Top Basketball Recruit AJ Dybantsa Chooses BYU in Landmark $7M NIL Deal

Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, bypasses traditional powerhouses for BYU, citing NBA coaching pedigree and development opportunities.

AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top high school basketball recruit, committed to BYU after reportedly securing a record $7 million NIL deal, including $5 million from BYU's collective and additional endorsements from Nike and Red Bull.
The 6'9" forward turned down offers from Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas, all of which reportedly matched BYU’s financial terms, to join BYU due to its NBA-focused coaching staff led by Kevin Young, a former Phoenix Suns assistant.
Dybantsa cited Young’s experience coaching NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as a key factor in his decision, believing BYU offers the best development path to the NBA.
Critics and analysts have questioned the move, noting BYU’s lack of historical basketball success compared to the powerhouse programs Dybantsa bypassed, though his family emphasized the decision was about fit and development rather than money.
Projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa has already expressed interest in joining teams like the Spurs or Magic, though such outcomes remain speculative based on draft order dynamics.