The Big 12 Conference is poised to rise as a dominant force in college basketball, bolstered by an influx of elite recruits. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi reports the conference leads in incoming five-star talent, setting the stage for heightened competition and potential NCAA tournament success.
Meanwhile, Duke’s Cooper Flagg solidified his status as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, excelling in every statistical category and guiding the Blue Devils to the Final Four. However, Biancardi noted that many NBA scouts would favor 2025 recruit AJ Dybantsa over Flagg if he were draft-eligible.
ESPN’s Paul Biancardi: Big 12 Set to Rule College Basketball
The Big 12 is set to take over college basketball with an unprecedented level of incoming talent. ESPN analyst Biancardi emphasized the conference’s strength, stating,
“The Big 12 has the most incoming five-star talent of any conference next season.”
“The Big 12 has the most incoming five-star talent of any conference next season.”
– @PaulBiancardi 🗣️#Big12MBB 🤝 @McDAAG— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) April 2, 2025
Among those top recruits, AJ Dybantsa is making waves as the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 cycle, per the On3 Industry Ranking. The future BYU star showcased his elite skill set in the McDonald’s All-American Game, heightening expectations as he prepares to enter the college ranks.
On ESPN’s broadcast, Biancardi highlighted the ongoing debate among NBA scouts regarding the top prospect for the 2025 draft.
“I think it’s 50/50 right now when I speak to the NBA scouts,” he said. “Half of them would take Cooper Flagg, the other half would take AJ Dybantsa.”
However, ESPN analyst Cory Alexander argued that Flagg, a dominant force for Duke, has created separation. Alexander believes the conversation has shifted over the course of the season.
“I believe that were the case before the season started,” he said. “Right now, I think it’s more 75/25 Cooper Flagg.”
Flagg’s performance throughout the year, leading Duke to the Final Four while emerging as a top contender for the Wooden Award, solidified his standing. Alexander noted that his historic 30-point, five-rebound, five-assist game in the NCAA tournament set him apart.
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Biancardi acknowledged Flagg’s ability to elevate his teammates—something Dybantsa has yet to prove at the college level.
“We have not seen AJ in college yet, so we need to have that [discussion] a year from now,” Biancardi said. “But what I do think is true is that Cooper makes everyone else better. He does that better than AJ Dybantsa.”
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