AJ Dybantsa is a highly talented 6’9″ forward and the top-ranked high school basketball player in the class of 2025. He made headlines by committing to BYU, becoming the program’s first-ever five-star recruit from the U.S.—a huge milestone for the school.
Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, Dybantsa reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025, speeding up his path to college and eventually the NBA. His commitment to BYU surprised many, as he turned down offers from powerhouse programs like North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, and Alabama.
One of the key reasons he chose BYU was to work with head coach Kevin Young, who has years of NBA experience coaching stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Dybantsa sees BYU as a place that can help prepare him for the pros.
As a player, he’s known for being incredibly versatile—he can shoot, drive, defend, and make smart decisions on the court. His athleticism and basketball IQ have set him apart in every competition he’s played in, including the Nike EYBL circuit, the FIBA U17 World Cup (where he helped Team USA win gold), and the Nike Hoop Summit.
In terms of off-the-court success, his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) value is massive—reportedly around $7 million—placing him among the highest-paid college athletes.
By choosing BYU, Dybantsa not only elevates the team’s national profile but also positions himself as a likely No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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