Alabama basketball gave its all in the recruitment of AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked prospect in the 2025 class. Ultimately, BYU’s strong NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) backing proved too formidable for head coach Nate Oats and assistant Preston Murphy
AJ Dybantsa, a standout for Team Oak Soldier, showcased his skills during the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League on April 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee. The nation’s No. 1 recruit chose BYU over Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina, announcing his decision live on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday.
Although Alabama was considered a close second, BYU’s substantial NIL offer was decisive in keeping Dybantsa in Utah. Despite the loss, Oats and Murphy deserve recognition for their efforts, as they kept Alabama competitive in the race and nearly secured what could have been the school’s most significant recruit ever.
Dybantsa is regarded as a generational talent and is widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
While disappointing, the decision wasn’t entirely unexpected given BYU’s NIL advantage. Alabama made a strong push, emphasizing Dybantsa’s potential fit within its NBA-style system.
Currently ranked 11th in the 2025 class by the 247 Composite Rankings, Alabama has already signed three Top-70 recruits during the early signing period. The program remains in contention for high-profile players like 5-star guard Brayden Burries. Additionally, the Crimson Tide is expected to be active in the transfer portal, anticipating significant roster changes for next season.