New Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope has quickly made his mark on the program, bringing a fresh approach while maintaining some key traditions from his predecessor, John Calipari. One of these traditions is the pursuit of top-tier talent, exemplified by their ongoing recruitment of AJ Dybantsa from Prolific Prep in California. Dybantsa, a standout forward in the Class of 2025, is widely regarded as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Dybantsa, a highly sought-after player entering his senior year, has received numerous offers from elite programs such as Alabama, Michigan, Connecticut, Baylor, and Duke. However, his focus appears to be on three specific schools: Kentucky, Arkansas, and USC. These schools are notable for their connections to coaching changes involving Calipari and former Arkansas coach Eric Musselman.
During a recent interview at the EYBL event in Indianapolis, Dybantsa shared his plans to visit these three schools, along with Oregon and potentially a couple of others. He mentioned that Kentucky has been actively engaging with his father, with Pope personally reaching out. Dybantsa quoted Pope as saying, “He’s going to keep the same Kentucky, be a top-25 team and that he thinks I’m a good fit.”
When asked about his scholarship status with Kentucky, Dybantsa confirmed that Pope had re-offered him a scholarship, following an initial offer from Calipari. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 200 pounds, Dybantsa, who turned 17 in January, is already drawing significant attention from NBA scouts. Known for his agility, ball-handling skills, and smooth athleticism, he is projected as a future NBA star, though he faces competition from Cameron Boozer, another highly regarded prospect.
Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, and his twin brother Cayden, are also high-profile recruits. While Kentucky is in the mix for the Boozer twins, there is a strong expectation that they will follow in their father’s footsteps to Duke. Cameron Boozer has been impressive in the EYBL, averaging 24.4 points per game, just ahead of Dybantsa’s 23.3 points.
Landing Dybantsa would be a significant achievement for Pope, bolstering his reputation as a recruiter capable of securing top talent. Jack Pilgrim of KSR described Dybantsa as a unique talent, highlighting his guard-like agility combined with the physique of a forward. Pilgrim emphasized that Dybantsa’s skill set and physical attributes truly make him a generational talent in basketball.
The NBA Draft Room projects Dybantsa as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, ahead of Cameron Boozer. They praised him as an elite scoring wing with the potential to become a future NBA superstar. As Dybantsa continues to develop, his journey through college basketball will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike, with Kentucky hoping to secure his commitment.
