AJ Dybantsa: the meteoric rise of a basketball prodigy

Multicultural roots and a childhood split between two continents

Dybantsa is now one of the most promising basketball players in the United States, but his story is shaped by a rich heritage. Born in the United States, Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr, to give his full name, has roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo on his father's side and in Jamaica on his mother's. But before becoming a rising star of American basketball, he spent part of his childhood in Grigny, France, where he honed his first moves and his shooting on neighbourhood courts. That blend of influences shaped his style of play, combining power and finesse.

From his first years at Saint Sebastian’s School in Massachusetts, AJ Dybantsa stood out for his wingspan and explosiveness. He quickly caught the eye of recruiters and became the number one player in the class of 2026, according to ESPN. His talent did not go unnoticed: he received his first NCAA Division I scholarship offer from Boston College, the start of a promising path.

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After a successful first season, he continued his rise by joining Prolific Prep in California, then Utah Prep for his final year of high school. It was during this period that he confirmed his full potential, notably in July 2023, when he dominated the Nike Peach Jam, averaging 25.8 points per game. It was a performance that could only strengthen his status as a future star of the game.

Read also: Who are the two Africans drafted in the same year as Victor Wembanyama?

An irresistible rise and a first trophy

Inevitably, his name and talent quickly outgrew the high-school circuit. In 2023, he was selected for the United States U16 national team to play in the FIBA Americas Championship in Mérida. Team USA were favourites for the tournament and, unsurprisingly, won gold. It was a first trophy for AJ Dybantsa, and one that only confirmed his future status.

In 2025, at the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, he shone again, scoring 17 points and leading the West to victory over the East (105-92). But it was in the dunk contest that he really made headlines: he performed a spectacular leap over WNBA star Angel Reese, a feat that quickly went viral.

Brigham Young: a strategic choice with the NBA in mind

In August 2024, AJ Dybantsa faced a crucial decision over his NCAA future. Several prestigious universities were courting him: Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and North Carolina. He had originally been due to decide in February 2025, but he surprised everyone by announcing his commitment to Brigham Young (BYU) on 10 December 2024. The choice was driven by strategic as well as financial reasons, as his name, image and likeness (NIL) deal is estimated at between 5 and 7 million dollars, setting a new record in college basketball.

“I was pretty much stress-free throughout the whole process, but it feels good to announce it ”, he told 247sports after committing.

At BYU, he will have a major role that should allow him to perfect his game while preparing for the NBA.

Huge expectations ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft

With a wingspan of more than 2.13 metres, an exceptional ability to create his own shot and an impressive physical dominance, AJ Dybantsa is tipped as a potential number one pick in the 2026 Draft. His dream? To join Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. But the Draft lottery will decide his future, and nothing is settled yet.

“Victor is just crazy. The things he does are wild. We'd make an incredible duo. The chances of it happening are pretty slim, but I thought about it as soon as I saw him get drafted. Then again, you never know ”, he said earlier this year to ESPN.

What is certain is that the expectation around him is immense. With his explosive mix of power, shooting touch and versatility, he is already regarded as a generational talent who could reshape the NBA landscape in the years to come. His rise is only just beginning, but one thing is clear: AJ Dybantsa is destined for superstardom.