NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 4 teams for No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa

Once superstar high school prospect Cooper Flagg reclassified to join the 2024 NCAA Basketball recruiting class, all of the attention for the 2025 group is on AJ Dybantsa. He’s a 6’9 small forward with all the tools and skills to be an elite basketball player. He’s a dynamic scorer anywhere on the court and can be an instant go-to option for any team.

As the easy consensus No. 1 prospect in the class, Dybantsa’s recruitment has been a major storyline for the past few months. But it looks as if it’s coming to an end, with four teams in the mix. Which of them is the best option for his services? Here’s a closer look.

Alabama Crimson Tide

With Hall of Fame Football Coach Nick Saban gone, Dybansta could become the new face of Alabama athletics. Coach Nate Oats and his offensive system could be perfect for the No. 1 prospect coming off the program's first-ever Final Four. Plus, with Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and other seniors leaving, he can step in and be the go-to option a year from now.

BYU Cougars

The Cougars have been looking to make a splash on the recruiting trail, having successes with Kanon Catchings and Egor Demin. BYU isn’t a basketball school but being in the Big 12 will be great for his profile if he can dominate. And unlike the other options. Dybantsa would be the greatest pickup in program history, compared to many of the other 5-stars the others brought in. But they must add to him to guarantee they can be a Final Four threat.

Kansas Jayhawks

Bill Self and the Jayhawks are probably the safest option for Dybantsa. They were the No. 1 team before this week and always have quality teams that can compete in March. They also have 5-star SG Darryn Peterson in the class, and pairing him with Dybansta would make them the preseason No. 1 team next year. However, he may not have the biggest role compared to some of the other options.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Like with Sears at Alabama, UNC will be losing its star (RJ Davis) after this year, with freshmen Ian Jackson and Drake Powell potentially going pro. It’s a program with a great basketball history, including NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. Dybantsa could be able to play Duke and play for a blue blood, while also being the clear go-to option for the Heels.

Dybantsa could thrive at any of the four options with a decision looming. If coaching matters, Bama and Kansas stand out. If building a profile is important, then BYU and UNC have compelling cases. Either way, one of these four will be a major storyline/topic for the 2025-26 campaign.