BYU's Star Player Embraces School and Church Values

AJ Dybantsa's NIL deal with BYU reflects his commitment to the university and the LDS faith.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:19am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.Dybantsa's commitment to BYU and the LDS Church extends beyond the basketball court, as seen in his embrace of the university's values.Provo Today

AJ Dybantsa, a Catholic player who spent one season at BYU before entering the NBA draft, has impressed many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his genuine interest in their faith and his willingness to immerse himself in the BYU community. From discussing his favorite class on the Book of Mormon to visiting the Lindon Utah Temple with an LDS Apostle, Dybantsa has shown a level of engagement that has resonated with BYU fans and the broader LDS community.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's actions demonstrate that his NIL deal with BYU was about more than just money - it reflects a sincere desire to be a positive representative of the university and its sponsoring church. This type of commitment from a high-profile athlete is valuable for BYU as it seeks to uphold its unique mission and values.

The details

Despite his status as a presumptive NBA lottery pick, Dybantsa has fully embraced his time at BYU. He has spoken openly about taking a class on the Book of Mormon, a sacred scripture for the LDS Church, and recently posted on social media about visiting the Lindon Utah Temple with Elder Ronald Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These gestures have been warmly received by the BYU community and the broader LDS faithful, who appreciate Dybantsa's willingness to engage with their faith.

  • Dybantsa played for BYU during the 2025-26 season.
  • On April 9, 2026, Dybantsa posted about his visit to the Lindon Utah Temple with Elder Rasband.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A Catholic basketball player who spent one season at BYU before entering the NBA draft as a presumptive lottery pick.

Elder Ronald Rasband

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest governing body of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ace Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa's father, who attended the temple visit with his son.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you Elder Rasband”

— AJ Dybantsa

What’s next

Dybantsa is expected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft, where he will have the opportunity to continue representing BYU and the LDS Church in a positive light as he embarks on his professional basketball career.

The takeaway

AJ Dybantsa's actions during his time at BYU have shown that his NIL deal with the university was about more than just money - it reflected a genuine desire to be a positive ambassador for the school and its sponsoring church. This level of commitment from a high-profile athlete is invaluable for BYU as it seeks to uphold its unique mission and values.