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AJ Dybantsa, the no. 1 high school basketball recruit and projected top pick in the 2026 NBA draft, sparked a social media firestorm with his recent college commitment announcement. The 6'9" phenom chose BYU over Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina, unveiling his decision in dramatic fashion via a continuation video of a Red Bull-themed stunt.
The video, which was shared on his official Instagram page @aj.dybantsa on December 10, featured a skydiver sporting a Red Bull logo handing AJ Dybantsa a BYU hat. Fans, however, had mixed reactions to the news, with some questioning his decision to join BYU, a school not traditionally known for producing NBA stars:
"Sold your soul to the Mormons 🤣 Not winning anything on that team," one fan said.
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"Bro, dumb decision. URI was calling your name. Terrible mistake. URI will own BYU for years to come. You WILL regret this decision," another stated.
Some fans also raised concerns about NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals taking precedence over athletic legacy, as they believed AJ Dybantsa's choice was heavily influenced by BYU's partnership with the $18.98 billion energy drink giant.
"Lmao bro sold his soul to the Mormons," one fan exclaimed.
"NIL is killing college basketball," said another.
Despite the backlash and criticisms, some fans have chosen to welcome Dybantsa with open arms, excited to see the generational talent don the Cougars' jersey:
"Easily the best player to ever put on a BYU uniform ✅ go be great AJ," one fan wrote.
"Welcome to the greatest fanbase in the nation AJ," another commented.
"Haters gonna hate!!! Welcome to BYU," one supporter proclaimed.
AJ Dybantsa cited BYU's NBA connections as a significant factor in his decision, particularly the influence of head coach Kevin Young, who coached NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Speaking to ESPN, he said:
"At BYU, the whole staff from the head coach on down came from the NBA. Coach Young's NBA background played a big factor in my decision."
Despite the backlash, Dybantsa's potential remains undeniable. He's a proven star on the court, and he'll be hoping to replicate his incredible high school career at the college level.
Cougars climb to 11th nationally following AJ Dybantsa's commitment
With AJ Dybantsa joining four-star recruits Xavion Staton and Chamberlain Burgess, the Cougars are establishing themselves as a legitimate powerhouse on the national stage.
With Dybantsa's commitment, the guidance coach Young, and a staff boasting NBA-level experience, the team is currently ranked 11th nationally. It is safe to say the team is evolving and growing in relevance, reputation, and quality, and Dybantsa's decision to commit further reflects this.
Five-star Dybantsa is the highest-ranked and the only five-star recruit ever to commit to BYU. Hopefully, the program will rally around him to achieve his ambitious goals of an NCAA title and NBA readiness. For fans, the announcement is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in college basketball.
