Is there a realistic chance that BYU could recruit AJ Dybantsa, a top prospect?
In late May, there was considerable attention in Utah when AJ Dybantsa, the top high school basketball player in the Class of 2025 and a likely top pick in the 2026 NBA draft, announced receiving a scholarship offer from the Utah Runnin’ Utes. He also revealed plans to play his senior year at Utah Prep in Hurricane, followed by receiving another scholarship offer from the BYU Cougars.
Shortly after this, Dybantsa visited the BYU campus unofficially. According to a report by Sam Lance of Zagsblog on Sunday, the 6-foot-9, 200-pound athlete will announce the final 10 schools under consideration before his NBA decision by the end of this month.
In Lance’s article, Dybantsa provided insights on the 10 schools actively recruiting him, with BYU making the cut. “It’s about three hours from Utah Prep, so it’s a bit far, but the visit was positive,” Dybantsa remarked. “I got to see the campus, the gyms, and everything.”
Dybantsa, originally from Massachusetts, has visited only BYU and Auburn so far. He has emphasized that his father Ace manages all communications with college coaches.
Reflecting on his BYU visit with Lance, Dybantsa commented, “It was a good experience, coinciding with my Utah Prep visit. While there, I took an unofficial tour. Coach Kevin Young expressed hope for an official visit to show me more about what BYU has to offer.”
The other schools on Dybantsa’s list, according to Lance, include Kentucky (coached by former BYU head coach Mark Pope), Alabama, Auburn, USC, Duke, Arkansas, Baylor, UConn, and Georgia Tech.
Ace Dybantsa informed Lance that his son plans to visit all finalists once he narrows down his list.
Securing Dybantsa would mark a significant recruiting victory for BYU, particularly following recent successes under Coach Young, including the signings of NBA prospects Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings.
