Brockton’s AJ Dybantsa, top recruit in Class of 2025, to announce college choice Tuesday – The Boston Globe
Brockton native AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 basketball recruit in the Class of 2025, will reveal his college decision on ESPN’s “First Take” Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 senior forward at Utah Prep in Hurricane, Utah, has narrowed his choices to Brigham Young, North Carolina, Kansas, and Alabama. Each school is aware that his tenure would likely be short, as he’s widely projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Boston College became the first school to offer Dybantsa a scholarship when he was a freshman at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham. Over 40 more offers followed shortly after.
Dybantsa told the Globe he’s looking for a family atmosphere, strong NBA development, a winning program, and a solid relationship with the head coach.
He has officially visited all four finalists since September. He enjoyed attending Alabama’s football game against Georgia on Sept. 28, appreciating the student recognition as he walked the field. He also admires Kansas for its exceptional coaching.
“Bill Self speaks for himself,” Dybantsa said. “He’s doing so much for players in my position.”
North Carolina’s storied legacy and coaching staff also made an impression.
“They have the most top-five draft picks ever,” Dybantsa said. “I included them in my top four because I really liked their coaching staff.”
Brigham Young appears to be the underdog. The Cougars haven’t had an NBA draft pick since Jimmer Fredette in 2011 or won an NCAA Tournament game since 2012.
Still, analysts view Brigham Young as a strong contender. Coach Kevin Young, an eight-year NBA assistant, joined the Cougars this year. Dybantsa, who attended a Brigham Young game last month, is intrigued by Young’s pro-style system.
“I like their new style of play,” he said.
Dybantsa was named Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year after his freshman season at St. Sebastian’s. For his sophomore year, he moved to Prolific Prep in Napa, Calif., attending a nearby high school while living with a host family. This year, he reclassified to the Class of 2025 and joined Utah Prep, a basketball-centric private school near Zion National Park.