“A lot stood out at my visit,” AJ Dybantsa said moments after announcing his commitment to BYU. “Obviously, coach Kevin Young’s there. My ultimate goal is to get to the NBA, and he coached my favorite player of all time—Kevin Durant.” This was massive for BYU, as Dybantsa became the first five-star prospect to commit to the program since ESPN’s recruiting database began in 2007. But while BYU celebrated, Bruce Pearl’s Auburn was left heartbroken, or rather, the coach.

Recruiting in college basketball isn’t easy, even for the best. Just ask John Calipari. The guy known for winning almost every recruiting battle couldn’t land Cooper Flagg for Arkansas. Something similar happened with Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl for the 2025 class.

In an interview with Dan Patrick of NBC Sports, Bruce revealed the name of the best player he tried to recruit but wasn’t able to sign— BYU’s new commit, AJ Dybantsa. “You know, it’s interesting. AJ Dybantsa, was somebody. That’s a young man that’s going to BYU. He grew up in Boston- actually grew up in Brockton, which is a town outside of where I grew up. And we got in early on him.” 

Coming off a first-round exit in 2024, Pearl & Co. were looking to take the right steps, and for a few days, it looked like they were ticking off the right boxes. Auburn was a front-runner among the 6 programs Dybantsa had narrowed down on following reports of positive conversation with the coach. He was also believed to be the best fit for their frontcourt, where he could grow as a crucial role player, considering the Tigers had lost most of its roster in the position.

But Auburn couldn’t win. The program didn’t even make it to the finish line. When Dybantsa picked out his final four, the Tigers were left off the list. It was particularly a huge L for Bruce Pearl, who gave Auburn its first Top-10 recruiting class in 2018.

“He was one of the highest rated players I think I’ve ever, you know, not gotten,” Pearl added on the podcast. Sure, he missed out on Anthony Edwards too, when he settled on Georgia, but Dybantsa just is a recruit you would not want to miss on.

The 17-year-old is putting up elite numbers, averaging 22.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, per Synergy Sports. But that’s not all! He’s responsible for 41% of Utah Prep’s total points, contributing a massive 31.8 points per game through scoring and assists. Despite being the target of every opposing defense, Dybantsa has maintained impressive efficiency, shooting 51% from the field and 35% from three. That’s why he’s the No. 1 prospect in high school basketball and the favorite to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

But how does the best prospect in the country fit with BYU?

How will AJ Dybantsa fit in BYU

Dybantsa has been coach Young’s top priority since he joined the program last year. His experience as an associate head coach with the Phoenix Suns definitely helped, especially with coaching stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. That connection played a big part in Dybantsa choosing the Cougars. The Utah Prep small forward has already declared that it will be a one-and-done season for him before heading to the NBA Draft.

But how will Dybantsa fit into the squad? According to ESPN, the Cougars run a five-out offense, creating plenty of opportunities at the rim and beyond the arc, areas where Dybantsa has improved this season. Young knows how to bring out the best in elite mid-range players. Dybantsa has been dominant in that area, shooting 62% from the two-point line. For the Cougars to make a championship push next season, it will be crucial for Kevin Young to surround the talented forward with the right pieces.

BYU have hit the jackpot with AJ Dybantsa, leaving Bruce Pearl empty-handed. But with only one season to shape the future star, coach Young will need to ensure he gets all the necessary pieces needed to lead the Cougars on a deep March run.