AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1-ranked college basketball recruit in the Class of 2025, is set to make his long-awaited college decision on Tuesday, an announcement that has captivated the basketball world. The 6-foot-9 forward, currently playing his senior season at Hurricane Prep in Utah, will declare his commitment live on ESPN’s First Take at approximately 10:30 a.m., as confirmed by his father, Ace Dybantsa, to 247Sports.
Dybantsa has consistently been heralded as the top prospect in his class, sitting above an elite field of recruits. Following closely behind him in the rankings are Cameron Boozer, who has committed to Duke, and Darryn Peterson, a Kansas signee. With Dybantsa poised to finalize his college destination, the race for his commitment has narrowed to four top-tier programs: Alabama, BYU, Kansas, and North Carolina.
Throughout the recruitment process, BYU has emerged as a strong frontrunner for Dybantsa’s signature. However, in recent weeks, Alabama and North Carolina have intensified their efforts, adding intrigue to the final stretch of his decision-making process. Despite this late push from other schools, 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Travis Branham still considers BYU the likely landing spot for the versatile forward.
Dybantsa is widely regarded as a transformative talent who will make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and advanced skill has drawn comparisons to some of the best players in recent memory. With his trajectory, he is almost certain to be a one-and-done college player and a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
What sets Dybantsa apart is his well-rounded game and relentless scoring ability. Over the course of his high school career, he has established himself as one of the premier scorers in grassroots basketball, blending natural talent with a dedication to refining his craft. His offensive arsenal includes an elite pull-up jumper, fluid ball rotation, and a knack for finding his spots on the court, even in half-court situations. As he has matured, Dybantsa has also made strides as a playmaker and defender, leveraging his impressive wingspan—exceeding 7 feet—and burgeoning frame to become a more versatile player.
247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein describes Dybantsa as a “6-foot-9 jumbo wing” with an advanced understanding of the game. His scouting report highlights Dybantsa’s unique physical attributes and scoring instincts, noting his standout performance as the leading scorer at the 2023 Peach Jam despite being an underclassman. Finkelstein also emphasizes that Dybantsa’s commitment to improving his game has allowed him to avoid the pitfalls often faced by early phenoms.
Ultimately, Dybantsa is a player with limitless potential. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could very well redefine the standard for high school basketball prospects. The decision he announces on Tuesday will mark the next step in what promises to be an extraordinary basketball career.
