AJ Dybantsa is happy to be done keeping secrets.
The generational basketball prospect may have announced his commitment to BYU Tuesday on ESPN , but he had already settled on Kevin Young's program long before making his decision public.
Wednesday night, finally free of the privacy of his recruitment, Dybantsa received a hero's welcome at the Marriott Center during halftime of the Cougars' meeting with Fresno State. BYU fans quickly understood the significance of the moment, showering their new superstar with thunderous adoration.
"I mean, it was good. It is just like a family atmosphere here, like I have said," Dybantsa told reporters after the game. "So I mean it was good that everybody was supporting and caring and loving.
"... (Announcing my decision feels) better than (staying) private," Dybantsa continued. "I was (keeping it) private for a week, so letting the world know just feels way better and stress-free."
In addition to appearing on the court and basking in his warm reception, Dybantsa even spent part of the second half hanging out in the ROC student section to mingle with some of his future classmates.
Dybantsa, who plans to enroll at BYU this coming summer, has been impressed with what he's seen from the Cougars so far this season, as Young's squad moved to 7-2 following a convincing victory over Fresno State .
"I really like what Kevin (Young) is doing ... it's an all-NBA staff, and it's a winning program," Dybantsa said. "I think (BYU) will go far this year."
AJ Dybantsa, the nation's No. 1 basketball recruit, is presented at halftime of the BYU and Fresno State game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
