AJ Dybantsa-Utah connection, explained: How BYU star has history with Jazz owner Ryan Smith

AJ Dybantsa is expected to see his name and number flash on the big screen early in the 2026 NBA Draft.

How early? That is anyone’s guess. The BYU product has been linked heavily with the Wizards at No. 1, with most onlookers believing the spindly scorer will join a youthful roster that just recently locked down Trae Young on a long-term extension.

Dybantsa isn’t the only noteworthy name in contention for the selection. So too are Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer, both of whom would hear their names called first in a typical draft.

Hours before the draft, Dybantsa remains the likeliest option to be selected No. 1. If he were not to go No. 1, that would constitute quite the shock — although he likely wouldn’t feel too out of place in his new surroundings if the Jazz were to take him at No. 2.

With that, here’s a look at Dybantsa’s connection to the state of Utah, including his relationship with Jazz principal owner Ryan Smith.

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AJ Dybantsa-Utah connection

Dybantsa is widely tipped to be the first overall pick in this year's draft. On the off chance he does drop to the Jazz at No. 2, however, he'll find himself in familiar confines.

The 19-year-old was born in Boston and grew up in nearby Brockton, Mass. Despite his New England roots, though, Dybantsa has been intimately connected with Utah throughout his hardwood career.

Dybantsa's spent his final high school season in the Beehive State, turning out for Utah Prep. He built ties with a handful of Utah-based luminaries during his recruitment, including Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge. The former, the billionaire co-founder of tech firm Qualtrics, reportedly aided BYU in its pursuit of the teenager. He also owned Utah Prep — then called RSL Basketball Academy — giving him further access to the gifted scorer.

The Cougars shelled out an NIL package reportedly worth $4 million to $7 million to land Dybantsa's signature.

The payment ensured Dybantsa — the nation's No. 1 prospect who fielded offers from all of the sport's biggest programs — would spend his lone collegiate season in Provo. 

AJ Dybantsa-Ryan Smith relationship

Dybantsa enjoyed a splendid season in BYU colors. If not for Smith, it's possible he would've taken his talents elsewhere. Smith is widely believed to have helped contribute to the Cougars' NIL offer to Dybantsa. Twice, the Qualtrics executive met with Dybantsa's father and financial adviser, per ESPN.

Smith, the son of a BYU professor, attended BYU for three years before dropping out to work at Qualtrics. He returned to the campus to finish his degree in 2016 and has remained one of the program's highest-profile advocates in the years since he first attended the school.

"If they need my help, I'm going to help them," Smith told ESPN months before Dybantsa's commitment. "I owe everything to BYU and I'm not going to say no. And they know that."

To that end, many have assumed that Smith, with his impressive wealth, helped bankroll the Cougars' recruitment of Dybantsa. He brushed away those suggestions on social media.

Haha @Teddyferrin. Miss you brother. Love the passion but fyi cant take credit…I’m not the donor here. Outside of buying tickets to BYU games, I didn’t give any money to bring AJ to BYU…Gotta give credit where credit is due and this is all about Kevin Young, the environment of… https://t.co/d0StE3R7XD

Nevertheless, the two share a number of connections. It's little surprise why some believe the Jazz owner could be attempting to make a play at Dybantsa at No. 2.

Where did AJ Dybantsa go to high school?

A native of Brockton, Mass., Dybantsa got his start in high school at Saint Sebastian's located in Needham, Mass. At the end of his freshman year, he transferred to Prolific Prep in Napa, CA., emerging as one of the nation's most depth-defying talents.

Dybantsa enjoyed a two-year spell at Prolific before taking his talents to Utah Prep — owned by Smith — ahead of the 2024-25 season.