WATCH: No. 1 2025 recruit AJ Dybantsa's resurfaced clips highlight his dunking prowess since the 8th grade

AJ Dybantsa, the BYU commit and No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, is currently the most popular name in high school basketball. With a stellar high school career, the 6-foot-9 forward has shown he is leagues apart from other high school basketball players. The Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year has impressed fans and experts alike, with all acknowledging the tons of basketball talent that the youngsters pack.

Dybantsa exploded onto the high school basketball scene with his extraordinary freshman season, where he had 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. But he had already bloomed into an excellent player by the time he reached eighth grade. His tall stature and an uncanny ability to dodge defense enabled him to execute perfect baskets, including dunk shots.

Madehoop posted a throwback video of Dybantsa, the Nike EYBL Peach Jam Offensive MVP of 2024, on its Instagram on Thursday, highlighting his dunking prowess since the 8th grade. It also included the caption:

“AJ Dybantsa was a different breed in eighth grade…💯”

It showcases Dybantsa effortlessly executing powerful dunks, solidifying his status as the top recruit in his class. Playing for Expressions Elite in Nike EYBL’s July 2023 version, Dybantsa scored 25.8 points per game, asserting his dominance on the court and establishing himself as the star of high school basketball.

Since eighth grade, the Massachusetts native has shuffled three schools. After his freshman year at Saint Sebastian High School, Dybantsa moved to Prolific Prep and finally to Utah Prep, where he will conclude his high school basketball career playing the 2024-25 season.

How soon will AJ Dybantsa be picked for the NBA?

On Dec. 10, the standout Utah Prep small forward announced his commitment to BYU on ESPN's "First Take." There were two key factors behind his decision to choose the Kevin Young-led Cougars over other programs (he had 29 offers). One is the whooping NIL offer reported to be between $5 million and $7 million, and the other is to accelerate his entry into the NBA.

Dybantsa wishes to leverage coach Young and his staff’s NBA connections to gain entry into the professional league.

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

With Young (a former NBA assistant coach) on his side, it's safe to assume he will be picked sooner than most hoops fans anticipate. AJ Dybantsa is eligible to declare for the NBA Draft in 2026, provided he meets the league's age and eligibility requirements. The 17-year-old is also regarded as the projected No. 1 pick in 2026.

While it's early to speculate when Dybantsa will be picked for the NBA, given his impressive track record, his future there looks promising.