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No. 1-ranked 2025 prospect AJ Dybantsa is heading to BYU, and his arrival is generating a lot of hype for the school. Even though he may only stay for one year as a one-and-done, the five-star small forward has started to settle in at the Utah-based school.
In an interview with BYUtv Sports Nation, the No. 1-ranked recruit was asked what he has been enjoying during his senior year at Utah Prep, which led Dybantsa to open up and say he is simply enjoying it.
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"I mean, it's just been fun," Dybantsa said. "I mean, senior year is supposed to be the fun year so I mean I'm just trying to enjoy it and not be too bored of it, so just having fun in just going to different cities like my last time in high school. (5:09 mark)
"Really just enjoying it because a lot of people say like when you when you graduate you're going to miss it."
AJ Dybantsa choosing BYU over traditional basketball schools like Kansas and North Carolina shocked many, but some saw it coming.
He studies and plays for Utah Prep, which has connections to BYU, with his father, Ace Dybantsa, being a stakeholder at Utah Prep. He was also reportedly offered a multimillion-dollar NIL deal to sign with the Cougars.
AJ Dybantsa explains why he likes staying in Hurricane, Utah
During that same interview, AJ Dybantsa was asked how he has adjusted to living in Hurricane, Utah, located in the southern portion of the state and considered relatively isolated.
" I mean I only like it 'cause nobody bothers me," he said. "I can go to the Walmart like once a week and I'm good. (5:36-5:47)
Originally, Dybantsa is from Brockton, Massachusetts, but he transferred to Napa Valley in California to play for Prolific Prep. After one year there and teaming up with No. 2-ranked 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes, he left the school to study and play for Utah Prep, and the rest is history.
As for his stint at Utah Prep, he and the Athletes suffered a big loss at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, last weekend. It was against the defending Chipotle national champions, the Montverde Academy Eagles, who won 74-60.
