Highly touted basketball prospect AJ Dybantsa has officially committed to Brigham Young University (BYU) for the upcoming season, as announced on ESPN's 'First Take.' Dybantsa, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, selected BYU over other top programs such as Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas. This decision marks a significant milestone for BYU, as Dybantsa becomes their first five-star high school recruit from the United States.
The allure of playing under first-year head coach Kevin Young was a key factor in Dybantsa's choice to join the Cougars. Young's extensive NBA experience, including coaching stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, played a pivotal role in Dybantsa's decision-making process. Dybantsa expressed his ambition to reach the NBA and highlighted the NBA-caliber coaching staff at BYU as a crucial element in his development.
Young, who previously served as the associate head coach for the Phoenix Suns, took the reins at BYU with a vision of transforming the program into an NBA development pipeline. The Cougars have already shown progress in this direction, with current standout Egor Demin projected as a 2025 NBA lottery pick and freshman Kanon Catchings garnering attention in NBA mock drafts.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing known for his scoring prowess, brings a wealth of accolades to BYU, including Gatorade Player of the Year honors for Massachusetts in 2023 and success on the international stage with Team USA. His commitment further solidifies BYU's recruiting class, which also features top prospects like Xavion Staton, a 7-foot center, and Chamberlain Burgess, a 6-foot-9 forward.
Coach Young expressed excitement about Dybantsa's potential, praising his talent and work ethic. With Dybantsa's addition, BYU has secured its highest-rated recruiting class in program history, signaling a bright future for the Cougars on the basketball court.
