A simple yet cryptic tweet from Alabama assistant coach Preston Murphy has set the Crimson Tide basketball community ablaze with speculation. Murphy’s vague post, which featured nothing more than a pair of eye emojis and a basketball, has fans wondering if it’s a nod to highly-touted high school phenom AJ Dybantsa.
Dybantsa, the 6’8” forward from Massachusetts, is widely considered one of the most promising players in the 2026 recruiting class. His exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility have made him a top target for elite college programs. As Alabama continues to cement its reputation as a basketball powerhouse under head coach Nate Oats, the possibility of landing a player like Dybantsa has fans dreaming big.
While Murphy’s tweet offered no direct context, Alabama fans quickly connected the dots, interpreting it as a signal of progress in the recruitment of Dybantsa. The Crimson Tide have been aggressive on the recruiting trail, and landing a player of Dybantsa’s caliber would further solidify their place among the nation’s top programs.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dybantsa has reportedly expressed interest in programs with a proven track record of player development and success in modern, up-tempo systems—qualities Alabama embodies. With Alabama’s recent success in developing NBA talent, including lottery picks like Brandon Miller, it’s no wonder fans see Murphy’s cryptic tweet as a positive sign.
While no official announcements have been made, the buzz surrounding Murphy’s post highlights the excitement surrounding Alabama basketball’s future. Whether the tweet was a direct hint or merely an unrelated post, one thing is clear: the Crimson Tide faithful are ready to dream big, and AJ Dybantsa is the ultimate prize.
