USC Basketball News: A.J. Dybantsa Removes Trojans from Top Schools List

A.J. Dybantsa, the top recruit in the 2025 high school class, has excluded USC from his list of top schools, a significant blow to Eric Musselman's recruitment efforts. Dybantsa's final choices—Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Kansas State, and North Carolina—reflect a strategic focus on programs offering strong coaching relationships and developmental opportunities, rather than just financial incentives.

A.J. Dybantsa’s decision to leave USC out of his top schools is a notable setback for the Trojans and head coach Eric Musselman. As the nation’s No. 1 recruit for the 2025 class, Dybantsa’s announcement narrows his options to seven schools, with the Trojans no longer in the running. This decision highlights the competitive nature of recruiting at the highest level and underscores the challenges even elite programs face.

In his announcement to ESPN , Dybantsa emphasized his desire for a coaching relationship built on honesty and mutual respect. He stated:

“I’m looking to build a relationship with a head coach who doesn’t sugarcoat anything, but we can still have that bond both on and off the court.”

This focus on genuine connection over financial incentives influenced his decision, as Dybantsa and his family prioritize a strong coaching bond and developmental fit over NIL opportunities.

Despite USC’s efforts, including leveraging the House of Victory and potential NIL benefits, Dybantsa’s decision reflects a broader trend in recruiting where personal and professional growth outweigh financial allure. Ace Dybantsa, A.J.’s father, clarified the family's stance, saying:

“It’s a factor, but it’s not the reason we are picking a school. We left out schools that have a lot of money. A.J. will go where he feels he can have the most success on the court.”

Dybantsa is widely regarded as a generational talent, with comparisons to NBA All-Star Paul George. His recruitment has attracted significant attention, and while USC’s absence from his final list is a blow, it’s part of the high-stakes game of recruiting where not every effort results in a win.

USC’s missed opportunity with A.J. Dybantsa serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of recruiting at the highest levels. While the Trojans won’t be landing this particular star, the focus now shifts to other prospects and continuing to build strong coaching relationships. As the 2025 recruiting class continues to evolve, USC will need to adapt and refine its strategies to compete for top talent.