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Prep Phenom Puts UNC Basketball Among Finalists, Dumps Duke

UNC basketball is still in the mix for the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, and the Tar Heels' archival is not.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis versus Duke
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis versus Duke / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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All of the traditional bluebloods entered the AJ Dybantsa sweepstakes. But the UNC basketball coaches and their Kansas counterparts were the only two to land in the five-star's top seven on Friday.

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In other words, coming as a surprise to many, neither the Kentucky nor Duke basketball recruiting powerhouse survived the 17-year-old's cuts.

Dybantsa, who reeled in roughly 30 offers in his recruitment and ranks No. 1 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite despite reclassifying from 2026 back in the fall, revealed his list of finalists on social media. UNC, Kansas, Alabama, Auburn, BYU, Baylor, and Kansas State are the remaining contenders.

For now, it's difficult to gauge a frontrunner. After all, the 6-foot-9, 200-pound versatile forward isn't looking to decide on a winner from the group until February, his father told On3's Joe Tipton.

Plus, while AJ Dybantsa is eyeing some fall visits, he hasn't announced any locked-in dates or destinations just yet.

The 2025 UNC basketball offer sheet has grown to almost 20 names. Each remains undecided. And only two have eliminated the Tar Heels by putting out a list that doesn't include Hubert Davis and his staff.

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Matt Giles

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, 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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