Tucked in the heart of southern Utah, beneath the red cliffs and desert sky, Utah Prep Academy is reshaping what it means to be a student-athlete in America. It’s not just a school—it’s a proving ground. And lately, there’s one name that’s putting Utah Prep on every recruiter’s radar: AJ Dybantsa.
Dybantsa isn’t just good—he’s generational. Standing 6-foot-8 with elite quickness, a lethal jumper, and a jaw-dropping wingspan, he’s widely considered the top high school basketball player in the country. When he transferred to Utah Prep in 2024, it wasn’t just a win for the academy—it was a seismic shift for the high school basketball landscape.
But star power doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Behind Dybantsa is a coaching legend whose résumé includes stints at the highest levels of the game. Head Coach Keith Smart, best known for hitting the game-winning shot in the 1987 NCAA Championship for Indiana and later coaching in the NBA, now brings that elite experience to Utah Prep’s hardwood. For Smart, this isn’t a retirement gig—it’s a mission.
“We’re not just coaching basketball here,” Smart said. “We’re developing men. We’re preparing these young athletes for life, whether that life continues in the NBA or in boardrooms.”
It’s working. Utah Prep’s basketball program has become a magnet for serious talent, combining a nationally competitive schedule with relentless training, character development, and academic discipline. The gym culture is intense. Every practice is a showcase. And yet, walk through the school halls, and you’ll see Dybantsa and his teammates balancing algebra and English just as seriously as their jump shots.
The school recently announced its Summer Basketball Camp, drawing top players from around the country. It’s not a typical “drills and drills” operation. The camp is immersive—athletes train under the same systems used during Utah Prep’s season, with personalized instruction from Smart himself. There’s film study, skills work, weight training, and above all, a chance to experience what it means to live the Utah Prep way.
And basketball is just the beginning.
Utah Prep is quickly becoming a destination for elite golfers, too. Thanks to a partnership with PGA star Tony Finau and sports tech innovator Gipper, the school’s golf program is one of the most forward-thinking in the country. Student-athletes train with Gipper’s advanced analytics platform—tracking swing speed, launch angle, and course strategy in real time. Add in coaching from PGA-caliber staff and access to some of Utah’s best courses, and you’ve got a recipe for greatness.
The Summer Golf Camp offers middle and high school students the chance to train in the same high-performance environment. Instruction covers everything from biomechanics to mental preparation. Whether your student is new to the game or already competing at a high level, the Utah Prep camp is designed to unlock their next phase of growth.
But perhaps what sets Utah Prep apart is what happens off the court and course.
As a boarding school, Utah Prep delivers a full-spectrum college prep education in a focused, distraction-free environment. Students live on campus in safe, modern dorms, supported by mentors who understand the demands of elite competition. With small class sizes, tailored academic support, and a flexible curriculum, Utah Prep helps young athletes thrive in both their academic and athletic pursuits.
And there’s more coming.
New sports programs are in development, and plans are underway to expand facilities. The school’s vision is to become the premier academy in the western United States for student-athletes who want to push their limits and prepare for top-tier college opportunities.
In a sports world often driven by hype, Utah Prep is something different—real development, real mentorship, and real opportunity. For parents, coaches, and athletes looking for the next step, the message is simple: