#1 basketball recruit AJ Dybantsa on why he chose BYU, etc

[@dr.dedrickminor1184]

“He may be #1 in the country, but he’s #4 in my house.” This young man was raised right.

[@Jamescc75]

So happy for AJ. BYU is so excited

[@rogergilvin5653]

Awesome Place to be! Welcome to BYU!

[@weareneweverymorning]

not surprised, BYU athletics on the rise

[@MrHammer2088]

On the rise!? Since when?

[@MrHammer2088]

Maybe the football program is on the rise

[@joncarling5031]

Where did that terrible coach from Kentucky come from??

[@photosbywalldoee]

​@@MrHammer2088 HAHAHA only in Utah!!

[@mardino87]

Since they joined a p4 it’s been on the upside

[@anangelmagnet]

what a wonderful interview. what a wonderful approach to raising children. Jafrican, gotta love that. I too will be watching BYU. going to be great watching AJ career from the his college days. Good Luck AJ and thank you SAS for promoting the youth.

[@tonystewart8145]

I am so glad that aj comes from a great family and a good background that is so nice. We will not have to worry about this guy getting into any trouble and that is soooo marvelous.

[@John-ne4fq]

He probably will on the DL that’s the hard truth

[@roywall8169]

Welcome to Provo young man. Keep your head on straight, we are all behind you.

[@robrobles3518]

Pops is the right kind of father. If more of out kids could have that kind of loving man directing them, most of America's problems would be fixed. With Pops around, AJ can be nothing but a success. I am a BYU supporter and thrilled to death to have such talented and quality people at BYU.

[@elijahhodges4405]

I am glad AJ Dybantsa is going to BYU. The new head coach can get him into the NBA.

[@d.felixphoto2260]

He was going to the NBA regardless. He's been #1 without college

[@richoffks]

Lmao ong

[@elijahhodges4405]

@@d.felixphoto2260 Isn't that great. So what do you think the coach at BYU will do for him? Hm? How about get him into the Utah Jazz? Of course that is just one of the choices he might make. The coach worked for the NBA. Maybe he's there for that style of coaching for a year. Wouldn't that put him ahead of all the other 19 year olds?

[@d.felixphoto2260]

@elijahhodges4405 it doesn't work like that in his case. He's a lock regardless because of his talent. As far as no distractions, great diet, nutrition, workout, etc BYU is what he needs but he's only there for 7-8 months. Very little the coach can teach him. The biggest selling point is the coach worked for the Phoenix Suns and KD is his favorite player, and his dad wants him to play for the Suns if he had a choice so he wants access to him. Danny Ainge is also in the fold and he was with Utah and Phoenix but Utah is possibly getting the same type of player with Ace Bailey and the Rutgers coach isn't connected to the Jazz. I think wherever he went he was the #1 pick. His stock can possibly drop because he's not playing in a dominant conference and/or people don't watch west coast games. I don't think so but it's been talked about

[@Goosgoos-222]

No he was going to the league regardless. He should of just went to the GLeague. BYU is a terrible choice.

[@bighornbasin]

After seeing this interview, I think he is a great fit for the culture at BYU, and I can see why he chose to go there.

[@Mdksupreme1]

F the byu culture, the question is whether the byu culture fits him and what he wants, can't believe you lames are making this about byu

[@Vetionarian]

​@@Mdksupreme1bro you're just salty he chose BYU 😂 stop it

[@golfhack2007]

With a Dad like this, no wonder he is a great kid off the court and is such a hard worker! Loved it when he checked SAS when he was dogging Akeem LOL! Welcome to Provo AJ!!!

[@jasontaylor7954]

This family and BYU family environment is perfect fit

[@davidchoate512]

Watch out for the liberals at BYU ! Just because it’s byu , does not mean Satan is excluded .

[@sartir29]

Impressive young man! Excited to watch AJ at BYU!!!

[@htvlogs80]

Now that's a father who knows how to raise a kid, he's going to have a bright future.

[@sandibdiva]

BYU all the way! Excellent choice - best fans to support him in the nation! Coaching staff is amazing!

