Zac Oakes, a journalist based in Kentucky, covers University of Kentucky athletics, especially football and men’s basketball. The top high school basketball prospect, AJ Dybantsa, a talented 6’9” wing, appears more likely to commit to BYU.
This development isn’t too surprising given the changes in BYU Basketball recruiting after Mark Pope left for Kentucky, and BYU brought in Kevin Young from the Phoenix Suns as head coach. Young’s hiring has significantly boosted NIL at BYU, with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and executive Danny Ainge providing strong support. According to ON3’s Pete Nakos, a source revealed that Smith and Ainge have essentially given Young “an open checkbook to secure top players who fit BYU’s culture and will help reestablish the program.”
The same report suggests BYU could offer up to $4 million to secure Dybantsa, which reinforces the belief he’ll likely end up in Provo.
That belief gained momentum when 247’s Travis Branham recently logged a Crystal Ball prediction for Dybantsa to BYU.
Kentucky was once thought to be a top contender for Dybantsa, especially under head coach John Calipari. However, when Calipari took the Arkansas job, Kentucky’s position faded, and Arkansas isn’t in the mix.
It’s unusual to see the top high school basketball recruit leaning toward BYU, but college basketball is evolving in new directions.