No. 1 recruit AJ Dybantsa’s “hefty” recruitment cost might range between $7-9 million, claims CBB insider

AJ Dybantsa is the top-ranked high school prospect in the 2025 talent class, making him the most sought-after player. The small forward has attracted over 30 offers before his senior year with Utah Prep, headlined by powerhouses like Duke, Texas Longhorns, USC, Kentucky and UConn.

When Dybantsa narrowed his list to seven schools, a large chunk of the offers were dissolved. With that, Alabama, Baylor, Kansas State, Auburn, Kansas, BYU, and North Carolina are now competing for the best player in the nation.

Speaking on Thursday’s episode of the Field of 86 podcast, CBB Insider Jeff Goodman opined his commitment will involve a significant financial incentive.

“He's gonna get a ton of money, like a ton of money,” Goodman said on the Field of 86 podcast. “I mean again, I don’t know for certainty but I have heard numbers I never thought I would hear. Somewhere in the, it could be $7 to $9 million range, next year, are the numbers I'm hearing right now,” he added.

“Now, again, you can’t prove that yet. Nothing’s done. Revenue sharing is not in yet, so that it could change a little bit but year, these numbers are is gonna be pretty hefty.”

If Jeff Goodman’s evaluation is proven true, AJ Dybantsa’s commitment will be one of a kind and a new example of how players are signed. In a way, Dybantsa will match the maximum pay the fourth pick in the NBA draft is eligible for in his rookie year ($7,587,600).

Last year, Bronny James had the biggest NIL valuation, reportedly over $6 million. Currently, Cooper Flagg holds the top spot in college basketball with a $1.5 million NIL valuation.

Leading colleges battling for AJ Dybantsa’s signature

While the Kansas State Wildcats and North Carolina are in the picture, BYU, Alabama, and Auburn lead the chase for Dybantsa.

BYU is a solid option should AJ Dybantsa stay in Utah next year. Coach Kevin Young has a convincing background as the Phoenix Suns’ associate coach.

Crimson Tide also has a connection to the 6-foot-9 scorer, as assistant coach Preston Murphy trained the youngster in his initial EYBL stints.

Auburn is reportedly the frontrunner in the race, based on the positive conversations held between coach Bruce Pearl, the 17-year-old, and his father, Ace Dybantsa. Auburn’s offense - where he could grow into the shooting guard role in Pearl’s playbook - could be an exciting move for the FIBA U-17 World Cup champion.