A.J. Dybantsa picks BYU?! Breaking down the class of 2025’s No. 1 recruit.

A.J. Dybantsa Picks BYU: Breaking Down the Class of 2025’s No. 1 Recruit

The basketball world is buzzing, and for good reason. A.J. Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect in high school basketball and the overwhelming favorite to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has made his college decision. And in a move that has left fans and analysts alike stunned, he’s heading to Provo, Utah, to play for BYU. Yes, you read that right—BYU.

Dybantsa chose the Cougars over powerhouse programs like Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas. While it might seem like a shocking decision on the surface, those following his recruitment closely know that BYU emerged as the favorite over the summer. Despite late pushes from the competition, the Cougars held firm and secured the commitment of the most sought-after player in the country.

With this decision, Dybantsa becomes the first five-star prospect to commit to BYU since the ESPN recruiting database began in 2007. His pledge also catapults BYU into the top 10 of the 2025 recruiting class rankings. But how did BYU pull off this recruiting coup? And what makes Dybantsa such a tantalizing prospect for NBA scouts? Let’s dive in.

Why BYU?

From the moment Kevin Young was hired as BYU’s head coach in the spring, Dybantsa became a top priority. Young wasted no time, meeting with Dybantsa’s parents just weeks after taking the job and hosting the star player for a visit in early June. Young’s NBA experience, including his work with superstars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, was a major selling point for Dybantsa and his family.

Of course, we can’t ignore the role of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities in this decision. While Dybantsa would have earned millions at any of his finalists, BYU’s NIL resources are as competitive as any program in the country. Young himself acknowledged this back in April, saying, “There’s not going to be a lot of things that hold us back here. … I haven’t heard ‘no’ a whole lot.”

But landing Dybantsa is just the first step. BYU will need to surround him with enough talent to make his one year in Provo a success. The Cougars are set to lose four seniors from this year’s team, as well as projected lottery pick Egor Demin and potentially first-round pick Kanon Catchings. The good news? Top-50 recruit Xavion Staton is already in the fold, and he’s expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive end. Returning starters Richie Saunders, Dallin Hall, and Keba Keita will also provide a solid foundation. Still, Young and his staff will need to hit the transfer portal, explore international options, and target remaining high school prospects to build a competitive roster.

How Does Dybantsa Fit Into BYU’s System?

Dybantsa’s game is tailor-made for Kevin Young’s NBA-style system. The Cougars run a five-out offense that emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and versatility—perfect for a player of Dybantsa’s skill set. At 6-foot-9, he’s a dynamic scorer who thrives in transition, pick-and-roll situations, and isolation plays. His improved three-point shooting this season will only make him more dangerous in BYU’s system.

Defensively, Dybantsa’s length, athleticism, and energy make him a multi-positional weapon. Expect him to make highlight-reel plays on both ends of the floor, whether it’s swatting shots at the rim or locking down opposing wings on the perimeter.

Young’s experience coaching elite players like Durant and Booker will undoubtedly help Dybantsa refine his game. And with returning players like Keita setting hard screens and Hall running the offense, Dybantsa will have the support he needs to shine. Add in fellow recruits like Xavion Staton and four-star prospect Chamberlin Burgess, and the pieces are in place for BYU to make some noise next season.

Why Is Dybantsa the Favorite to Be the No. 1 Pick in 2026?

NBA teams are always on the hunt for versatile wings, and Dybantsa fits the mold perfectly. He’s a 6-foot-9 shot creator with the ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it’s in isolation, pick-and-rolls, or transition. His footwork, body control, and ability to change speeds make him a nightmare for defenders, and he’s not afraid to seek out contact and draw fouls.

Defensively, his length and intensity make him a disruptive force. He’s the type of player who can guard multiple positions and make game-changing plays on that end of the floor. While he’s the favorite to go No. 1 in 2026, he’ll face stiff competition from players like Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. A strong season at BYU will be crucial for solidifying his draft stock.

What Does the NBA Want to See From Him in College?

For Dybantsa, winning will be key. NBA scouts want to see him lead BYU to success in the NCAA Tournament while proving he can be the focal point of a team. Improving his consistency as a perimeter shooter and decision-maker will also be important. While his aggressive, bully-ball style has been effective, it hasn’t always been efficient. Finding the right balance between scoring and playmaking will be crucial for his development.

At BYU, Dybantsa will have the freedom to explore his game while being coached up by Young and his staff. If he can build on the progress he showed with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Cup, where he was nearly unstoppable, the sky’s the limit for his potential.

What’s Next for the Teams That Missed Out?

For Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas, missing out on Dybantsa is a tough pill to swallow. Alabama, which loses at least five seniors and potentially freshman Derrion Reid to the NBA Draft, will now turn its attention to top-25 recruit Davion Hannah and five-star guards Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries.

North Carolina, meanwhile, has one big target left on its board: elite forward Caleb Wilson. The Tar Heels are in a strong position to land him, and a decision could be coming soon. As for Kansas, the Jayhawks already have No. 2 overall recruit Darryn Peterson signed for 2025, along with returning wings A.J. Storr and Rylan Griffen. Bill Self’s squad is well-positioned to reload, even without Dybantsa.

For now, though, the spotlight belongs to BYU and A.J. Dybantsa. The Cougars have landed a generational talent, and the basketball world will be watching to see how this bold move plays out.