"Them two little muh'f**kers, they're both pros": Former North Carolina star Theo Pinson names two high school prospects ready for big leagues

By Rotsen Rick Tidoy

Modified Oct 26, 2024 15:35 GMT

G League star Theo Pinson, who once played for the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets, has been making his opinions known on his "Run Your Race Podcast." During Friday's episode, he heaped praise on two high school basketball stars in particular: AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes.

"Like this new kid, AJ Dybantsa," he said. "AJ Dybantsa, Tyran Stokes. They could play with us. Them two little muh'f**kers, they're both pros."

While Dybantsa is the undisputed No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2025, there is still some dispute about whether Stokes or Brandon McCoy Jr. is the No. 1 prospect from the Class of 2026. On3 and Rivals list Stokes as the No. 2 and McCoy as the No. 1, while 247Sports and ESPN have it the other way around.

However, what most experts do agree on is that Stokes and Dybantsa are top-tier talent in high school, with both likely getting drafted into the NBA in the future.

Dybantsa, who is now down to his final seven schools, is projected to likely stay just one year in college before joining the NBA draft in 2026. He and Class of 2025 rival Cameron Boozer are projected to either be the No. 1 or the No. 2 draft pick during that year.

SportsCenter noted that the "2026 NBA Draft is close enough to warrant some early scouting" and that the two favorites to be the No. 1 pick are still Boozer and Dybantsa.

As for Stokes, he is still about to play his junior year at Notre Dame in California. However, he is already beginning to impress many scouts, with several schools already vying for his commitment.

North Carolina Tar Heels aiming for AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes' commitment

Theo Pinson, before his runs in the NBA and G League, was once one of the brightest stars in North Carolina, helping the Tar Heels capture the NCAA championship in 2017. His alma mater is also looking at the two high school basketball stars with interest.

North Carolina has already sent offers to Stokes and Dybantsa, with Dybantsa including the school in his final seven after his official visit to Chapel Hill. He will make his official decision in February next year, with his final schools being BYU, Kansas State, Alabama, North Carolina, Auburn, Kansas and USC.

Meanwhile, the school is one of many that offered Tyran Stokes a basketball scholarship, though the high school junior is not seen to make any decisions on his college future anytime soon.