AJ Dybantsa is tracking among the top prospects in 2026

AJ Dybantsa has a 2007 birthday. We typically do not write about players that young; we won’t even be ranking the 2026 class for another two years. However, players typically are not as good, at that age, as Dybantsa. Despite being listed in the class of 2026, it was clear from the very beginning of the 10th annual CP3 Rising Stars Camp that Dybantsa was the best prospect in the camp.

“I’m a wing right now transitioning into a guard,” Dybantsa told On3. “Long-term, I want to be a bigger guard. I’m a high-flyer who can attack the basket, score in transition, or shoot it. I take pride in defense and rebounding; can really do a bit of everything. I feel like I can be like a Brandon Ingram or Paul George type of player, a guy who can create and score on offense but plays defense too.”

8th grader AJ Dybantsa SHUT THE GYM DOWN with this one 😱🤯 (Via @madehoops ) pic.twitter.com/rpmKhwtjcF

— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) March 13, 2022

Being from Boston, Massachusetts, the natural comparison for the 6-foot-7 wing is the late Terrence Clarke. Dybansta not only knew Clarke, but he grew up a fan.

I grew up watching Terrence Clarke; he is from my city,” Dybantsa said. “I play for Expressions Elite as he did. There hasn’t really been anyone else big come out of Boston in my time.”

Class of 2026 means Dybansta will be a freshman at Needham (MA) St. Sebastians this year. However, he did average almost 20 a game as an 8th grader on varsity last season. Tracking as one of the top players in his class, he does not have any offers yet.

“I don’t have any offers yet, but I have interest,” Dybantsa said. “A lot of schools watched me multiple times at Peach Jam, but I haven’t talked to any of them yet.”

Dybantsa dream school?

“When I was younger, I had a dream school,” Dybantsa said. “I watched a lot of UNC. Every time they came on, I used to love UNC, the colors and everything. But the older you get, you start getting recruited, and you look at the play style of schools and coaching styles of schools. I wouldn’t say I have a dream school anymore; the older you get, you look at everything differently.”

Dybantsa’s take

“My dad played college soccer; he was a goalie,” Dybantsa said.

Even with a long way to go in his process, AJ Dybantsa has his mind set on a clear goal.

“I want to play pro basketball,” Dybantsa said. “Anywhere in the league. Everything I do until then will be helping me prepare to get to the league.”

On3’s take

AJ Dybantsa is a lengthy and wiry 6-foot7, maybe 6-foot-8 wing. He has a slippery and smooth handle in the open floor that allows him to attack the basket downhill. He is a bouncy athlete at the rim, finishing high above in transition. Dybantsa has a smooth jump shot and can create his own shots off the bounce. He has the length and upside to be very good when he is locked in on the defensive end. With a 2007 birthday, he has the foundation of all the tools; it will simply be about continuing to get stronger and developing the vast skill base. He is tracking as one of the top players in his class.