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When AJ Dybantsa appeared on ESPN's "First Take" on Tuesday to announce his commitment to BYU, many were surprised that he had chosen the Cougars over other blue blood programs. Yet, there were others like five-star point guard Cayden Boozer who saw the BYU decision coming.
Cayden Boozer is the son of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and twin brother of No. 2 ranked Cameron Boozer, one of Dybantsa's big competitors in the 2025 class. BYU was the heavy favorite to ink a deal with the No. 1 ranked prospect though conflicting reports emerged over the past few weeks.
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Here's how Cayden Boozer reacted to the news:
"I put the house on it and it was successful🔥🔥🔥🔥," the Duke commit said.
BYU aggressively recruited Dybantsa, with head coach Kevin Young starting the process while he was still an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns. Dybantsa had made it clear that he wanted to play in the NBA as quickly as possible, and Young's experience coaching top stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker proved to be a big factor in the decision.
As for Cayden Boozer, he and his twin brother Cameron Boozer are going to Duke. Their father, Carlos Boozer won an NCAA title with the Blue Devils and the brothers will hope to uphold that legacy.
AJ Dybantsa reportedly offered a $7 million NIL deal
Basketball insider Adam Zagoria reported that the NIL deal AJ Dybantsa was offered had a value "close to $7 million." Many analysts and fans believe that this deal was a factor in his decision to join the Cougars.
The big NIL deal may also explain why the 6'9" small forward didn't choose the traditional powerhouses and committed to a smaller program like BYU. Dybantsa's commitment decision showcases how NIL has changed the landscape of college sports as we know it.
The 17-year-old hooper plays at the SF position and is a dangerous pull-up shooter with a seven-foot wingspan. The high school star also has a high basketball IQ and is regarded as a generational prospect.