[@WhatIsaysGoes]

Love the move 😍. Go AJ

[@dirkpalmer1067]

Welcome to the BYU Family!!! BYU '82

[@NYCGemini2000]

I honestly think it’s good that top recruits are going to other schools besides UNC, Duke, and Kansas. Although I’m pretty sure BYU offered a huge bag. Kids probably making 5 million this year playing college

[@EricBradley-x7d]

That's because you probably are not a fan of those team i am a die hard Duke

[@kingmaliik422]

​@@EricBradley-x7d y'all get everything it's time for change lol

[@jasontaylor7954]

Similar bag offered as others but BYU won with coaching staff and environment

[@drwillblake]

BYU is so much more than just a great school for athletics. Great choice!

[@stewsir]

He's an incredibly mature young man. Good family.

[@chem107labskills-markconle9]

The money was the same school to school, it was what the program has built around Kevin Young. Don’t get it twisted

[@skylee4924]

No they don’t 😂. A lots school don’t have that kinda money like BYU. 🤡

[@mikemcq8011]

Stephen A. What a great interview. It’s so refreshing to see a talented young man who comes from a wonderful family with such humility and discipline. Thank you.

[@fine1991]

Respect to this young man and his family

[@austinclark007]

I'm glad AJ has MJ as the G.O.A.T.

[@tonystewart8145]

I’m glad aj comes from a great family and a good background. We will not have to worry about this guy getting himself into any trouble. That is so marvelous.

[@jasonstott3001]

That’s exactly how you know he was raised right!

[@katofakatoumafi265]

Black Panther 🐆 is coming to BYU and we welcome him open arm with class Wakanda forever!! I’m showing up to watch him play more than the Jazz next year. 🎉🤙🏽

[@ajjack2322]

Lol

[@gabrielv.2647]

Good for you and youre family man, it works best for you and you're family. Congratulations 🙏💯

[@TraceyThompsonBarberCanaan]

Praise God

[@yellowmartian]

Such an impressive kid and i haven't even seen any basketball highlights yet.

[@ike_SYO1592]

Stephen A is a great Interview orchestrator

[@DallinGraham]

I was impressed

[@colinmcmullin1154]

After listening to his father, there is no question why AJ chose BYU, and that he will be successful at the next level. Welcome to the BYU Family from the class of 1994.

[@CarlDempsey-d5u]

Man this kid is awesome. Good family. Good environment. Priorities straight. COUGS NATTY 2026

[@kdeltatube]

Go get em, AJ and Cougs!

[@ike_SYO1592]

@6:31 “I’m from Africa” it’s really that simple 😂😂😂🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@teenootang843]

I'm the furthest thing from a byu fan, but when I hear someone ask, why not the acc? As if the big 12 is some weak conference. It's arguably the best bb conference in America. And he'll be the best player on that team and be highlighted probably more than he would at any other school. Also there's going to be ALOT less distraction in provo than most anywhere else. That's great for a kid looking to focus on getting to the nba. Kudos to the cougars on the get.

[@browneyedgirlgb]

That's a great point! As a BYU alum, can tell you first-hand that Provo has far fewer distractions than most other college towns.😆

[@russelldesertvikinganderso3386]

It's NOT "Arguably" The Best Conference. It's Overwhelming THE BEST Conference.

[@r-trippin5078]

Perfect fit for this family

[@WO2411]

AJ the most complete prospect I seen coming out of high school since Jabari Parker 💯

[@d.felixphoto2260]

I don't know if it's a good thing or bad

[@WO2411]

@ it’s a good thing because he dominated at Duke, he tore his ACL his rookie season that changed his career forever if. If that never happened a lot would be different with the bucks rn

[@Vetionarian]

My wife and I bought a house and live in Provo and I'm super excited to go to games at BYU!!! I want my kids to know how special this moment is to have such a talent come to our school. 😊

[@DJChirpzTV]

West Africa in the building.

