AJ Dybantsa stunned the college basketball world when he committed to BYU. The nation’s top high-school prospect had offers from major programs, yet he chose a program outside the usual power structure.
His decision came down to development, opportunity, and the right people around him. BYU offered all three. Head coach Kevin Young played a major role. His NBA background, including years spent coaching elite talents like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, gave BYU a professional edge that few programs could match.
Dybantsa admired Durant, studied his game, and valued the insight of someone who had coached him directly. That connection helped bridge trust quickly. It showed Dybantsa that BYU wasn’t just pitching a traditional college experience.
“I actually hit [Durant] up, just to ask him about [Young],” Dybantsa said. “He was like, ‘Yo, you’re going to [like] him, so just take the visit and see how you feel about it.’”
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NIL value added another layer. With an estimated valuation of $4.1 million, Dybantsa stands among the biggest commercial names in college basketball. BYU’s structure gave him room to expand his brand, build new partnerships, and operate in a market where he wouldn’t be overshadowed by other high-profile recruits.
During his recruitment, Dybantsa made multiple trips to Provo. Each visit reinforced the same message that BYU could offer him a platform that blended on-court growth with off-court impact.
Dybansta had everything he was looking for, and after enough evaluations, it became obvious that he was going to commit to BYU. So far, it looks like he has made the right decision and a step in the right direction for his future.
The Aces Helped AJ Dybantsa Prepare For BYU Debut
Dybantsa’s first game with BYU showed why expectations surrounding him are so high. He opened his college career with 21 points and six rebounds in a win over Villanova in Las Vegas. Part of that readiness came from his time in Las Vegas over the summer.
Dybantsa attended a Las Vegas Aces game and experienced the energy of a packed professional arena. The noise, the intensity, and the atmosphere left a strong impression. It helped prepare him for big crowds and high-pressure moments, something he leaned on once he stepped onto the court for BYU.
“I knew that the Aces have a huge fan base, so I wasn’t really actually expecting it to be like what it was, but they show great support, and I love Vegas for that,” Dybantsa SAID. “We have BYU fans everywhere, and they show support. It was damn near a home game for us, the amount of fans that were there. So, I’m just very grateful for the fans and the Mormon community to show support.”
His performance backed up the hype and highlighted why he is considered one of the most exciting young talents in the country.
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