How ultra rich ultra strict college with no booze, no s*x rules is rewriting the rules for America’s top athletes

AJ Dybantsa is one of the biggest basketball stars in America right now. At just 18 years old, he is the top basketball prospect in the country. First published by Daily Mail, many people expect him to be the first pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

But what surprised many is where he chose to play college basketball. Instead of going to famous schools like Alabama or North Carolina, AJ picked Brigham Young University, or BYU. This is a private school in Provo, Utah, known for strict rules that stop students from drinking alcohol, smoking, or having s*x before marriage. AJ’s choice shocked many sports fans and experts because BYU is not known for winning national basketball titles.

AJ Dybantsa’s choice of BYU shows a new path for top athletes

With a strict yet loving father, Ace Dybantsa, AJ Dybantsa was raised near Boston, Massachusetts. Ten push-ups every morning and evening were assigned to all of his youngsters by AJ's father when he was young. Because discipline and accountability are important to his father, those lessons helped AJ become a basketball star.

Last year, AJ stunned everyone by signing up for BYU. The school has a strict Honor Code that prohibits alcohol consumption, smoking, and extramarital s*x.

Although it has a robust support system and expanding sports program, BYU has never claimed a national basketball title. AJ's decision reflects major changes in college athletics. Players can now profit from endorsements thanks to fresh rules called NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). With some sources claiming it might reach $8.5 million, AJ's contract at BYU is thought to be valued at roughly $5 million. Even against conventional sports powerhouses, this positions BYU as a formidable opponent for top athletes.

The school has a significant sports budget and is willing to invest to create a successful program.Also Read: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s daughter Jaz shows sweet support for dad’s thoughtful leadership speech

Kevin Young and Ryder Lyons join AJ Dybantsa to raise BYU’s game

One reason AJ Dybantsa chose BYU is the basketball coach, Kevin Young. Young used to coach NBA players like Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant. He signed a seven-year contract with BYU worth $30 million. Young told the school’s richest donors that he can turn BYU into a top basketball program. The school now has a full professional staff, including dietitians and trainers, to support players like AJ.In 2027, BYU will also welcome Ryder Lyons, a top football recruit. Lyons is expected to be BYU’s best quarterback recruit in 20 years. Both athletes will help BYU grow as a place for top sports talent. AJ Dybantsa plans to spend just one season at BYU before entering the NBA draft. His father says AJ knows the strict rules and the consequences if he breaks them. The family’s focus on discipline could make this a successful new chapter for both AJ and BYU basketball.