AJ Dybantsa, the highly sought-after basketball recruit and five-star prospect, has made a surprising announcement. The 6-foot-9 power forward, who was previously part of the Class of 2026, has decided to reclassify and join the Class of 2025. This move comes as Dybantsa’s stock continues to rise, with offers pouring in from top college basketball programs such as Alabama, UConn, Michigan, Texas, LSU, and USC.
In an interview on CBS Sports HQ, Dybantsa expressed his excitement about joining the Class of 2025 and his decision to accelerate his basketball journey. By reclassifying, Dybantsa now has the opportunity to be eligible for the NBA Draft a year earlier than if he had stayed in the same class. Instead of being eligible for the 2027 NBA Draft, Dybantsa will now be eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft, as long as he meets the necessary requirements.
Dybantsa’s rise to prominence can be attributed to his outstanding performances on the Nike EYBL circuit and with USA Basketball during the FIBA U16 Americas Championship. Over the summer, he led the 17U Division of the Nike Peach Jam, averaging an impressive 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His contributions were equally significant for Team USA, where he averaged 13.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, helping them secure a gold medal finish in the FIBA U16 division.
Dybantsa’s reclassification not only impacts his own career prospects but also creates a ripple effect on the player rankings. With this move, Dybantsa surpasses Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, as the new No. 1 player in the 247Sports Class of 2025 Player Rankings. Additionally, Dybantsa’s high school teammate, Tyran Stokes, will now become the top prospect in the Class of 2026, giving Prolific Prep the distinction of having the No. 1 prospect in both the Class of 2025 and 2026.
This decision by Dybantsa is expected to generate even more interest and attention from college basketball programs, scouts, and fans alike. As he continues to impress on the court, there is no doubt that he will be a player to watch in the upcoming seasons as he vies for a spot in the NBA.