NBA scout calls no. 1 recruit in the 2025 class AJ Dybantsa “the best domestic prospect”

By Aman Sharma

Modified Aug 07, 2024 14:37 GMT

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AJ Dybantsa, a standout basketball player from Massachusetts, has garnered significant attention as the premier prospect in the 2025 class. Recognized for his exceptional talent, one NBA scout even described him as “the best domestic prospect” in the past decade. Dybantsa, who reclassified into the 2025 class last October, immediately claimed the top spot and has maintained his position ever since.

Dybantsa displayed his remarkable abilities at the USA U17 Basketball Training Camp, where he exhibited leadership and dominance among elite peers. According to Jamie Shaw of On3, an NBA scout commented:

"AJ Dybantsa would be the No. 1 player in this year’s draft (2024), next year’s draft (2025), and in the 2026 NBA Draft. At this stage, Dybtantsa is the best domestic prospect I’ve scouted in the past 10 years."

Throughout the summer, Dybantsa continued distinguishing himself in various team and camp settings. Standing between 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-9, he boasts an ideal physical profile for a modern wing player, characterized by versatility and positional flexibility.

"Dybantsa’s size gives him an advantage, but so does his athletic fluidity," Shaw added. "Dybantsa has no problem starting and stopping or quickly changing direction with the ball in his hands. This length and athleticism help him find clean looks from most levels on the court."

On May 24, Dybantsa announced his transfer to Hurricane (UT) Utah Prep for his senior season. In the updated 2025 class rankings, he is one of nine five-star prospects and one of eight Five-Star Plus+ prospects in the On3 Industry Ranking.

"Dybantsa’s height, length, and athleticism enable him to create offensive advantages consistently, whether finishing at the rim, through contact, or executing mid-range shots," Shaw further noted.

AJ Dybantsa finalizes schools amid intense recruitment battle

AJ Dybantsa has narrowed his college choices to seven schools. Kansas State, Kansas, Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina, BYU, and Baylor are still in the running for his commitment. Dybantsa has already made official visits to Auburn and USC, with Auburn making the final list while USC did not.

AJ Dybantsa's father revealed he plans to commit in February and sign during the Late Signing Period. Announcing his finalists on ESPN, Dybantsa emphasized his desire to establish a genuine relationship with a head coach.

“I’m looking to build a relationship with a head coach who doesn’t sugarcoat anything, but we can still have that bond both on and off the court,” he explained. “The list is based on the coaches who spoke with my dad the most. I will decide in February.”

In high school, Dybantsa earned the 2022-23 Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. During his freshman year at St. Sebastian’s School, he averaged 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 blocks per game. After transferring to Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep, he reclassified to the 2025 class in October.