WOW: The #1 Ranked High School Basketball Player Is From Southern Utah!

Move over, Provo—there’s a new Southern Utah story turning heads nationwide. A.J. Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9 high school basketball phenom, and the projected #1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, just announced his commitment to BYU. But here’s the kicker: this future NBA star is currently living and playing in none other than Hurricane, Utah, a small town nestled in Southern Utah.

Big-Time Talent in a Small-Town Spotlight

Dybantsa, who plays for Utah Prep Academy in Hurricane, is making headlines not just for his extraordinary talent but for his shocking choice of college. Ranked as the #1 high school basketball player in the nation, he turned down powerhouse programs like Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas. His decision to commit to BYU is monumental, especially for a school that hasn’t traditionally been in the running for such high-caliber recruits.

The Massachusetts native, known for his jaw-dropping mix of Tracy McGrady’s smooth scoring ability and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s versatility, transferred to Utah Prep this year. His journey to Hurricane has raised eyebrows, as Southern Utah isn’t exactly known for producing elite basketball talent. Yet here he is, dominating on the court and putting this small community on the basketball map.

NIL Money Changes the Game

Dybantsa’s commitment wasn’t just about the game—there’s serious money involved. His Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation is estimated between $6 to $8 million annually, reportedly breaking records in the college basketball world. This massive NIL deal underscores how far BYU has come in leveraging resources to compete with college basketball heavyweights.

Dybantsa revealed on ESPN’s First Take that his decision wasn’t solely based on the lucrative NIL offer. BYU’s NBA-seasoned coaching staff, led by first-year head coach Kevin Young, played a pivotal role. “If it’s all NBA, I’m trying to get to the NBA,” Dybantsa said. With a coach who’s worked alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, BYU sold itself as the ultimate stepping stone to the pros.

Hurricane’s Moment in the Spotlight

The fact that Dybantsa is honing his skills in Hurricane adds an unexpected twist to this story. Southern Utah rarely sees high-profile athletes, let alone a player projected to go #1 in the NBA Draft. This small-town backdrop makes his rise even more extraordinary, capturing the attention of basketball fans across the nation.

As the buzz builds around Dybantsa’s upcoming season at BYU, one thing is clear: Southern Utah is now on the map in a way no one could have predicted. Whether it’s the dazzling talent of A.J. Dybantsa or the seismic shift in college basketball recruiting, this story has all the makings of a sports legend in the making.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Hurricane—your local star is destined for the big leagues.

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