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Basketball

BYU Among Four Schools in AJ Dybantsa's Top Recruit List

2024-12-04

Provo, Utah serves as the backdrop for BYU basketball's ongoing efforts to secure the nation's top recruit. AJ Dybantsa remains a key focus, with his list of potential schools now trimmed to just four - Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina, and BYU itself. Eric Bossi from 247Sports was the first to report this significant cutdown. The 2025 class prospect continues to shine in his senior year, as evidenced by his recent MVP honors when Utah Prep defeated Link Academy from Missouri. Dybantsa scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in that game, with BYU assistant coach Brandon Dunson in attendance to witness his leadership. The question now on everyone's mind is when Dybantsa will commit to one of these four schools. "Near December, probably before Christmas," he stated at Hoopfest in Pleasant Grove last week. Initially, he had planned to commit in February but decided to expedite the process. "I just don't want to wait longer. It's too much to wait until the new year. I can make a decision within a month, so I'm not going to wait two more months." Dybantsa took in a game visit to the Marriott Center last month to see BYU take on Idaho on November 16, which was one month after an official visit to Provo in October. "What they told me on my unofficial and my official, and what I [saw] at the game [in November] was pretty much the same thing." Dybantsa has made it clear that he will be a one-and-done prospect, with the 6-foot-9 forward projected as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. When KSL Sports spoke with him after his unofficial visit to BYU in June, he noted that Kevin Young is focusing on NBA preparation with him. "He knows my goal is the league," Dybantsa said. "And he's been working with league guys for however long he has been. So that was his motto, he can get me there since he knows what it takes." BYU's staff has placed a high priority on Dybantsa in its 2025 recruiting efforts. The 2025 class already includes 7-foot center Xavion Staton and Top-150 forward Chamberlain Burgess, who signed in November. Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch's coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper. Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah's sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams. Follow @Mitch_Harper.