BYU commit and potential No. 1 pick in 2026, A.J. Dybantsa, is generating buzz in the basketball world. His trip to Paris for the NBA Paris Games 2025 highlights his aspirations to play for the San Antonio Spurs and his commitment to the sport.
AJ Dybantsa poses for a photo prior to the game of the Indiana Pacers against the San Antonio Spurs as part of the NBA Paris Games 2025 at Accor Arena on January 25, 2025 in Paris, France. A.J. Dybantsa is getting noticed at NBA games, even though the 2026 draft is still about a year and a half away.
The BYU commit - and potential No. 1 pick in 2026 - was in Paris this week for the Spurs-Pacers games for a reason. He’s been very vocal about wanting to play for the Spurs someday, and his father, Ace Dybantsa, played professionally in Paris years ago.Dybantsa’s high school team lost to Montverde Academy in a nationally televised game last week. Afterwards, AJ, who scored 25 points in the losing effort, and his Dad left for Paris, but not before making sure arrangements for a personal trainer had been made since AJ “can’t go a day or two without playing basketball.” The league reportedly took charge of AJ and Ace’s schedule after the two were only going to fly in for one game.“I’ve been thinking about 2026 since the day I started dribbling,” Dybantsa said, sitting courtside before the second game between the Spurs and Pacers. “It’s getting closer, but for me, it’s still the same. It’s still the dream.” Dybantsa, a five-star prospect who turns 18 this week, committed to BYU back in November, turning down offers from powerhouse programs like Kansas, North Carolina, UConn, and Auburn. He’s also become a major name in the NIL world, with reports suggesting his one year at BYU could bring in at least $7 million, although when asked for specifics Dybantsa just smiled.Dybantsa said he met Wembanyama previously but hadn't bumped into him before Saturday's game. He’s made it clear he’d love to team up with Wemby - recently joking with BYUtv, “There is no state tax in San Antonio.” I recently asked Wembanyama if he had heard about AJ’s desire to play with him and Victor seemed surprised. “I didn’t hear of that, no,” said Wembanyama. “Nothing is sure in this league about a player’s future, so.”There are reports that Shaquille O’Neal has offered advice. Paolo Banchero knows his game, and guys like LeBron James and Chris Paul are aware of what he brings to the court. “Players I’ve looked up to my whole life know who I am,” Dybantsa said. “KD, Paul George, LeBron it’s surreal to think I might be playing against them soon.” “I’ve got good genes,” he said. “Most kids with African parents know what I mean - strict households. My parents taught me discipline early, and I’ve always believed you have to earn everything, nothing is handed to you.” Next up for Dybantsa? He’ll return home to finish his high school season at Utah Prep. He’s got his sights set on the Chipotle Nationals in April and was recently selected to play in this year’s Nike Hoop Summit with USA Basketball.
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