“I see Kenny the Jet [Smith] at the EYBL game, and he keeps yelling ‘Carolina Blue,’” AJ Dybantsa explained how The Jet tried to influence his decision to choose Tar Heels. But the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is heading to BYU. Even though Smith’s attempt to lure might have failed, his son did the job as Stephen A. Smith shed the light.

“KJ, the Kenny Smith son, you know obviously is connected with them as well. Give them a lot of love, very very happy for you.” The ESPN analyst spoke to Dybantsa on First Take. It was on this show, the 17-year-old revealed his decision to choose BYU. And Kenny Smith’s son was grateful for the mention from the media veteran. “Appreciate the shoutout @stephenasmith!!!” He even added a post in collaboration with his father.

“Blessed to play a small role in a BIG moment! Congrats @aj.dybantsa , Ace, and fam! BYU got a great one!! #rangesports #NIL #ajdybansta #BYU.” As per reports, KJ helps run Range Sports, a representation, marketing, and production company. Reportedly, AJ Dybantsa is working with them and that’s why the shout-out from Stephen A Smith.

Picking the Cougars over Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas was a head-scratcher for ESPN analysts. Because Dybantsa is the first-ever five-star recruit to commit to BYU (per 247 Sports).

For the commitment, the 6-foot-9 forward received a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal worth approximately $7 million as per Adam Zagoria. For reference, Duke star Cooper Flagg has the highest reported NIL value among current men’s college basketball players at $2.9 million, per On3. But it was the coaching that did the trick for the Utah Prep Academy senior.

AJ Dybantsa ready to fly

“At BYU, the whole staff from the head coach on down came from the NBA. Head coach Kevin Young coached my favorite player in KD (Kevin Durant) and coached Devin Booker. Both had a lot of good things to say about him. We watched clips of both.” Apart from KD, AJ Dybantsa called his play style similar to Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The 5-star recruit’s current NIL valuation is $2.8 million, and a month ago, it was around $2.2 million. It shouldn’t be a surprise since he has collaborated with Nike and Red Bull. Interestingly, for the energy drink brand, he is the first men’s basketball player to sign a NIL deal in the history of the brand’s existence.

“The partnership was right there, like, Red Bull gives you wings, and I can for sure fly, so it’s a special partnership,” he told Swish Culture. Recently, his flying technique broke the internet, once again proving that he making the right steps in his young career.

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