Top Recruit AJ Dybantsa Embraces Family, Basketball at BYU

PROVO, Utah — Just minutes into his interview on the “Y’s Guys” podcast Monday night, AJ Dybantsa revealed there are two sides to him. He is not just the world’s top basketball recruit, projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft; he is also a humble young man from Brockton, Massachusetts, who treasures family and humor.

“I’m a big family guy. I do everything for my family and with my family,” Dybantsa shared. “It’s good to have my family around knowing that I have unconditional love to the left and right of me.” His upbringing instilled hard work and dedication, qualities that he credits to his parents.

In his early days at Brigham Young University (BYU), Dybantsa, who is known for his fiery competitive spirit on the court, portrays a different demeanor off it. “If you see me on the court, it’s a horrible representation of who I really am,” he said. “I’m mad on the court. I play angry. Off the court, I’m just chill.”

Dybantsa began his training recently, working with coach Kevin Young and several fellow players. “It was intense. I was tired. I’m still getting used to the 94-foot court, which is different from high school,” he explained. His excitement about being part of the Cougars is evident but tempered by the realities of team formation.

When asked about BYU’s preseason buzz, Dybantsa said, “It’s good, but anything that comes out before the season, you shouldn’t really pay attention to. We don’t even have our full team.” He noted that several players are on their way.

Despite his skyrocketing reputation, Dybantsa does not shy away from the nerves of making his Marriott Center debut. He previously made headlines after announcing his commitment to BYU during a halftime ceremony last December, receiving a warm ovation from fans. “I didn’t know what I was doing. I thought, ‘Wait, when do I pull my hands down?'” he recalled, smiling.

Now, with the first week of his semester behind him, Dybantsa feels at home in Provo. “Now that I live here, I’m always going to be part of the community. I will definitely try to do community work here,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his choice to join BYU, Dybantsa said, “KY is doing such a great job… A first-year coach making it to the Sweet 16. You can’t beat that. My main goal is to make the NBA, so why not get that information years earlier?”

With two dynamic personas, Dybantsa’s competitive nature on the court combined with his family-oriented personality off it offers a unique dynamic for the Cougars as they prepare for an exciting season.