[@BLACKICONOCLAST]

JOSH OKOGE SAID TO STEPHEN A SMITH "YOU CAN CRITIQUE THE OTHER TEAM WITHOUT DISRESPECTING US.PUT SOME RESPECT ON THE FLAG 🇳🇬 AND THE MOTHERLAND. DONT FORGET WHERE YOUR ANCESTORS COME FROM "

[@cmb8983video]

Welcome to BYU!

[@bartbutkis]

AJ is really fortunate. His pops is a really good man.

[@korbymarks]

I’m excited for AJ Dybantsa. Best wishes to you young man.

[@briantait7729]

Can't wait to see him play at BYU next year. He's laser focused.

[@Ty-jr9ou]

Welcome to Cougar Nation AJ! I'm looking forward to cheering you on in the Marriott Center!

[@mikelight2008]

You're a brave courageous trailblazer with a great future ahead as you listen to your parents. A blessing to BYU and to yourself and your family.

[@u2ammon]

"Fix It". Great words, "Pops".

[@kaynewren2381]

BYU BASKETBALL = BLUE BLOOD 💙

[@Rayyy.xv3]

His pops is a powerful figure

[@jt_dolla_signs]

This dude has half the league on speed dial

[@Alex-gl1nv]

Dam this dude father said he don’t rebound enough, that’s real shit I’m looking forward to this

[@keenenbaker4051]

We definitely was tuned in for jimmer back in the day

[@Fritjof1]

Just wanna remind people that Stephen A recommended Deandre Ayton over Luka Doncic. This man only knows US mainstream basketball.

[@JT-rx1eo]

Remember, he's entering a college basketball conference that is right at or about at the top. So yes, NC and Duke, the ACC, and even the SEC are great in that regard, but the Big12 is no basketball slouch.

[@justindubois8344]

I honestly feel that both Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa were raised right and will both be very successful NBA players as result of their upbringings. Both are very mature for their age and feel that their parents will not lead them astray.

[@tenmaniacs]

LETS GO COUGS

[@ItszRise]

Stephen A hates byu for no reason 😂😂 it’s actually so funny sometimes

[@StevenFellows-c7u]

Vai Sikahema needs to give Stephen A a call. Remember when Vai fought Jose Conseco? Look up Stephen A's commentary on that fight! Perhaps Vai can talk some sense into him!

[@rconger24]

This kid is lucky enough to have a real dad.

[@devonsmith6423]

I already liked his Dad, and then the Michael Jeffery Jordan and Hakeem comments solidified my support!

[@77thNYSV]

A $7 million NIL and a personal relationship with an NBA team owner is a really good reason to go to byu. But that's not a dig on him. It's just the reality. Good on this kid for earning where he's at, and those two things will set him and his family up for life. Who passes on that? Ryan Smith is pumping byu MBB NIL to create a talent pipeline to the Jazz. Smith wants an NBA ring, and this is part of his plan.

[@richoffks]

8:48 been preaching this. Literally zero kids in the whole world have the discipline to succeed at anything. Any kid, in the whole world, who is successful, means their parents had to force them.

[@kathrynbalmforth2010]

Not surprising that this father chose BYU. Back in the 90s I was working at a pro-family NGO headquartered at BYU law school. In the summer we held a seminar for UN diplomats. Many from places like Africa wanted to find ways to get their children into BYU. They wanted their children to get a first class Western education without the notorious bacchanalia atmosphere on other campuses. No surprise this African father recognized it too.

[@TheTinfoilmanlive]

BYU the NEW DUKE 💙💙💙

[@matthewhunter6421]

Lol. Stop it. They have a long way to go. They've accomplished nothing yet.

[@TheTinfoilmanlive]

@@matthewhunter6421 O but they have and now will keep accomplishing what you wish your team could. And I love it 💙💙💙

[@dedicated1228]

I think he has all the tools honestly! He is on his way

[@STAyTHIrstyMyFREind]

Literally has a picture of him and the GOAT directly behind him the entire interview 😂

[@summerlakephotog8239]

Fresh mountain air versus sweltering humidity.

