AJ Dybantsa’s vertical leap at Utah Prep has stunned fans and scouts alike, reinforcing why the future BYU star is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 phenom, armed with a 7-foot-plus wingspan and elite athleticism, has taken prep basketball by storm with jaw-dropping dunks—most notably a double between-the-legs slam that went viral—cementing his status as a generational talent in the high school ranks. His commitment to BYU, announced in December 2024, made him the Cougars’ first-ever five-star recruit and the centerpiece of head coach Kevin Young’s transformative vision for the program.
Born January 29, 2007, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Dybantsa reclassified from the Class of 2026 to 2025, fast-tracking his path toward NBA stardom. After stints at Saint Sebastian’s and Prolific Prep, where he averaged 21.2 points and earned MaxPreps All-America honors, he transferred to Utah Prep for his senior year, where he has posted a dominant stat line of 17.7 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 4.1 APG. His consistent excellence was further validated at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he led Team USA to gold and earned MVP honors with all-around contributions.
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Dybantsa’s basketball journey has been equally defined by his humility and heritage. The son of Ace and Chelsea Dybantsa, with roots in Congo, Jamaica, and France, AJ grew up grounded and generous. After winning Gatorade Player of the Year as a freshman, he donated the $1,000 prize to his local Boys & Girls Club rather than spending it on himself. That sense of purpose followed him into NIL stardom—becoming one of the few high schoolers to ink deals with Nike and Red Bull—while maintaining a focus on team play, community impact, and self-discipline instilled by his parents.
Five-star BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa’s vertical is absolutely insane 😳
(via @BYUMBB) pic.twitter.com/auizG32KOi
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 29, 2025
With a mature approach to criticism, a high basketball IQ, and a relentless motor on both ends, Dybantsa is drawing comparisons to Paul George for his shot-creating ability, defensive instincts, and playmaking versatility. His offensive numbers and accolades—including back-to-back FIBA youth titles and EYBL Peach Jam dominance—only underscore how complete his game already is.
Yet it’s his mindset—passing-first, humble, and fiercely motivated—that separates him from the pack in a loaded 2026 draft class that also features names like Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson. As BYU awaits his arrival in Provo, one thing is certain: AJ Dybantsa isn’t just the future of Cougar basketball—he may very well be the future of the sport itself.
