AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s No. 1 basketball recruit, presents a captivating duality. On the court, he is a dominant force, fiercely competitive and projected as a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Off the court, he is a grounded, family-oriented young man with a ready smile and a penchant for humor.

This contrast became evident during a recent interview on the “Y’s Guys” podcast, revealing two distinct personas within the same individual.

The On-Court Competitor

Dybantsa acknowledges the stark difference between his on-court and off-court demeanor. If you see me on the court, it’s like a horrible portrayal of who I really am, he admitted.I am mad on the court. I play angry. I‘m very passionate. This intensity fuels his performance, making him a formidable opponent.

The Off-Court persona

Away from the game,Dybantsa sheds his competitive edge. Off the court, I‘m just chill. I think I‘m funny. A lot of people laugh, but I might just be corny. I don’t know, he shared, revealing a self-deprecating sense of humor. His priorities center around family and personal connections.

“I‘m a big family guy. I do everything for my family and with my family. It’s good to have my family around knowing that I have unconditional love to the left and right of me.”

AJ Dybantsa

Family Influence

Ace and Chelsea Dybantsa, AJ’s parents, played a pivotal role in his decision to attend Brigham Young University (BYU). Their campus tour last April preceded AJ’s visit,underscoring their involvement in his choice.I wouldn’t even be alive if it wasn’t for them, Dybantsa said, emphasizing their influence. them instilling hard work into me and my sisters (Samarra and Jasmyn) is why we do what we do.

Priorities: School, Basketball, and Family

Dybantsa’s focus extends beyond basketball.He prioritizes his education and cherishes time with his family.Unlike many of his peers, he avoids spending excessive time on video games, choosing instead to invest in meaningful activities.

BYU Debut and Future Plans

Dybantsa experienced a warm welcome at BYU, marked by a standing ovation during halftime of a game against Fresno State last December. I didn’t know what I was doing. They just told me I was getting introduced, he recalled. I didn’t know where to go. I just went in a circle around the court. My hands were in the air for about a minute and a half. I thought, ‘Wait, when do I pull them down?’ I didn’t know what I was supposed to do with them. He will wear No. 3 for the cougars.

While projected as a potential one-and-done player, Dybantsa hinted at the possibility of a longer stay at BYU.Who says it’s (just) a year? he questioned with a smile.I‘m just saying? He also expressed excitement about working with coach Kevin young and the BYU basketball program. KY is doing such a great job and it really showed this year — a first-year coach making it to the Sweet 16. You can’t beat that, he said. The whole NBA staff that they have, you aren’t really getting that at the college level. Obviously, my main goal is to make the NBA at some point, so why not get that information years earlier?

Community engagement

Dybantsa intends to remain connected to the Provo community. Now that I live here, I‘m always (going to be) part of the community. I‘ll always come back to do community work here, he affirmed.I did it in Brockton, but now that this is my new home I will definitely try to do it in Provo.