Just imagine being so talented that every elite college basketball program wants you on their roster. That’s the life AJ Dybantsa is living right now. At just 17, the Hurricane (Utah) Prep star is the No. 1 high school recruit for 2025, and colleges like Duke, UConn, Auburn, and Kansas have been knocking on his door for years. Now, finally, the most anticipated news of his college choice is about to drop.

Dybantsa is set to announce his college decision live on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday, December 10, at 10:30 AM ET. The moment fans and analysts have been speculating about is finally here. So, where will this future NBA star land? He has narrowed his choices to four schools: Alabama, BYU, Kansas, and North Carolina. 

For the longest time, BYU seemed like the obvious frontrunner, with recruiting expert Travis Branham even predicting a BYU commitment back in October. However, as Branham recently wrote, things are “murkier” now, and “conflicting information is swirling.”

And all this hype is well justified. Why wouldn’t anyone want a 6-foot-9 forward with a rare blend of size, skill, and athleticism? On top of that, the baller is a scoring machine, and his ability to dominate both ends of the floor has made him a nightmare for opponents. Experts already view him as a likely one-and-done player, with projections putting him as a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

And that’s not all. With college basketball’s NIL era in full swing, Dybantsa is expected to secure a major NIL deal, rumored to be worth $3-$4 million. So, while the focus from BYU has shifted, the tide seems to have turned to Alabama. More like the entire America now believes Alabama is the dark horse that might just win the race. 

“Save the drama, It’s Bama”? Fans share their thoughts on AJ Dybantsa’s decision

The Crimson Tide, under coach Nate Oats, has become a powerhouse for developing NBA-caliber players. With their recent success, it’s easy to see why Dybantsa might choose Alabama. A user started the string of ‘for sure Bama’ comments saying, “Bama, Enjoy Your Recruit from a UNC Fan! 🥺”

North Carolina. A storied program with a fanbase as passionate as they come. Back in September, UNC pulled out all the stops, hosting Dybantsa for a key visit. Fans were hopeful. But despite their efforts, the Tar Heels haven’t landed anyone significant in the class yet. And now, fans are left reminiscing about what could have been.

Another one was certain writing, “Definitely BYU or Bama.” BYU has been a top contender for months, with a source even telling Pete Nakos that they were “prepared to pay” Dybantsa between $4 million and $4.5 million in NIL deals. Meanwhile, there are no reports about money matters from Alabama, but the young star seemed to enjoy his official visit in late September, sharing Instagram stories. “Bama BTS 🎱,” he wrote.

A third one echoed the same sentiment, “Alabama or byu honestly.” While BYU rolled out the red carpet during his October visit for the BYU-Arizona football game, and he will be given elite treatment, the same goes for Alabama. Not only would joining the Crimson Tide mean playing for one of college basketball’s fastest-rising programs, but the hooper would also be their highest-ranked player in history.

The next one was the same, “Let Me Guess… Alabama.” On top of everything,  you must know that Dybantsa has some strong ties to Alabama. Nate Oats’ assistant coach, Preston Murphy, was Dybantsa’s first EYBL coach at Team Expressions, giving them a personal connection that’s hard to ignore.

Plus, Alabama’s player development track record (Brandon Miller) aligns perfectly with Dybantsa’s two-way versatility and NBA aspirations. A commitment here would solidify Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class as one of the best, with other top commits like Amari Allen and London Jemison already in the picture.

Well, if the fans are to be believed, this whole debate might just be a formality. “Save the drama, it’s bama,” one said. Despite offers from elite programs like Kansas, UConn, and Duke, it’s Alabama that seems to have captured Dybantsa’s heart. While nothing is official yet, the Crimson Tide’s rise has skeptics admitting, “Can’t believe that school is now more attractive than most high-level colleges.”

For now, it’s all speculation until the big announcement. Whether it’s BYU, Alabama, or a wild-card choice, AJ Dybantsa will make a mark in his collegiate career. Tuesday’s going to be fun!