The 2025 and 2026 NBA drafts already have scouts and executives salivating, as there are multiple prospects with star potential. At the top of the Class of 2024 are Duke forward Cooper Flagg and Rutgers wing Ace Bailey, who are still vying for the No. 1 spot. At the top of the Class of 2025 is Utah Prep wing AJ Dybantsa, who is still undecided about where he’ll play in 2024-25.
As Dybantsa makes his decision, he has some free time on his hands. This week, he decided to use a portion of it to make an appearance on Podcast P with Paul George. In a short clip posted by the popular podcast, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George asks Dybantsa if he would go No. 1 in a draft over Flagg and Bailey.
“Yeah, I bet on myself.” Dybantsa says. “Always bet on yourself, bro.”
“I’m thinking big. Hall of Fame is my only goal,” Dybantsa replies to a separate question. “Once you’re a Hall of Famer, you’re certified.”
Top 2025 Recruit AJ Dybantsa Believes He’d Top Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey
Dybantsa choosing to bet on himself could be seen as arrogant but it’s necessary to have that level of confidence when trying to accomplish something rare. In this case, it’s not just Dybantsa becoming in the 2-3 percent of high school players who make it to the NBA. Only about 3 percent of NBA players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
If Dybantsa really wants to reach that milestone, he has to be as confident as he is skilled. That being said, Dybantsa could be one of the best prospects in NBA history. At 17 years old, he’s 6-foot-9 and 200 pounds, possessing an NBA body. Even more impressive is his scoring ability, as he makes implausible shots look effortless.
When watching him, it’s hard not to see a potential superstar. Perhaps that’s why so many current NBA stars —including LeBron James and Kevin Durant —have taken to him.
AJ, Ace, or Flagg?
Like many preternaturally gifted scorers, Dybantsa is more focused on getting buckets than getting stops or dropping dimes. That isn’t to say that he can’t impact other areas of the game. He’s just supremely aware of his scoring talent and it shows.
When compared to Flagg, this is where Dybantsa pales is comparison. Ironically, there’s a Duke commit in his own class who has this advantage over him in Cameron Boozer. Even Bailey plays with more fire defensively. Like Dybantsa, Bailey feels the lure of taking tough and contested jumpers. However, Dybantsa is more dynamic than Bailey when attacking off the dribble and seems to have a softer touch.
If making high-end player comparisons, Dybantsa and Bailey are both comparable to Durant, though Bailey a more matured version. Flagg’s versatility and defensive acumen puts him in the mold of a player like Andrei Kirilenko.
