When AJ Dybantsa stepped onto BYU’s campus this week, he didn’t just walk into Provo — he walked into history.
The No. 1 overall recruit in the country, a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is officially a Cougar. It’s a moment that has electrified the program, fans, and college basketball insiders alike. On a video released on social media, Dybantsa shows off his jump shot, as well as his dance moves. With Dybantsa in the fold, BYU basketball isn’t just aiming to compete — it’s aiming to make national noise.
A Talent Unlike Anything BYU Has Seen
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Dybantsa is not only BYU’s highest-rated recruit ever — he’s arguably the most talented player to ever wear the Cougar blue. At 6’8”, with elite athleticism and advanced scoring instincts, he’s a walking highlight reel. During the McDonald’s All-American Game, Dybantsa flashed his offensive creativity with a polished Euro step through traffic before finishing strong at the rim — a move that left scouts buzzing. Simply put, he makes tough plays look routine.
Instant Impact on a Top-10 Team
Projected to start from day one, Dybantsa joins a BYU team expected to open the season ranked inside the top 10 nationally. His arrival doesn’t just boost the roster — it shifts the program’s ceiling. He adds elite rim pressure, transition explosiveness, and next-level physicality. While he’s already dangerous in the paint, coaches are focused on helping him refine his jumper. If he adds a consistent pull-up shot, the Cougars may have the most complete player in college basketball.
NBA Scouts Are Watching Provo Now
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With Dybantsa on board, NBA scouts will be frequent visitors at the Marriott Center. He’s viewed by most analysts as the early favorite for No. 1 overall in the 2026 Draft. For BYU, that visibility translates to recruiting momentum, national TV exposure, and real championship aspirations.
One thing is clear: BYU basketball just changed overnight.
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