How will No. 1 recruit AJ Dybantsa fit into Kevin Young's BYU? Exploring his potential fit and impact for the Cougars next season 

By Rotsen Rick Tidoy

Modified Dec 11, 2024 19:34 GMT

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AJ Dybantsa committed to BYU on Tuesday, becoming the school's most celebrated recruit. He chose the school over a rising powerhouse in Alabama and blue-blood schools like Kansas and North Carolina, setting a precedent in recruiting. The question now is, how will the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class fit into the Cougars' system under former Phoenix Suns assistant coach Kevin Young?

One of the most attractive things for Dybantsa in choosing BYU was Young's NBA connections, with his staff all having worked for NBA teams. With him choosing BYU, the school has now become a more attractive choice for those seeking to go to the NBA as soon as possible.

This may be the case for BYU's Russian freshman Egor Demmings, who would likely be a one-and-done and leave for the NBA draft when the season ends. Fellow freshman Kanon Catchings might do the same as well.

This trend of producing one-and-done athletes leaving for the NBA as soon as possible would be what Dybantsa wants, but will he go well with those who choose to stay? The answer is still up to the five-star small forward, although he has a big opportunity to assert himself as the team's primary scoring threat.

Adam Finklestein of 247Sports believes AJ Dybantsa would fit in nicely with the current crop of BYU Cougars who are likely to stay next year, including Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, Dallin Hall and freshman Mihailo Boskovic:

"Ideally, he will surrounded by enough shooting to space the floor, experienced decision-makers so that he doesn't have the burden of being a primary ball-handler, and two lob threats at the rim in Keita and Staton."

Then, there is Kevin Young's new system, which has been branded PROvo, which boasts staff and coaches with connections with professional sports. The branding has already promised recruits, including Dybantsa, that there would be a four-pronged approach to their development as players. This includes an advanced strength and conditioning program, nutrition, and mental performance.

With Dybantsa going to BYU to hasten his arrival in the NBA, more players who want to play professionally are expected to follow suit. There are also players aiming to go to BYU via the transfer portal and international market, although who these will be and how well they might work with AJ Dybantsa is anybody's guess at the moment.

What is certain is that Dybantsa is expected to make a big impact upon arrival at BYU. On the court, he is expected to be the team's top scorer, with current players expected to compliment him well. Off the court, he has changed everything, especially in the NIL era of recruiting, with multi-million dollar deals expected for top recruits and the school attracting more one-and-dones.

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AJ Dybantsa reveals which NBA teams he wants to play for

During his appearance on ESPN's "First Take" on Tuesday, AJ Dybantsa also revealed that when he finally enters the NBA draft, he would like to be drafted by either the Orlando Magic or the San Antonio Spurs. However, Dybantsa would only be eligible in 2026, and a lot could still happen between now and that time.

When the 2026 NBA draft happens, Dybantsa is likely to be the No. 1 draft pick, and neither Orlando nor San Antonio might be able to land him because the two teams have been starting to win. Over at Orlando, the team is seen as a playoff contender in the East, while San Antonio is a rising power in the West with Victor Wembanyama leading the Spurs.