by Daniel Johnson
June 15, 2025
As BYU’s first-ever five-star recruit, the expectations for Dybantsa’s freshman season are sky excessive.
AJ Dybantsa, the primary highschool participant within the nation and arguably the largest faculty basketball signing in Brigham Younger College’s historical past, additionally leads all of faculty basketball in NIL valuationlogging an estimated $4.1 million worth in keeping with Athlon Sports activities.
In line with their reporting, his portfolio, though considerably selective, like fellow West Coast native Juju Watkins, additionally comprises a good quantity of groundbreaking NIL offers. The 6’9 Dybantsa is reportedly the primary male basketball athlete to be sponsored by Crimson Bull and like Watkins, he’s additionally signed to Nike, his deal is valued at over $4 million.
As BYU’s first ever 5 star recruit, the expectations for Dybantsa’s freshman season are sky excessive, and though he has denied rumors that he has a $7 million contract with the college, BYU has been projected to take care of the defending convention champions, the College of Houston, for the Massive 12 title due largely to his presence on the group.
No matter how BYU’s season goes, Dybantsa has already indicated that he’s going to be a one and executed participant and can declare for the NBA draft on the finish of his freshman yr.
In line with The Athletic, his rejection of the rumors of a $7 million NIL contract from BYU squares together with his distaste over receiving a $1,000 grant which being awarded the Gatorade Nationwide Participant of the 12 months entitled him to.
As he informed the outlet, “Don’t take something as a right.” Dybantsa’s father, Ace, is Congolese, and gave him a lesson on the haves and have nots on a go to to Brazzaville, the capital of the Congo. “Persons are much less lucky and don’t have what now we have. If I proceed this route, I’m going to get much more cash than that. So, I would as nicely simply donate (that verify) again to the group.”
Dybantsa, if he pans out because the draft prospect that scouts imagine he will be, will most assuredly be firmly within the haves camp, per an evaluation that an nameless NBA entrance workplace govt offered to The Athletic.
“He’s what the NBA is on the lookout for. Wings with official measurement that perceive the sport can create offense after which, in concept, can guard a number of guys,” the chief stated.
Dybantsa appeared unconcerned with the precise worth of his offers in January when he informed the outlet that his offers kind of had been executed by his father, and he simply desires to hoop.
“Individuals simply gonna discuss, however I (didn’t) even know the way a lot I’m getting. They simply inform my dad all of that. I’m attempting to make it to the NBA, so wherever they’ll get me the quickest there with one of the best improvement, there’s a complete lot of pillars that include it. Cash’s going to come back if I do the work, so I’m not fearful in regards to the cash in a yr,” Dybantsa stated.
An instance of his aversion to chasing a bag simply to chase a bag is his NIL cope with the prep academy Utah Prep, which he selected to signal a $600,000 cope with to complete his highschool profession with, regardless of having a extra profitable supply from Florida’s extra prestigious Montverde Academy.
“Montverde, we will use them for example, I’m attempting to point out individuals you don’t must go to a faculty like that to perform sure issues,” Dybantsa stated. “They’re an incredible college, they usually’ve received essentially the most league guys from highschool. So, there’s no knock going there. However you don’t must go to a faculty like that.”
He continued, “You don’t need to simply signal with someone. You need to be companions with them. There’s much more to a suggestion than simply cash. Individuals solely see the cash a part of it, nevertheless it’s not nearly cash. I’m not gonna change. They could. There are some individuals I do know that develop into well-known and alter their entire character. They need to have this lavish life-style, however I simply persist with who I’m, and I feel individuals mess with that.”
RELATED CONTENT: Why NIL Offers Have Extra Manufacturers Investing In School Athletes Over Execs, And Girls Athletes’ Dominance In The Area
