Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Visits Top-Ranked High School Sophomore

AJ Dybantsa could end up on the 2025 Duke basketball recruiting radar.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball mascot (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
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Prolific Prep (Calif.) small forward AJ Dybantsa, No. 1 overall on the 2026 ESPN 25, already boasts roughly a dozen offers — all from high-major programs. That number will surely grow and may include one from Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his gang sooner or later.

On Monday, with the open recruiting period in full swing through mid-October, several insiders reported that the Blue Devils (at least one staff member) were at Prolific Prep to check out the beyond-his-years Dybantsa.

The 6-foot-7, 190-pound five-star is technically just a high school sophomore. But there's reason to think the 16-year-old may reclassify to 2025, per 247Sports' Adam Finkelstein, thereby battling Christopher Columbus (Fla.) five-star power forward and longtime Duke basketball target Cameron Boozer for the top spot in the rankings:

"[Dybantsa] is older for his grade, and thus a serious reclass candidate before it's all said and done, but nonetheless still ahead of schedule regardless of what class he's in. Dybantsa led the Peach Jam in scoring this summer, showing an already polished offensive repertoire in addition to a rapid rate of improvement."

Duke basketball's 2026 offer sheet remains empty. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if AJ Dybantsa soon becomes the first addition.

RELATED: Another 2026 Reclass Candidate Talks Blue Devil Interest

Meanwhile, Scheyer has targeted eight 2025 prospects: Cameron Boozer, five-star combo guard Cayden Boozer, four-star point guard Brayden Burries, five-star center Khaman Maluach, five-star combo guard Jalen Haralson, five-star point guard Meleek Thomas, five-star power forward Caleb Wilson, and five-star power forward Koa Peat.

RELATED: Top-Ranked 2025 Point Guard Includes Duke Among Finalists

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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