AJ Dybantsa, BYU’s top recruit in the 2025 class, recently surprised basketball fans by publicly acknowledging WNBA star Caitlin Clark. This unexpected shout-out, delivered through social media, provides insight into how young athletes like Dybantsa balance admiration for peers while navigating endorsement complexities.
In a practice session, Dybantsa shared an Instagram story where he was seen wearing Clark’s signature Nike shoes, tagging her with fire emojis. The moment took place courtside at BYU’s Marriott Center, sparking excitement among followers of both college basketball and professional women’s basketball. This act highlighted the respect and connection between rising talents across different leagues.
Dybantsa’s Recent Performance Highlights His Growing Reputation
On the court, Dybantsa has demonstrated his skills consistently. He led his Utah Prep team to an 80-57 victory against The Fort at the Grind Session World Championship, contributing 14 points and showcasing his abilities as a wing player. His strong performances have added to his growing reputation heading into college basketball.
Internationally, Dybantsa earned Most Valuable Player honors at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. Throughout the tournament, he averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, helping Team USA secure the gold medal. These achievements have further raised expectations for his upcoming season at BYU.
Endorsement Deals Present Challenges For Brand Loyalty
Off the court, Dybantsa’s endorsement situation has stirred debate around athlete-brand relationships. Despite signing a reported $4 million deal with Nike, he has been seen wearing New Balance apparel and sneakers, drawing parallels to fellow college player Cooper Flagg’s similar choice. This contrast has fueled fan discussions about the realities of loyalty in athlete endorsements today.
Notably, Dybantsa appeared in a full New Balance outfit during a Summer League photo with Dylan Harper, even though Nike provides him with customized GT Future P.E. sneakers featuring an ‘AJ’ logo. This mixed branding has intrigued followers who wonder how endorsement deals accommodate athletes’ personal preferences alongside contractual obligations.
Adding to the intrigue, Dybantsa threw out the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game while wearing New Balance 1906 shoes. The connection to Boston-based New Balance, a brand that has also partnered with Cooper Flagg, deepens the discussion on how athletes manage sponsorships during the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era.
Here’s some better video of #BYU‘s AJ Dybantsa tossing out the first pitch before tonight’s Red Sox game at Fenway Park.#BYUHoops pic.twitter.com/DriTb3N9BE
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_TV) July 11, 2025
This situation reflects a broader evolution in athlete endorsements, showing how professional expectations and personal choices can differ. Fans of college basketball have responded with mixed feelings, debating what brand loyalty means in this new landscape.
The Significance of Dybantsa’s Public Gesture Toward Caitlin Clark
As AJ Dybantsa prepares to begin his collegiate career under Coach Kevin Young at BYU, his act of tagging Caitlin Clark takes on special meaning. It highlights a sense of camaraderie and mutual admiration among athletes from different basketball arenas.
Such moments offer a glimpse into the personalities of young stars who juggle the pressures of brand commitments while celebrating their respect for fellow competitors. The intersection of endorsement deals and authentic athlete expression continues to shape conversations as NIL deals become increasingly common and complex.
Ultimately, Dybantsa’s shout-out and his endorsement choices illustrate the shifting dynamics of athlete branding, where personal connections and business interests intertwine, capturing the attention of fans and industry observers alike.