No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class AJ Dybantsa offers insight into his recruitment process while taking out SEC powerhouse out of the running

AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked junior in the nation, has trimmed the list of schools he is interested in. Dybantsa will choose from Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Kansas State, and North Carolina this winter.

Kentucky Wildcats do not figure in Dybantsa's list. The 6-foot-9, 200-pound forward, who visited the Auburn Tigers, shared that the list was based on his father Anicet 'Ace' Dybantsa's conversation with the coaches. Paul Biancardi of ESPN shared the news:

A.J. Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, has narrowed down his list of schools, telling ESPN he is considering Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Kansas State and North Carolina.

Dybantsa shared that the authenticity of the coaches was the main criterion of his selection of the program:

"I'm looking to build a relationship with a head coach who doesn't sugarcoat anything, but we can still have that bond both on and off the court," he said. "[We can] talk about things on and off the court and play to my strengths while helping me with my weaknesses."

Dybantsa averaged 22.6 points in the EYBL. He shot 82% from the field and 38% from the 3-point range. He led Team USA to a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup.

247Sports ranked Dybantsa as the no.1 recruit of the 2025 class. He has also dominated the NBA draft discussions. Dybantsa's growth trajectory has led many experts to predict that he will be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

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AJ Dybantsa prioritizes family, victory, and development

Dybantsa's father Anicet 'Ace' Dybantsa shared that money was not the priority for Dybantsa, but the father-son duo valued success. Dybantsa went into detail to talk about his preferences:

"These are the pillars that will define my choice for a program. [It needs to be] family-oriented, a winning program, offer development both on the court and in their strength program, and for me to be one-and-done and ready to impact."

As per 247Sports, Auburn Tigers stayed at the top of his list because according to Dybantsa, Bruce Pearl produces 'a lot of guards for the NBA.'

What do you think about the selection of AJ Dybantsa? Which program will suit him the best? Let us know in the comments section below.