A.J. Dybantsa, touted as the future of basketball and the consensus top player in the class of 2025, has set the basketball world abuzz with his recent decision to narrow down his college wish list to just seven top programs. In an exclusive interview with Paul Biancardi of ESPN, Dybantsa revealed that he is considering powerhouse teams such as Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Kansas State, and North Carolina. With these seven schools in mind, Dybantsa has excluded other prominent programs such as UConn, Duke, Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky, leaving a total of 23 schools out of the running for his talents.
The 6-8 wing, hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts, has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional skills on the court. Dybantsa, who was named the 2022-23 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year after a standout freshman season at St. Sebastian, quickly rose to prominence as ESPN crowned him the top prospect in the class of 2026. His stellar performance on the court caught the attention of Alabama, Providence, and Michigan, who were the first schools to extend offers to the young phenom back in June 2023.
After reclassifying to the class of 2025, Dybantsa continued to shine, earning second-team MaxPreps All-America honors while playing at Prolific Prep in Napa, Calif. The talented forward showcased his versatility with impressive averages of 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Dybantsa’s decision to team up with JJ Mandaquit, a top point guard in the class of 2025, at Utah Prep for his senior season further underscores his commitment to excellence.
With accolades piling up, including being named the top high school player in the nation by On3 in July 2023, Dybantsa made waves last October when he announced his decision to reclassify to 2025. As a consensus five-star recruit and the undisputed No. 1 prospect in his class according to all major scouting services, Dybantsa boasts an impressive 99.74 overall grade, solidifying his status as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level.
As speculation mounts about Dybantsa’s eventual college destination, the basketball world is on edge, eagerly anticipating where this rising star will make his mark. With a shortlist of seven top-tier programs vying for his services, it remains to be seen which school will emerge victorious in the battle to secure Dybantsa’s commitment. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the countdown to Dybantsa’s college decision begins.
