“KD my favorite player, but I don’t play like him”: AJ Dybantsa names 2 players he models his game after

Class of 2025 No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa chose which college he will go to next year, committing to BYU as many experts predicted. He made his announcement Tuesday on ESPN's "First Take," and explained why he chose Kevin Young's program.

Dybantsa revealed his choice by taking off his jacket to show a BYU T-shirt and taking off his beanie to wear a BYU cap.

"Go Cougs," he said after he made the big reveal.

Dybantsa chose BYU over Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama. He was asked by "First Take" host Stephen A. Smith why he chose the school.

"I mean, a lot stood out on my visit," said AJ Dybantsa. "Obviously, Coach Kevin Young there and my ultimate goal to get to the NBA."

He then explained Young used to coach Kevin Durant when he was still an assistant for the Phoenix Suns, with Durant being his favorite player of all time.

"And you know, he coached one of my favorite players, my favorite player of all time, Kevin Durant, and he had high praise about him" he added.

Dybantsa added BYU also has staff that worked in the NBA, and this was attractive to him. This led co-host Shannon Sharpe to ask if he patterned his game around Kevin Durant, to which the No. 1 prospect admitted that he does not.

"KD my favorite player and I take a lot from his game, but I don't play like him," AJ Dybantsa admitted. "I play like a mix of Tracy McGrady and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]."

BYU coach Kevin Young had been recruiting Dybantsa even when he was still a Suns assistant coach before taking the BYU job. He touted his NBA experience and connections to Dybantsa during recruitment.

AJ Dybantsa likely to be one-and-done with BYU

Dybantsa has not been shy when admitting that he wants to go to the NBA as fast as possible. The BYU commit is expected to be a one-and-done and leave after his freshman year concludes. He is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.