When the nation’s No. 1 basketball recruit steps into unfamiliar territory, people notice, and there could be two possible outcomes—a warm welcome or mixed reactions.
Unfortunately, AJ Dybantsa is facing the latter, an outcome that few athletes want to experience. The top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025 has already made headlines for his massive NIL deal and unexpected commitment to BYU.
But his recent visit to an LDS church has stirred another conversation—one that has become just as controversial as his decision to play in Provo.
AJ Dybantsa’s BYU Move Heats Up With Controversial Church Visit
The Cougars recently signed Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2025, where he is expected to start in June.
But that’s not the main talking point because nobody expected him to sign with the program, declining offers from 29 other schools, including Kansas, USC, Texas, Ole Miss, Illinois, Baylor, and Houston.
First time at LDS Church this past weekend. pic.twitter.com/hTuCHqL2jT
— AJ Dybantsa (@AJ_Dybantsa) May 19, 2025
Some even speculated that his father leveraged the recruitment process to gain exclusive access to a high-profile game. But those speculations ended after he officially committed to BYU.
Several reports suggested that his commitment was largely due to a massive NIL deal. He is expected to earn at least $4 million through NIL deals at BYU, with some sources estimating the total could be as high as $7 million. However, he denied the $7 million figure, saying the deal is likely closer to $4.5–$5 million.
Amid these discussions, on Monday, Dybantsa shared pictures from his visit to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dressed in a white shirt, gray suit, brown shoes, and a blue tie, he captioned the post: “First time at LDS Church this past weekend.”
This visit quickly became a hot topic online, with many fans sharing mixed reactions in the comments section. Some comments referenced controversial aspects of LDS history, such as the past racial restrictions on Black members. Others mentioned unique LDS traditions, like posthumous baptisms, which may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable to outsiders.
One X user wrote, “My advice: Don’t ever go again,” referring to the church’s history of racial bans.
Another user commented, “Guessing they didn’t talk about the Curse of Cain or the Priesthood ban?”
A college basketball fan added simply, “RUN AWAY.”
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Another user echoed that sentiment, saying, “Bro, get out of there.”
One user mentioned LDS traditions, noting, “Wait until they start asking about who your dead relatives are so they can baptize them,” referring to posthumous baptisms, a unique LDS practice.
What do you think about his first visit to the LDS Church?
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