When AJ Dybantsa stepped onto BYU’s campus this week, he didn’t just walk into Provo — he walked into history.
The No. 1 overall recruit in the country, a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is officially a Cougar. It’s a moment that has electrified the program, fans, and college basketball insiders alike. On a video released on social media, Dybantsa shows off his jump shot, as well as his dance moves. With Dybantsa in the fold, BYU basketball isn’t just aiming to compete — it’s aiming to make national noise.
AJ Dybantsa officially on campus. pic.twitter.com/X5NhuWkneU
— Church Ball: A BYU Hoops Pod (@churchballpod) April 30, 2025
A Talent Unlike Anything BYU Has Seen
Dybantsa is not only BYU’s highest-rated recruit ever — he’s arguably the most talented player to ever wear the Cougar blue. At 6’8”, with elite athleticism and advanced scoring instincts, he’s a walking highlight reel. During the McDonald’s All-American Game, Dybantsa flashed his offensive creativity with a polished Euro step through traffic before finishing strong at the rim — a move that left scouts buzzing. Simply put, he makes tough plays look routine.
Instant Impact on a Top-10 Team
Projected to start from day one, Dybantsa joins a BYU team expected to open the season ranked inside the top 10 nationally. His arrival doesn’t just boost the roster — it shifts the program’s ceiling. He adds elite rim pressure, transition explosiveness, and next-level physicality. While he’s already dangerous in the paint, coaches are focused on helping him refine his jumper. If he adds a consistent pull-up shot, the Cougars may have the most complete player in college basketball.
NBA Scouts Are Watching Provo Now
With Dybantsa on board, NBA scouts will be frequent visitors at the Marriott Center. He’s viewed by most analysts as the early favorite for No. 1 overall in the 2026 Draft. For BYU, that visibility translates to recruiting momentum, national TV exposure, and real championship aspirations.
One thing is clear: BYU basketball just changed overnight.
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