“Mammoth day,” “It’s a statement”: NCAAB analysts react to AJ Dybantsa’s college announcement

AJ Dybantsa finally pulled off the curtains over his college decision, announcing he would join BYU. The highly anticipated news came on Tuesday's episode of ESPN's "First Take.”

Dybantsa’s recruitment had been a hot topic amongst hoops fans and analysts alike. However, his commitment to the Cougars didn't come as a surprise to many. BYU was the heavy favorite for the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2025. Even the On3 prediction machine had given the program a whopping 69.2% chance of signing the 6-foot-9 basketball prodigy.

On the same day, well-known basketball analysts Jeff Goodman and Rob Duster weighed in on Dybantsa’s commitment on "The Field of 68: After Dark" YouTube channel. Goodman compared AJ Dybantsa to alumnus Jimmer Fredette, who was the 2011 National Player of the Year during his senior year at the program.

“This kid is going to give Kevin Young juice and that program juice that they have never had before going into the year," Goodman said. "We'll see what he does. Again, Jimmer produced, ah we’ll see how good this team is around him but this is an absolutely mammoth, mammoth day for BYU basketball." (0:36)

On the other hand, Rob Duster had a different take on AJ Dybantsa's decisions, calling it:

“It’s a statement.” (0:57)

Duster attributed the monetary gains that BYU reportedly offered Dybantsa (NIL package of up to $4.5 million) in playing a huge role in securing the commitment of the Utah Prep Hurricane standout.

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Why did AJ Dybantsa pick the BYU Cougars?

Dybantsa, who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft, was down to four programs out of the 29 offers he received: Alabama, Kansas, BYU and North Carolina. He previously announced that his college commitment update would come in February next year, but his plan changed.

"The original plan was to commit in February." Dybantsa told ESPN's Paul Biancardi. "If I know where I want to go, why wait? It's probably going to be in December. I feel I will be ready by then."

For AJ Dybantsa, coach Kevin Young and his NBA experience were the biggest reasons for him picking BYU over other programs:

"Coach Young's NBA background played a big factor in my decision. He came from the NBA. He coached NBA players. You cannot get any closer to where I want to be."

But the process wasn't easy, as he said:

"This was a tough decision. The hardest part about the recruiting process is after every visit you want to go to that school.”

Now if he signs with the team next year, Dybantsa will bring his exceptional scoring abilities and high game IQ to BYU.