As the 2024-25 college basketball season begins to unfold, one decision stands out. AJ Dybantsa, the highly touted prospect, made a significant announcement on Tuesday. He chose to commit to BYU, leaving behind other finalists like Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina. Dybantsa, a native of Brockton, Mass., is spending his senior season in Hurricane, Utah, at Utah Prep. His choice means he'll be just 250 miles northeast in Provo, Utah. Let's delve deeper into his decision and what it means for the future of college basketball.

Why BYU is an Exciting Choice

BYU's basketball program is on the cusp of a new era of excitement. Dybantsa's commitment adds to the momentum that has been building over the past year. It has been over a dozen years since Jimmer Fredette electrified the court, but with the hiring of longtime NBA assistant coach Ryan Young and the signing of Russian five-star recruit Egor Demin, the program is on the rise. Jazz executives and BYU alums Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge are playing a crucial role in this new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Smith, a co-founder of Qualtrics and the Jazz majority governor, is worth $2.2 billion.Dybantsa's financial package is reportedly in the $7 million range, which speaks volumes about his caliber. Choosing BYU is not just a business decision; it's about his athleticism and talent. With an NBA background, Young can help Dybantsa polish his game and prepare him for the next level. As Dybantsa said on ESPN, "A lot stood out on my visit... my ultimate goal is to get to the NBA. [Young] coached one of my favorite players of all time — Kevin Durant. I think it's going to be the best development program for me."

AJ Dybantsa's Scouting Report

Dybantsa is a 6-9, 210-pound small forward who has been in the spotlight for years. Born on Jan. 29, 2007, he originally belonged to the 2026 recruiting class before reclassifying to graduate high school in 2025. His size, combined with elite strength and athleticism, allows him to score at will. While still developing, his game includes a mix of shifty moves that create space for jumpers or help him get past defenders to showcase his bounce. After committing, he described his game as a blend of Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.His pro-ready body has raised questions about his readiness for the NBA as a high school senior. However, he is no stranger to high-level competition, having shared the floor with future Hall of Famers like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Chris Paul.

Preparing for the Big 12

Impressive as Dybantsa's game is, he will face a tough test when he joins the Big 12. BYU's conference foes include perennial power Kansas and the physically demanding Houston, along with other strong squads. During his senior season at Utah Prep, he will continue to develop and quickly adapt to the college game upon arriving on BYU's campus. There is potential for him to take the team to new heights, even surpassing what it achieved during Fredette's days. He has the tools and determination to make a significant impact in the Big 12 and beyond.