The elation of AJ Dybantsa might not last long as a perplexing BYU move prompts a harsh reality check.

At just 17, AJ Dybantsa is no stranger to the spotlight. Regarded as the No. 1 recruit in high school basketball’s class of 2025, he has dazzled fans with his versatility and skill, leaving powerhouse programs like Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas vying for his commitment. Yet, when Dybantsa announced his decision to join BYU, a less traditional basketball powerhouse, the reaction was as swift as it was skeptical. Was it about the NBA-caliber coaching staff he cited—or the rumored $7 million NIL deal?

On a recent episode of Field of 68: After Dark, college basketball analyst John Henson voiced his bewilderment over Dybantsa’s decision. “Um, it confuses me because I think personally becoming a household name at a power school does more for you than any amount of money,” Henson said.

He further stated, “I mean, knock on wood, barring him not being healthy or something drastic happening, he’s going to sign a $50 million deal eight months after his $5 million NIL deal. You know, he’s the number one pick. So, you know, it’s hard for me to fathom because I was a top-ranked kid in my high school class. So I’m not going to sit there and say I wouldn’t have run to the money. But I definitely wouldn’t have went to BYU. I know that for a fact.” This was while explaining the importance of prioritizing mentorship over money in college basketball on the podcast.

For his part Dybantsa’s, decision to join BYU was strategic. In fact, it was the Cougar’s head coach Kevin Young, who has experience with stars like Kevin Durant who was a key factor in his choice.

Dybantsa emphasized that Coach Young’s background with KD played a significant role, noting that it brought him closer to his ultimate goal of reaching the NBA. The discussion took a heated turn on the podcast when John Martin challenged the notion that coaching experience alone justified the decision.

After Matt McCall mentioned, “You know, Kevin Young has the NBA background, right?” Martin cut in sharply, “Oh, no. Stop it. We’re not going to sit here and act like, oh, the coach has an NBA background and he chose BYU. Come on, dawg. I mean, I ain’t letting that one fly.

It’s a compelling argument, but critics, including fans, aren’t entirely convinced. The senior has averaged 14 points, 5 assists, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals per game in two games so far. In his freshman and junior seasons, the 6-ft-9 forward averaged 20 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. With these stats, many presume that he would have been a top pick in the NBA anyway. So, choosing a less-stories program really wise for the young talent?

From top recruit to BYU: A bold leap or a risky gamble for AJ Dybantsa?

The scrutiny surrounding Dybantsa’s move goes beyond his basketball prospects. With BYU not being a traditional college basketball powerhouse, the decision has prompted questions about its long-term implications.

While BYU’s burgeoning NIL ecosystem boasts support from over 875 donors across 30 states, it doesn’t have a place in AP college basketball’s top 25 rankings and even ranks 57 according to NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings. Hence, his decision as a top recruit to choose such an institution despite being the nation’s top recruit is even more confounding.

Yet, for all the financial chatter, the Utah Prep Academy senior remains steadfast in his goal. “My ultimate goal is to get to the NBA,” Dybantsa said. However, broadcasters like Stephen A. Smith have suggested that a more storied program, such as North Carolina, might have been a better springboard.