[@poppa6582]

So this young man is going TO BYU to play basketball, but I didn't hear ANYTHING about getting an education, I guess that's not important. I wish the very best for this young Man, and I hope all of his NBA dreams come true. If the NBA doesn't work out I hope his father has a plan B for his son🙏🏽

[@Jimmy27D]

Pops - "You heard me." Love it. Dude is hard-nosed and ain't raising no primadonnas.

[@smackdowntay]

16:35 “You heard what I said” 😂😂😂

[@JulianTorres-br4we]

massachusetts represent!!!!

[@fidtru8615]

Pops about to get paid too! 😂

[@trevanhatch8717]

BYU has a current lottery pick in Egor and Stephen A doesn’t know that and isn’t watching BYU?!!

[@gr1629]

I'm not sure she bought it, but I let my wife know that I would like a PROvo hoodie for Christmas and how to order it on the Internet.

[@huyoung9153]

SAS- get out from behind the elevated desk and meet those with whom you converse on the same level

[@michaelmitchell6781]

BYU baby!!!

[@michelleherrera4045]

If you want to learn in a lesser distracted environment BYU is your school.

[@jerrodsatterfield7]

Please watch them gold diggers stay focused young man

[@russelldesertvikinganderso3386]

GO COUGS! #BYUHOOPS

[@LaryCharles]

Daddy's suited like a pimp. Son's shining out. He reportedly got 7 million from BYU...come on kid! It was nothing but the 💸 but I ain't mad at you.

[@Mr1rasmussen]

Stephen A. Smith, why don't you ask for a private tour of BYU and its facilities. Attend a practice session. Get to know something besides the ACC. You might learn something. Anyway, it is time for you to learn something new!

[@Goosgoos-222]

"If it snowin, AJ going"

[@mrsupportfriend]

Love POPS! And AJ and his family have Leonard Armato as their ADVISOR? WOW! I hope all of you who are reading my comment understand the significance of having Leonard Armato as their ADVISOR. Look him up if you don't know. No wait I'll save you some time. SHAQ!!! Drop Mic 🎤🏀🪣🔥

[@rodrickshields6446]

Let that boy out of prison

[@letmebreakitdown2u152]

Huh??

[@jrstewart4168]

It kinda was a no-brainer...they already moved them from Massachusetts 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️he got a bag for that move and just made the next step for a bigger legal (nil) bag💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽Ball out young fella💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@wadekapcsos7798]

Ya good call out on BYU to final 4, he needs to be in present instead of looking so far down.

[@abc-lh7tb]

Cuh dad mean business🤣🤣

[@khaltsharivist365]

Congolese-Jamaican

[@PascalDupont561]

God is first. Just saying. Don’t loose sight of that.

[@chikushodiz91]

We need to find a way to link up Aj with Bird shit Prime Bird was the one

[@Anthonydemone]

🔴 He's gonna name a bunch of bigs❗️😂

[@Syrin23]

He has seven million reasons why he picked BYU

[@RayQuanLee]

Wtf dying laughing in the back 7:59

[@curtis-thebicentennialist1776]

NIL On the rise at BYU

[@ebrowne25]

2:29 dat bag

[@letmebreakitdown2u152]

You heard what i said!

[@brandonsingleton5681]

I wonder how much that $5 million factored in his decision?

[@Nurse_Phil]

You need to talk about Caitlin Clark being the Atlete of the Year by TIME on here and on First Take. You need to talk about Forbes naming here one of the 100 most powerful women. This is what you need to talk about , and on ESPN

[@jaybee6892]

😂😂

[@letmebreakitdown2u152]

😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@kennethguidry805]

7 million pros!!

[@xmen123ify]

The next mutombo lol 😂

[@pastorjamestodd2688]

Seems like amazing young man, but sorry Peterson will beat you down ( hoops) next season when you take on JAyhawks

[@edwardhubbard3498]

Pipe line, the Jazz is involved in this and it’s sad… don’t get me wrong I’m happy for him but let’s be fr… BYU!!! Boy you should’ve went to Bama played Vs the comp in SEC or even ACC…this a cop out but like he said the ultimate goal was the NBA…watch him go to The Jazz!

[@NY-Vice]

He went to BYU for the bag don't even have to watch all this lol