UPDATE: BYU basketball’s star recruit, AJ Dybantsa, has made headlines after delivering a jaw-dropping dunk during practice, impressing seasoned coach Kevin Young. The five-star wing, ranked No. 1 by ESPN in the 2025 class, showcased his extraordinary athleticism in Provo, Utah, leaving Young in awe. “It was a top-three in-person dunk that I’ve ever seen,” Young said, hinting at the excitement building for Dybantsa’s debut in the Marriott Center.
Dybantsa’s commitment to BYU is a game changer for a program that hasn’t reached the Final Four and hasn’t sent a player to the NBA in 15 years. His unexpected choice came after a visit where passionate Cougars fans chanted, “We want AJ!” during a football game in October 2024. The electric atmosphere convinced him that BYU was the right fit. “It felt like home when I was here on my visit,” Dybantsa reflected.
With aspirations to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa is ready to make his mark during a season filled with fierce competition, including rising stars at traditional powerhouses like Kansas and Duke. Young envisions Dybantsa leading the Cougars back to national prominence, echoing the legendary Jimmer Fredette era. “We’re hoping to get to the Final Four … and then play in the national championship game,” Dybantsa stated, setting high expectations.
Young’s innovative coaching style, modeled after NBA systems, and a robust support staff—including a dedicated analytics team—are crucial to Dybantsa’s development. The program’s emphasis on data-driven strategy is already paying off. Dybantsa has a vertical leap of 40.5 inches and can lift over 500 pounds on the trap bar deadlift, showcasing elite athleticism that rivals top NBA prospects.
The buzz surrounding Dybantsa is palpable, with comparisons to former BYU star Fredette, who experienced fan frenzy during his collegiate career. Dybantsa is already feeling the pressure of heightened expectations, but he embraces the challenge. “I know my life is going to change,” he said, acknowledging the demands of stardom at BYU.
While Dybantsa is focused on basketball, he also values the personal connections he’s making in Provo. Unlike the fast-paced environment of his hometown, he appreciates the approachable nature of the community and is making efforts to engage with fans, even taking time to sign autographs.
The Cougars, armed with a strong roster including All-Big 12 selection Richie Saunders and promising talent Robert Wright III, are poised to make a significant impact this season. With Dybantsa’s arrival, they aim to elevate their defensive game, which struggled last season. Early indicators suggest a promising shift, with a defensive rating in the 74th percentile of Division I, an improvement from last year’s average.
As the season approaches, all eyes are on Dybantsa—BYU basketball’s golden opportunity. “The ultimate goal is to get to the NBA,” he emphasized. Yet, he understands the importance of his journey at BYU. With a blend of talent, ambition, and the right support, Dybantsa is set to make waves in college basketball and beyond.
Expectations are high, and the countdown to Dybantsa’s first game has begun. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can lead the Cougars to unprecedented heights, making this a season to remember.