With projected superstar AJ Dybantsa set to lead BYU into one of its most anticipated seasons in basketball program history, the Cougars are already planning on their future.
While they prepare on the court, BYU’s recruiting department is going all-in on future talent.
Five-Star Small Forward Anthony Thompson Narrows Down School Choices, Includes BYU
The BYU Cougars are keeping their hopes as high as the mountains outside of Provo that five-star forward Anthony Thompson from Ohio will sign on to play for them.
15.@IndianaEliteIE pic.twitter.com/aZWlgzXMql
— Anthony Thompson (@ant_thompson26) April 25, 2025
The program has been actively pursuing Thompson, out of Western Reserve Academy in Ohio, fueled by getting the commitment from the number one ranked player in the nation, AJ Dybantsa, last season.
Dybantsa reclassified from the 2026 class to be considered for 2025. Thompson, currently ranked as the fifth-best player in the country according to On3’s rankings, could potentially join up with Dybantsa and create an explosive duo.
According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Thompson has been sought after heavily by the top programs in the nation since the beginning of the year. The 6”8, 185-pound small forward had previously been quiet about which schools he had interest in until announcing a final list in April.
That list includes BYU, along with Louisville, Auburn, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas and Xavier.
Blessed to receive an offer from BYU!@BYUMBB @IndianaEliteIE @VerbalCommits pic.twitter.com/c1GL7TMONw
— Anthony Thompson (@ant_thompson26) December 14, 2024
Thompson’s skills as a small forward have been significant. He recently returned from Treviso, Italy, after participating in Adidas Eurocamp there, which took place from May 31 to June 2. Thompson has also signed a NIL deal with Adidas, which he celebrated in a post on X.
Leveling Up.
Excited to join the @adidasHoops family! pic.twitter.com/gQCYr3EDds— Anthony Thompson (@ant_thompson26) May 28, 2025
With hopes of signing Thompson, the Cougars will shift focus to the upcoming season. Last year, BYU made its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011. Sights are higher than that, though. This season, according to some, they have a legitimate case to be a Final Four team.
