Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr. is a highly acclaimed American basketball player, currently ranked as the number one recruit in the Class of 2025.
Born on January 29, 2007, in Brockton, Massachusetts, he is of Congolese and Jamaican descent.
Dybantsa initially attended Saint Sebastian’s School before transferring to Prolific Prep and later to Utah Prep for his senior year.
He has committed to play for Brigham Young University (BYU), marking the highest-ranked recruit in BYU’s history.
Dybantsa won a gold medal with the U.S. team at the FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship.
Parents
AJ’s parents, Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa Sr. and Chelsea Dybantsa, have played a significant role in his basketball career.
Ace Dybantsa, born in the Congo but raised in Paris, is a campus police officer at Boston University.
He emphasizes discipline and accountability, which has contributed to AJ’s strong work ethic.
Chelsea Dybantsa, from Jamaica, often struggles with AJ being away from home as he pursues his basketball dreams.
Both parents were involved in AJ’s recruitment process, with Ace frequently communicating with colleges and Chelsea supporting AJ’s decisions.
Career
Dybantsa began his high school career at Saint Sebastian’s School in Needham, Massachusetts.
During his freshman year, he was named the Massachusetts Boys’ Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year, highlighting his early talent and potential.
He later transferred to Prolific Prep in Napa, California, and then to Utah Prep for his senior year. These moves were strategic to enhance his skills and exposure in competitive environments.
Dybantsa’s achievements and recognition are notable. He led the Nike Peach Jam in scoring with an impressive 25.8 points per game.
This performance showcased his ability to dominate at a high level against top competition.
Additionally, he won a gold medal with the U.S. team at the FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship, demonstrating his ability to perform well on the international stage.
His versatility and athleticism have drawn comparisons to LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history.
This comparison underscores his potential to make a significant impact in basketball.
Dybantsa committed to play for Brigham Young University (BYU), marking a historic moment as the highest-ranked recruit in BYU’s history.
This decision was influenced by BYU’s strong basketball program and the opportunity to play in the Big 12 Conference.
The move to BYU is expected to provide him with a competitive environment that will help him grow both as a player and as a person.
Looking ahead, Dybantsa is projected as a potential top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him an attractive prospect for NBA teams.
