The number one high school basketball recruit Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr. shocked sports fans by committing to Brigham Young University (BYU). His soon-to-be collegiate basketball home offered him between $5 to $7 million for his name, image and likeness (NIL). Despite the high rankings of heavy-hitter athletic programs from Kansas, Alabama and North Carolina, Dybantsa chose the Cougars team. Additionally, the small forward is confident that the team’s leadership will help him transition into becoming a professional athlete at the end of the first season. So who is AJ Dybantsa? Here’s what we know.

Who Is AJ Dybantsa?

AJ Dybantsa, BYU prospect and USA U16 gold medalist — Altan Gocher / Getty Images

Dybantsa is from Brockton, Massachusetts. Basketball and prepping for a career in basketball have long been a part of his life. He recalls middle school summers filled with workouts that would allow the 6’8 small forward to achieve a range of accomplishments on the court. Dybantsa led scorers at the Nike Peach Jam Event and the NBPA Top 100 in scoring (as a sophomore), earned a gold medal on the USA’s U16 Team, and won Gatorade Player of the Year. He’s also participated in offseason workouts with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Paul George.

What Will Dybantsa’s Commitment to BYU Do for His Future?

The 17-year-old’s excitement for joining the Cougars at BYU is motivated by head coach Kevin Young’s track record. The Cougars coach had multiple coaching positions before joining the Phoenix Suns in 2020. He’s also worked with Dybantsa’s favorite Kevin Durant. Young expressed interest in Dybantsa almost immediately after being hired by the university. He met with the Utah Prep student’s parents within weeks of getting the job.

What Has His Commitment to BYU Done for the Cougars?

Now, after Dybantsa’s commitment, the school has made history in the NIL offer extended to the cougar. The ranking of the school has also risen to the top 10. Cougars fans are waiting to see who else BYU will secure to make the most out of landing the number one high school basketball recruit. For now though, other schools and student-athletes have witnessed the power of having millions and direct NBA league experience to back an NIL offer.

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