BYU recruit A.J. Dybantsa shines in McDonald's All-American Game — what does this mean for Egor Demin?

BYU fans have had plenty to celebrate this season, but the best may still be on the way.

Future Cougar A.J. Dybantsa once again put Provo and BYU in the national spotlight on Tuesday night, showcasing his elite skill set in the McDonald's All-American Game, a showcase of the 24 most talented high school players in the country.

The 6-foot-9 forward didn’t just belong — he shined, dropping 17 points on an efficient 7-for-12 shooting night while flashing his trademark blend of size, speed and athleticism.

Dybantsa wasted no time displaying why he’s the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class.

The high-flying wing sprinted the length of the court for a pair of coast-to-coast dunks, effortlessly blending his explosive leaping ability with the acceleration of a guard.

For Cougar fans, the excitement surrounding Dybantsa’s arrival is reaching a fever pitch.

When he committed in December, the college basketball world did a collective double take. BYU landing the No. 1 recruit in the country?

That wasn’t just a big deal — it was program-altering.

Now, as he continues to display his talents on the national stage, the anticipation for his arrival only grows.

Of course, Dybantsa’s presence in Provo doesn’t just elevate the program’s national profile. It also raises intriguing questions about what next year’s roster will look like.

The biggest: will his arrival be enough to convince projected lottery pick Egor Demin to stick around for another year?

Demin, a 6-foot-9 do-it-all guard, has seen his draft stock soar throughout the season.

He’s already drawn comparisons to international stars like Josh Giddey and Franz Wagner, and NBA scouts have taken serious notice of his professional upside.

But the opportunity to team up with a generational talent like Dybantsa? That could be enticing enough to delay the jump.

Regarding Dybantsa’s soon-to-be arrival, Demin said, “As you know AJ is coming, and he could be one of the reason why I wanna be back next year.”

Regardless of what Demin decides, one thing is certain — BYU basketball is entering a new era.

In the current day and age of college basketball where NIL and the transfer portal reign as king and queen, BYU is arguably finding itself benefiting the most out of any team in the country.