BYU Star AJ Dybantsa's Massachusetts Roots Revealed

Hometown, high school career, and national team experience of the top 2026 NBA Draft prospect

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:20am

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AJ Dybantsa, the star basketball player for BYU, has had an impressive rise to stardom. Born in Boston and raised in the Brockton area of Massachusetts, Dybantsa played for three different high schools before committing to BYU as the program's highest-ranked recruit ever. Along the way, he emerged as the top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft, leading the nation in scoring this season and representing the U.S. national team at multiple FIBA youth tournaments.

Why it matters

Dybantsa's journey from Massachusetts to becoming a top NBA prospect at BYU highlights the diverse paths talented basketball players can take to reach the highest levels of the sport. His story also showcases the increasing globalization of basketball talent, with Dybantsa's Congolese and Jamaican heritage contributing to his unique skillset and background.

The details

Dybantsa first emerged as an elite talent at Saint Sebastian's School in Massachusetts, where he won the state's Gatorade Player of the Year award as a freshman. He then transferred to the prestigious Prolific Prep in California, where he reclassified to the Class of 2025 to accelerate his path to the NBA. Dybantsa wrapped up his high school career at Utah Prep Academy before announcing his commitment to BYU, the program's highest-ranked recruit ever.

  • Dybantsa was named the best high school player in the country regardless of class in July 2023.
  • In October 2023, Dybantsa announced he would be reclassifying to the Class of 2025.
  • Dybantsa committed to BYU in December 2024.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A star basketball player for BYU who is considered the top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa has Congolese and Jamaican heritage and has played for multiple high schools in Massachusetts and California before landing at BYU.

Chelsea Dybantsa

The mother of AJ Dybantsa, she is from Jamaica.

Ace Dybantsa

The father of AJ Dybantsa, he is from Congo and lived in Grigny, France, including becoming a soccer player before coming to the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“I play like a mix of Tracy McGrady and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].”

— AJ Dybantsa

What’s next

Dybantsa will look to lead BYU to a deep run in the 2026 NCAA Tournament as he continues to cement his status as a top NBA prospect.

The takeaway

Dybantsa's journey from Massachusetts to becoming a star at BYU showcases the diverse paths talented basketball players can take to reach the highest levels of the sport, with his unique background and skillset making him a must-watch prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.