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UNC Basketball: No. 1 Recruit Teases Updated Decision Timeline

It now appears that premier UNC basketball target AJ Dybantsa is about ready to end his recruitment.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Utah Prep five-star forward AJ Dybantsa, No. 1 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, checked out the UNC basketball program on an official visit back in September. At the time, it looked like Hubert Davis and his staff were squarely in the mix for the 6-foot-9, 210-pound phenom.

ALSO READ: Recent UNC Recruiting Prize Puts Commitment in Ink

Now, though, the Tar Heels aren't the perceived favorite. No, the 247Sports Crystal Ball projects the BYU Cougars to land him, aligning with the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine and increasing chatter among insiders of late pointing to the potential NIL package for Dybantsa in Utah being too sweet for him to decline.

And Dybantsa's recent comments suggest his announcement is likely to arrive in a matter of weeks.

"The original plan was to commit in February," Dybantsa noted to ESPN, per the following Sportscenter NEXT post on Wednesday. "We are ahead of where we thought would be. If I know where I want to go, why wait?

"It's probably going to be in December. I feel I will be ready by then."

AJ Dybantsa has been down to a final seven of UNC, BYU, Kansas, Auburn, Alabama, Kansas State, and Baylor since early August.

As things stand, the UNC basketball recruiters boast two four-star early signees on the 2025 trail in Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) guard Derek Dixon and Davidson Day School (N.C.) guard Isaiah Denis.

ALSO READ: Tar Heels Announce Addition of Top-Shelf 2025 Guard

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

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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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