AJ Dybantsa, a proficient 18-year-old from Brockton, Massachusetts, is popping heads throughout the basketball world—and now, Jamaica is paying shut consideration. With deep Jamaican roots by his mom, Chelsea, Dybantsa is just not solely the highest highschool basketball participant in the US but in addition the projected #1 choose within the 2026 NBA Draft. His current go to to Jamaica has sparked hope, pleasure, and conversations about the way forward for basketball on the island.
From Massachusetts to the World Stage
Born on January 29, 2007, Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr. has been making headlines since his freshman 12 months in highschool. He started his basketball profession at Saint Sebastian’s College in Massachusetts, the place he averaged 19.1 factors and 9.6 rebounds per sport. After standout seasons at each Prolific Prep in California and now Utah Prep Academy, he reclassified to the 2025 class and dedicated to Brigham Younger College (BYU).
Regardless of receiving presents from prime applications like Duke, Alabama, and North Carolina, Dybantsa shocked the basketball world by selecting BYU. His determination marks a historic second for the varsity, making him their highest-ranked basketball recruit ever.
Giving Again to His Jamaican Roots
In June 2025, Dybantsa traveled to Jamaica, not only for trip, however to attach together with his roots and provides again. His mom is from Hanover, and the journey was organized in partnership with Nike, the Bob Marley Basis, and the Jamaica Basketball Affiliation.
Dybantsa handed out basketball footwear and gear, visited main colleges, and even performed pick-up video games with native youth. Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob Marley and a key determine in Jamaican sports activities growth, helped coordinate the go to as a part of her new function as ambassador for Jamaican basketball.
Talking concerning the affect of Dybantsa’s go to, Marley stated, “The children have been so blissful to see him… similar shade, similar hair, similar eyes. And he’s what he’s—a rising star.”
A Future with Jamaica Basketball?
Dybantsa hasn’t dominated out the potential of representing Jamaica in worldwide competitors. Whereas he’s presently a member of the USA nationwide workforce—profitable gold medals at each the FIBA U17 World Cup and the U16 Americas Championship—his Jamaican heritage has opened the door for future alternatives.
“I wish to see the sport develop in Jamaica,” Dybantsa stated throughout his go to. “With the ability to come right here and assist encourage the children—it means quite a bit.”
That sentiment has energized the native basketball scene. With Jamaica aiming to qualify for upcoming FIBA tournaments, Cedella Marley believes that athletes like Dybantsa may be part of a bigger motion to raise Jamaican basketball globally.
A Rising Model on and off the Court docket
What makes AJ Dybantsa stand out isn’t simply his expertise—it’s his means to attach throughout cultures. In the identical month he visited Jamaica, he additionally appeared on the Monaco Grand Prix, mingling with the Pink Bull Racing Workforce. His international presence and marketability make him a beneficial asset for sponsors and groups seeking to construct their model.
In response to 247Sports, “Dybantsa has averted lots of the pitfalls of early stardom by constantly enhancing his sport at every step.” Analysts count on that his transition to varsity basketball at BYU would be the subsequent main check earlier than he enters the NBA in 2026.
What’s Subsequent for Dybantsa?
BYU’s upcoming schedule contains matchups with UConn, Wisconsin, and Villanova—giving Dybantsa the platform to showcase his abilities on nationwide TV. These video games will provide followers a primary take a look at what many imagine would be the subsequent large identify in basketball.
If Dybantsa does go #1 within the NBA Draft, he might turn out to be the primary participant of Jamaican heritage to take action. And if he ever wears Jamaica’s colours on the world stage, it could possibly be a turning level for basketball on the island.
One factor is obvious: AJ Dybantsa’s journey is simply getting began—and Jamaica is watching.
Picture -AJ Dybantsa Instagram
