warned him about the fame, advising him to embrace the community and culture surrounding the school.

“His life is going to change,” Fredette noted, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience while managing the pressures of being in the spotlight.

The atmosphere at BYU is dramatically different from Dybantsa’s hometown of Boston, with a quieter, more community-focused vibe. This environment aligns with Dybantsa’s dedication to his basketball career, having committed himself to excellence from a young age.

The Cougars, who previously struggled defensively, are already showing improvements this season, with a defensive rating in the 74th percentile of Division I basketball, a significant leap from last year’s average. The synergy of Dybantsa’s talent combined with Young’s coaching could redefine BYU basketball.

With Dybantsa leading the charge, BYU is not just hoping to return to national prominence; they are aiming to establish a legacy. “The ultimate goal is to get to the NBA, and if you get to the NBA, you have a chance to do whatever you want,” Dybantsa stated with determination as the Cougars prepare for a potentially historic season.

Stay tuned as BYU basketball’s journey unfolds, with Dybantsa at the forefront, aiming for glory in college basketball and beyond.