AJ Dybantsa admits he’s only looking for ‘one-and-done’ collegiate basketball experience, “I’m unselfish, I can play with anybody”
As much hype as Cooper Flagg has received as the NBA’s next big generational talent, AJ Dybantsa is right behind him - having already made a name nationwide as a five-star recruit and as the potential undisputed No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Standing at 6’9” and weighing 210 pounds, with an impressive 7-foot wingspan, the 17-year-old is already a striking basketball talent with incredible athleticism to become the next defensive phenom.
Moreover, the fact that he has received offers from ‘35’ different college programs highlights how highly experts see his potential. With the basketball world behind him, Dybantsa recently dwelled deep on the criteria he’ll use to select his final destination.
Dybantsa only wants a year in collegiate basketball
Though his game has yet to evolve, Dybantsa already boasts a lethal pull-up jumper with a high release and smooth rotation that seems impossible to stop. AJ already has plenty of eyeballs around him after averaging 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game during his time at St. Sebastian School, yet he never let that get into his head. Instead, he worked relentlessly to lead Nike Peach Jam in scoring in 2023 by averaging 25.3 points per game.
Put simply, it became clear to all that the 6’9” forward possessed an unprecedented desire to improve his game rather than enjoying the early success.
On a recent appearance on Pocdats P, the 17-year-old forward discussed his criteria for choosing his final destination among the seven choices he has made: Alabama, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Kansas State, Auburn, and North Carolina.
“Me and my family have pillars like, we need a family-oriented school. I need a coach that is not gonna sugarcoat. I need the best and fastest development plan. I’m tryna be a one-and-done… need a winning organization. I just picked the best seven schools I think fit that,” Dybantsa said. “I think I can play anywhere. My playing style - I’m unselfish, I can play with anybody… I’m just tryna choose the school that’s best for me.”
Dybantsa only wants to hoop
AJ is already expected to land a substantial NIL deal, with BYU reportedly prepared to offer him between $4 and $4.5 million. Despite this, he shared that he is not involved in any recruitment discussions as his priority is solely to improve his skill set to be ready for the big stage.
“Before I narrowed my list down, my dad talked to all the coaches. I had what? 35 offers. I did not talk to one of them,” Dybantsa added. “I’m like, ‘I’m about to go hoop. I’m not tryna answer 35 calls respectfully… not going to 35 visits.”
With all the unprecedented hype surrounding him, Dybantsa is now in a different category where he must showcase his ability to live up to the enormous hype. This means successfully transitioning from high school to college basketball and refining his skills and strengths to make an even smoother leap from college to the NBA. Will he be able to do so effectively? It remains to be seen.
