Amid $7 Million NIL Claims, BYU Coach Cites ‘Diversity’ Ties With AJ Dybantsa as 17,000 Fans Welcome Future Cougar

AJ Dybantsa finally dropped the most anticipated recruitment news of the year, committing to BYU after months of speculation, campus visits, and endless social media chatter. The No. 1 basketball recruit in the class of 2025 made his announcement on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday. While rumors of NIL deals swirl, BYU’s coach Kevin Young had a clear answer as to why AJ chose the Cougars.

“The staff did a tremendous job,” Young shared. “We had a lot of commonalities with their family. My staff has a pretty diverse background, and we were able to find a lot of common ground with them—his mom, dad, and even his sisters.” 

That shared understanding and mutual respect were the foundation of a relationship months in the making. However, the rumors have a different story to tell. Dybantsa’s NIL value is reportedly nearing $7 million. According to The New York Times, this figure played a significant role in his recruitment. 

In today’s college basketball landscape, NIL deals are game-changers. While the financial aspect will always be in the picture, the Cougars Nation has welcomed the future NBA star with open arms. Just 24 hours after his big announcement, AJ made his way to Provo, Utah, for a surprise appearance at BYU’s home game against Fresno State. 

And what a welcome he received! As the Marriott Center, with its 17,978-seat capacity, buzzed with excitement, the arena dimmed, and a highlight reel played on the big screen. Set to Gunna’s “On One Tonight,” the video showcased his skills and commitment before cutting to the star himself walking onto the court.

Fans erupted in cheers as AJ hyped up the crowd, soaking in the moment with a wide grin. He waved and thanked the audience. That pretty much was a teaser that he is already a crowd favorite. But the question on everyone’s mind remains the same: Why did Dybantsa choose BYU over Blue Bloods?

AJ Dybantsa reveals why BYU was the perfect fit

According to Coach Kevin Young, recruiting the no. 1 recruit was meticulous. The coach admitted this journey began months before. “It started when I was still in the NBA. I went back during one of our games, and AJ’s family was touring the campus. That’s when we first connected.”

The BYU staff went all in after AJ’s family narrowed their options. It wasn’t just about scouting games; it was about building trust. For the 17-year-old, though, it wasn’t just the rapport. Kevin Young’s NBA experience was a massive factor. “[Young] coached one of my favorite players of all time, Kevin Durant,” Dybantsa revealed.

Along with Young’s vision for development, that connection sealed the deal. “I play like a mix of Tracy McGrady and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander],” he said, adding that his “point forward” style could thrive at BYU.

Even Coach Young couldn’t stop praising Dybantsa, “He’s a fun young man to talk to. He’s mature beyond his years, incredibly intelligent, and just has a great head on his shoulders. You wouldn’t believe he’s still in high school.”

Another big reason for the small forward was the Cougars’ coaching staff, stacked with NBA expertise. From the head coach to the analytics team to the dietician, AJ called it an “all-NBA staff.” He expressed, “My ultimate goal is to get to the NBA. I think [BYU] is going to be the best development program for me.”

This recruitment was truly a defining moment for BYU. With his unique skill set, the baller is set to make an immediate impact on BYU’s roster. The Cougars, already returning to a strong core of veterans, are now certain to make noise in the Big 12 and beyond.