A.J. Dybantsa reclassifies up to the 2025 high school class, eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft

A.J. Dybantsa, a towering 6-foot-9 wing, has made the bold decision to reclassify from the 2026 to the 2025 high school class, making the announcement on Wednesday morning. Dybantsa, hailed as one of the top players in the nation regardless of class, has now claimed the coveted title of the No. 1 prospect in the talented 2025 class, surpassing 6-9 forward Cameron Boozer to claim the No. 2 spot.

None have had a more impressive summer than Dybantsa, who dedicated his time to intense workouts with basketball icons Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. Moreover, he attended Jayson Tatum’s camp in July and followed it up with Stephen Curry’s camp in August.

“I was fortunate enough to learn from all the incredible individuals I shared the court with this summer,” expressed Dybantsa during a conversation with Yahoo Sports. “Their work ethic transcends all norms. They advised me to simplify the game and kindly guided me in finding ingenious ways to manipulate situations to my advantage, ultimately leading to effortless victories.”

Dybantsa transferred to Prolific Prep (Napa, California) for the upcoming high school season, joining forces with the newly crowned No. 1 player in the 2026 class, Tyran Stokes (6-8, 240 pounds). The duo secured a gold medal representing Team USA during the FIBA U16 Americas Championship, and both fiercely competed in Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League across two divisions during the spring and summer AAU season.

“During almost every practice, Tyran and I find ourselves on opposing teams, pushing one another to unlock our fullest potential,” Dybantsa divulged. “His immense strength has propelled my physical game to new heights.”

Prolific Prep now boasts the top prospects from the 2025 and 2026 classes along with five-star talents like Zoom Diallo, Derrion Reid, Aiden Sherrell, and four-star point guard Mikey Lewis. This assembly of talent undoubtedly places them at the pinnacle of the nation’s basketball hierarchy, and their mettle will be tested this weekend at the Border League in Las Vegas.

“We understand that a target is firmly set on our backs this season, and we wholeheartedly embrace the challenge,” Dybantsa asserted. “Our resolute objective is to emerge triumphant in the Geico National Championship, and accepting anything less would be inconceivable.”

Dybantsa showcased his supreme skills over the weekend at the USA Basketball minicamp, dazzling spectators with his explosive first step and impeccable shot-creation. NBA scouts and executives keenly observed the camp, subsequently propelling Dybantsa to the forefront of their radars. His commendable performances throughout the previous high school season and the summer have positioned him as a future star. Remarkably, Dybantsa is merely 16 years old (turning 17 in January) and fulfills the age requirements for the highly anticipated 2026 NBA Draft, which is already being touted as a breeding ground for extraordinary young talent.