NCAA Basketball: A look at early options for No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa

Star NCAA Basketball prospect AJ Dybantsa has moved up to the 2025 recruiting class. Which programs are early contenders for his services?

While most of the Summer talk has been about Cooper Flagg, many recruiting experts and analysts have made cases that he’s not even the best high school prospect. To some, that honor has gone to AJ Dybantsa, a 6’9 small forward from Massachusetts. He’s an incredible two-way prospect, with truly next to no weaknesses.

Dybantsa has been highly impressive whenever he’s been in front of scouts. His size and pure scoring ability instantly made him the top prospect in the 2026 class but now, he’s opted to move up to the 2025 group. So we’ll still have to wait a couple of years before he’d get onto a college court but the timeline has moved on.

In an article by Eric Bossi of 247sports, Dybantsa brought up a list of three schools that he’s interested in visiting. The No. 1 overall prospect will have a full recruitment in the next 18 months but for now, these are the way-too-early contenders. Here’s a look at the potential fit with them.

Auburn Tigers

Whether its five-star prospects or mid-major transfers, Coach Bruce Pearl is one of the best when it comes to developing players, even at the SEC level. And Auburn could use Dybantsa, as they don’t have a true wing on its roster. Ideally, JUCO transfer Chad Baker-Mazara is both effective and sticks around for two years so they can bring this star prospect. Plus, having 5-star 2024 PG commit Tahaad Pettiford stay for an extra year would be helpful.

USC Trojans

While Andy Enfield isn’t known as an elite head coach, he’s still been able to recruit at a very high level. He has not only Bronny James but also Isaiah Collier, the No. 1 incoming freshman. So how Collier looks will be a great observation for Dybantsa to watch. And now that he plays his college ball in the state, USC could really be a viable option for him.

Washington Huskies

A connection with a member of the coaching staff is what has the Huskies linked with Dybantsa. And considering how just about everyone outside of freshman wing Wesley Yates will be gone after this season, Dybantsa can come in and be the obvious star of the team and have the offense run through him.

The clear question with Washington is whether the coaching staff will even stick around for the next two years. There’s pressure on this program to succeed and get back into the NCAA Tournament. If that happens, it’ll greatly improve their chances to land the top prospect in the 2025 class.