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"Jordan —> Carter —> Dybansta": Hoops fans react to No. 1 prospect A.J. Dybantsa's Michael Jordan-esque dunk

Modified Sep 26, 2024 17:53 GMT

A.J. Dybantsa, the top-ranked high school basketball player in the 2025 class, has set the internet on fire with a highlight-reel dunk that’s drawn lofty comparisons to NBA legends. A video of Dybantsa dunking from the free throw line was posted on Instagram by Bleacher Report Hoops on Thursday, prompting fans to compare his athletic prowess to Michael Jordan and Paul George.

One fan even elevated the young star into an elite lineage by commenting:

“Jordan —> Carter —> Dybantsa,” one fan said.

“My hoop dreams never stood a chance,” another fan said.

Here is how fans are expressing their reactions:

Dybantsa’s combination of size and skill makes him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to pull up from anywhere on the court, paired with a polished handle, allows him to score in both half-court sets and transition. This versatility and his high basketball IQ have made him a force on both ends of the floor.

Off the court, Dybantsa is making moves as well. The Brockton, Massachusetts native and Utah Prep standout recently completed an official visit to North Carolina, one of the many top programs vying for his commitment.

Other schools in his recruitment mix include Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, and Kansas State. Notably, he has already visited Kansas, Kansas State, and Auburn, while Alabama, Baylor, and BYU are slated for upcoming official visits.

A.J. Dybantsa continues official visits amid stellar final prep season

As the No. 1 ranked player in the class of 2025, A.J. Dybantsa is in the thick of his college recruitment process, visiting the final seven schools vying for his commitment. The highly touted wing recently completed visits to Kansas, Kansas State, and North Carolina, with more stops on the horizon.

Spending his last prep season at Utah Prep in Hurricane, Utah, Dybantsa is embracing his new surroundings.

"It's good so far," said Dybantsa. "I like the environment. The campus is good and the team is bonding well from the jump. We are getting ready for the actual season with these preseason games."

His preparation even included a team trip to China, where Utah Prep emerged as champions. Reflecting on the experience, Dybantsa said:

"China was good. That was my first time over there. It was different, but it was a crazy experience going over there with the guys and actually winning the championship," Dybantsa said.

A.J. Dybantsa's recruitment has been a strategic process, including a spring visit to Auburn.

"We knew what the culture was, we knew what the personality was, we knew what the coaching was and we knew what the playing style was. It was mainly about feeling where we best fit in at environment wise and style of play was," Dybantsa told 247Sports.

A.J. Dybantsa is set to visit Alabama next, followed by Baylor, and will cap off his visits at BYU in mid-October.