Former NBA players Matt Barnes and Isiah Thomas share their reactions to decorated NBA coach joining AJ Dybantsa's high school 

Before leaving for the Cougars, AJ Dybantsa, the No.1 recruit in the Class of 2025, will have the experience of playing under a former NBA coach as Utah Prep appointed Keith Smart in a surprising move.

Smart, who has the experience of coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings will replace Justin Yamzon, who was relieved of his duties last week.

The news was confirmed by the Recruiting Director for ESPN, Paul Biancardi, on Instagram. The 2017 NBA Champ Matt Barnes and 12-time NBA All-Star Isiah Thomas shared their reaction to Smart joining Dybantsa's school in the comments section of the post:

Former NBA players Matt Barnes and Isiah Thomas share their reaction to decorated NBA coach joining AJ Dybantsa's high school

Thomas stated that Smart gave him his first chance in the NBA, "Yes he is!!! Gave me my first chance in the league."

"Congratulations Coach," Barnes commented.

However, some fans in the comments section were not happy with Justin Yamzon departing the school:

Hoops fans were not happy with the firing of Kevin Young

"What the heck happened here? The little Asian coach didn’t fit the stereotype? Sad how greed and power destroyed something great? How do the boys feel about this or were they even told? Pride comes before the fall," commented a fan.

"Messed up, firing a coach that was doing a great job mid season, way to go @utahprep," another fan commented.

"What happened to the head coach that got them ranked 4th in the nation?!!?!! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Just doesn’t seem right 👎🏼👎🏼🤔," a fan commented.

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AJ Dybantsa gives his take on Keith Smart

While there were some mixed reactions to the appointment of Keith Smart, the 6-foot-9 power forward AJ Dybantsa claimed that Smart is a game-changer while talking to Biancardi:

“Keith Smart is a game-changer,” said AJ Dybantsa, an Utah Prep team captain and No.1 prospect in the ESPN 100. “Having someone with his experience and knowledge is incredible. I’m excited to learn from him and grow as a player and a person. This is going to be a special season.”

As an NBA coach, Smart has a 93-170 record and has also coached former BYU star Jimmer Fredette in Sacramento. As a player, he led the Indiana Hoosiers to the 1987 NCAA Championship after scoring the winner against Syracuse.