AJ Dybantsa, the top ranked hooper in the class of 2025, signed a groundbreaking NIL deal with the globally renowned energy drink company Red Bull. The deal elevated his place in the NIL ranking, making him the richest high school player.
With a $1.9 million valuation, the Utah Prep school star surpassed a slew of high-profile ballers in the NIL hierarchy, including Bryce James, Duke commit Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson. He also became the first men's basketball player to ink a deal in the history of the brand.
Dybantsa detailed his ambitions for the agreement during a Monday conversation with Jordan Richard on 'The Youngins' sports podcast.
"I partnered with Red Bull. Me and Red Bull are partners now. I think it was a great partnership coming," AJ said. "It's gonna be beneficial for both of us. The platform that they have and I think we fit right in with each other, so it's gonna be special."
AJ Dybantsa has been very selective with NIL deals and has only one previous endorsement with Nike. Although the 6-foot-9 small forward didn't disclose specifics surrounding his compensation package with the Red Bull deal, he noted that the partnership extended beyond just monetary rewards.
"If you stay to yourself, you work hard. ... I mean not taking the money right now and not always taking the fast money, which is not always the best option, so take what's right and you'll be good," he added.
"The partnership was right there, like, Red Bull gives you wings, and I can for sure fly, so it's a special partnership."
AJ Dybantsa rocks BYU uniform during the school visit
AJ Dybantsa, a young phenom from Brockton, Massachusetts, made an official visit to BYU this weekend. This was his second trip to Provo, Utah since he made an unofficial visit to the school this summer.
During the visit, Dybantsa sported the Cougar blue with pride. He also shared multiple pictures on Instagram that showed him posing in BYU gear alongside another top prospect JJ Mandaquit.
"cougar nation whats the word?," AJ captioned the post.
AJ Dybantsa has credited Brigham's new coach Kevin Young as the reason he's considering BYU.
"Young’s NBA connections play a role; that’s why BYU is in the mix. However, all seven schools bring unique elements to the table, justifying their presence on my list," he said.
Dybantsa narrowed his scholarship offers to seven in August: BYU, Alabama, North Carolina, Kansas, Kansas State, Auburn and Baylor. At the moment, he's going through the process of official visits. In September he went to Kansas, UNC and Alabama.
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here