PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball lands top recruit in the country, AJ Dybantsa.

Dybantsa announced his signing in front of a national television audience on ESPN’s “First Take.”

BOOM!

AJ Dybantsa, the country’s top basketball recruit in the class of 2025, has committed #BYU.#BYUHoops pic.twitter.com/fZjeVnHIxL

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 10, 2024

The decision to choose BYU over bluebloods North Carolina, Kansas and national title contender Alabama is a shock to the college basketball landscape.

For months, Dybantsa was leaning toward BYU. But with the last four schools it came to the point.

Dybantsa pointed out that BYU’s coaching staff has an NBA background. The Utah Prep star is considered a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Kevin Young coached with the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers and has a staff of coaches and support staff who have also worked in the league.

During recruiting, many reporters and insiders have pointed out the potential zero package BYU is giving Dybantsa to play for the Cougars.

There are no official details available about what Dybantsa received from BYU as part of his NIL package.

In October, On3 reported that Dybantsa could rake in more than $4-4.5 million from BYU.

BYU’s official NIL collective releases a statement after AJ Dybantsa commits

WELCOME HOME! @ADybantsa #SkoCougs 🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/wCwkPzO4Tw

– The Royal Blue (@RoyalBlueNIL) December 10, 2024

Shortly after Dybantsa committed to BYU on ESPN, BYU’s official NIL collective, The Royal Blue, made a public statement.

“We are very excited to have AJ Dybantsa commit to the BYU basketball program! During his decision process, he said he was looking for a program that he felt was family-oriented, had a coach who would develop him and a program that would be successful. He found that at BYU. Something special is happening in this program and on this campus.

“As the official NIL collective of BYU Athletics, we are excited to play a role in AJ’s NIL deal while he is in the program. The collective’s efforts are indeed collective. We are grateful for the 875 donors from more than 30 different states who have supported more than 300 BYU student-athletes on 13 teams. The collective has received major gifts from 32 alumni. We are grateful for BYU’s unparalleled ecosystem. Cougar Nation’s entrepreneurial DNA is unrivaled.

“The Royal Blue is committed to aligning with BYU’s goals and mission as a university. We can’t wait to see what awaits us this season and beyond! The world is our campus. Come on, Cougs!”

Dybantsa is the highest-rated recruit BYU has signed in the Internet era.

The addition of Dybantsa landed BYU’s 2025 recruiting class at No. 11 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings for the 2025 class.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12-3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and videos and stay up to date with all your favorite teams.

Follow @Mitch_Harper