AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, has committed to Brigham Young University (BYU). Of course, it’s not every day you see a player of his caliber choose a school like BYU. Now with head coach Kevin Young drawing comparisons to LeBron James, the hype around Dybantsa is off the charts. This isn’t just a big get for the Cougars; this is nothing but a sign that something special might be brewing in Provo.
The Making of a Star: Why AJ Dybantsa’s Game Has Scouts and Coaches Seeing LeBron
AJ Dybantsa is a 6’9” wing from Brockton, Massachusetts, who’s been turning heads since he was a freshman. After earning player of the year honors in his home state, he took his talents to prep schools in California and Utah Prep, where he’s building on his game.
Scouts love him; he’s the consensus No. 1 recruit in his class and has already been projected as the likely top pick in the 2026 NBA draft. What makes him stand out? He’s got the size, the skills, and the versatility, which are mainly why people are comparing him with the all-time greats.
Speaking of greats, we can’t help but talk about that James connection. Dybantsa’s dad, Ace, sees a lot of LeBron in his son. He’s not shy about it either, pointing to AJ’s ability to score, pass, defend, and grab boards like the NBA legend.
Well, this has gone beyond just family hype; BYU’s head coach, Young, is now on board, too, he stated: “I think AJ’s game is similar to a mix between Paul George and LeBron, stylistically,” Young said. Young has worked with some of the best in the pros and has said Dybantsa’s passing is “LeBron-like.” He’s talking about those slick, cross-court dimes that catch everyone off guard. “He can dart passes, kind of crosscourt passes, and things like that,” Young explained.
It’s a bold comparison, but when you watch Dybantsa play, you can see where the coach is coming from; he’s got that rare mix of vision and athleticism that sets him apart.
So, for Dybantsa, this is just the beginning. If he lives up to the LeBron comparisons, and that’s a big if, he could be one of those rare players who transform a program and then take the NBA by storm. The road won’t be easy, though. He’ll face tough competition, high expectations, and the pressure of being the guy everyone’s watching. But if his confidence and skill are any indication, he’s ready for it.
