A.J. Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect within the 2025 class, has narrowed his record of faculties, telling ESPN he’s contemplating Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Kansas State and North Carolina.
Dybantsa, who has visited Auburn, says he plans to make official visits to the remainder of the faculties on his record forward of his school resolution within the winter.
“I am seeking to construct a relationship with a head coach who would not sugarcoat something, however we are able to nonetheless have that bond each on and off the courtroom,” he mentioned. “[We can] discuss issues on and off the courtroom and play to my strengths whereas serving to me with my weaknesses.
“The record is predicated on the coaches who spoke with my dad essentially the most. I’ll determine in February.”
Dybantsa is within the midst of a whirlwind spring and summer season. He transferred excessive faculties, received a gold medal with Workforce USA within the FIBA U17 World Cup and joined the high-powered Oakland Troopers on the showcase circuit.
The 6-foot-9, 205-pound wing was dominant this summer season. He averaged 22.6 factors and led the Elite Youth Basketball League with 197 factors in transition. Dybantsa shot 82% on the line over 173 makes an attempt and shot 38% from past the arc in catch-and-shoot conditions, per Synergy Sports activities.
Quickly, the previous Prolific Prep star will journey along with his new highschool group, Utah Prep, to Shanghai, China, for video games in opposition to groups from Serbia, Japan and Australia in an occasion hosted by the Shanghai Sharks from Aug. 6-11 that’s as a lot an academic journey as a basketball one.
When he returns, it is crunch time for groups vying for the potential high decide within the 2026 NBA draft.
“These are the pillars that may outline my alternative for a program,” Dybantsa mentioned. “[It needs to be] family-oriented, a profitable program, provide improvement each on the courtroom and of their power program, and for me to be one-and-done and able to influence.”
And simply how a lot will NIL influence Dybantsa’s resolution?
“It is a issue, however it’s not the rationale we’re choosing a college,” mentioned Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa, A.J.’s father. “We unnoticed faculties which have some huge cash. A.J. will go the place he feels he can have essentially the most success on the courtroom.”
ESPN spoke to each Dybantsa and his father for his or her ideas on every program of the ultimate seven packages on his record.
A.J.: “I used to be coached by [current Alabama assistant coach] Preston Murphy as a freshman once I was with Expressions within the EYBL. We spoke with coach Nate Oats and he feels the Brandon Miller comparisons are actual. I watched Miller in school, he has a variety of Paul George in him. He is one of many higher younger gamers within the NBA. If Victor Wembanyama wasn’t within the draft, Miller may’ve been the Rookie of the 12 months and No. 1 decide in 2023. Their play fashion suits my recreation.”
A.J.: “I took an official go to there in March. After my go to, they assume I will be in comparison with Jabari Smith and Isaac Okoro.”
Ace: “Bruce Pearl is from Sharon, Mass. It is quarter-hour away from the place we stay in Brockton. We like his fashion. We went to a recreation throughout break. There have been no college students on campus and the sport was offered out. We just like the vibes. Coach Pearl is a no-nonsense man.”
A.J.: “They consider I can have pretty much as good of a season or higher than Ja’Kobe Walter. The play fashion is analogous. Scott Drew and [former associate head coach] John Jakus got here to Prolific Prep. Jakus is now the top coach at FAU. I watched Baylor rising up. They’d nice success with Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell and just lately Keyonte George.”
A.J.: “After my unofficial go to and conversations with Coach [Kevin Young], he can deliver me in and play me like a professional along with his information of the NBA with the [Phoenix] Suns and taking it to BYU. He additionally talked about he coached Joel Embiid. He is aware of what he is speaking about. It is a huge campus and facility.”
A.J.: “Once I have a look at their historical past, in addition they have a observe report of men in my place within the NBA. I talked to Invoice Self and coach Kurtis Townsend. Coach Townsend has come to Prolific Prep a number of instances. They’d Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre and Josh Jackson. They’ve had nice runs of success. They are saying it is loud in there [at Phog Allen Fieldhouse].”
A.J.: “I talked with Jerome Tang. He informed me his guys play with a variety of freedom, however it’s additionally in a system that’s geared towards profitable. “
Ace: “Tang went to Istanbul, Turkey, to see A.J. I like the actual fact he understands A.J. is an efficient decision-maker, an extension of the teaching workers. He’ll enable A.J. to play to his power. I’ve a superb really feel for individuals, and I belief Coach Tang.”
A.J.: “Nice observe report of bringing in guys with my taking part in fashion within the NBA. It was a straightforward alternative to go to. Clearly, my aim is to be within the NBA. They’ve had guys with a observe report of play like my place [that] went one-and-done. In fact, they’d Michael Jordan and coach Roy Williams was teaching there earlier than coach Hubert Davis. I see Kenny the Jet [Smith] on the EYBL recreation, and he retains yelling “Carolina Blue.” I spoke with Coach Davis a number of instances. He’s a cool dude. He has been a part of sending guys to the NBA.”
