AJ Dybantsa’s Shocking BYU Choice: The Two Words That Changed Everything

BYU basketball has flipped the script in a way nobody saw coming. Ever since stepping into the Big 12 spotlight and bringing aboard Kevin Young—yes, the very NBA’s top-paid assistant coach before swapping pro courts for the college grind—the Cougars have morphed from gritty underdogs into a legitimate Final Four threat. And believe it or not, Kevin’s second year hasn’t even tipped off yet. Last season bore witness to a team that clawed its way out of early struggles, powered by standout talent like future NBA lottery pick Egor Demin and All-Big 12 first-teamer Richie Saunders, ending the regular season on a blistering eight-game win streak. They toppled ranked giants Arizona and Iowa State on the road, then handed Kansas a historic home defeat—the kind the Jayhawks won’t soon forget. That run wasn’t just about wins; it marked BYU’s first NCAA tournament triumphs since the days of Jimmer Fredette back in 2011. Fast forward to now, this year’s squad is packing even more punch—5-star recruit Rob Wright, four-star Kennard Davis, and Dominique Diomande bring savvy and skill that match the program’s surge. And then there’s AJ Dybantsa—the top player in the nation—whose commitment sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. People speculated everything from BYU’s robust NIL backing to the allure of Utah living, but when you ask Dybantsa directly, his answer is simple and powerful: Kevin Young. It’s Young’s NBA pedigree and clear vision for propelling stars to the pinnacle of basketball that grabbed Dybantsa’s heart—and now, he’ll proudly wear BYU’s colors for what’s expected to be a landmark season. LEARN MORE

This ain’t your grandpa’s BYU basketball team. Since joining the Big 12 Conference and acquiring head coach Kevin Young (the NBA’s highest-payed assistant prior to joining the college ranks), the Cougars’ basketball program has completely transformed from scrappy underdogs to full-blown Final Four caliber powerhouse — and Young’s second season hasn’t even began.

Last season’s team, featuring future NBA lottery pick Egor Demin and All-Big 12 first team selection Richie Saunders, broke through a rocky start to the year to surge to an eight game winning streak to finish the regular season. That blast included road wins over 19th-ranked Arizona, 10th-ranked Iowa State, and a home floor trouncing of 23rd-ranked Kansas — the worst the Jayhawks have ever seen.

That team reached the Sweet 16 last season, marking the first NCAA Tournament wins for BYU basketball since Jimmer Fredette scaled the same heights in 2011.

But this year’s team has something a little extra up its sleeve. With notable additions like 5-star Rob Wright from Baylor, four-star Kennard Davis from Southern Illinois, and Washington’s Dominique Diomande, this team has veteran experience to pair with unprecedented talent in Provo.

And that’s all said without even mentioning the top player in the nation, AJ Dybantsa.

Dybantsa’s addition to BYU was announced on ESPN’s First Take, completely shocking Stephen A. Smith and sparking a wildfire of conversation online about why a player of his caliber wouldn’t join a blue blood like Kansas, North Carolina, or Duke.

Speculation led the narrative. BYU’s NIL capability thanks to its plethora of donors was proposed as one reason. Perhaps Dybantsa loves living in Utah after finishing his high school ball in Hurricane with Utah Prep. If one were to ask Dybantsa himself, however, they’d receive a two-word response without hesitation.

As he shared via his Instagram Stories, Dybantsa shared just that when questioned why he’d go to Brigham Young University of all places. His answer: Kevin Young.

Young’s NBA experience and promise of helping prepare budding stars to reach the highest level of basketball clearly struck Dybantsa. Now he’ll wear BYU on his chest during his lone season of college basketball.

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