Player: Anicet 'AJ' Dybantsa Jr.
Class: 2026
Height: 6'7
School: St. Sebastian's School (Massachusetts)
AAU: Expressions Elite
Getting a chance to head out to the CP3 Rising Stars Camp once again, Phenom Hoops had another chance to check out some of the rising talents that will be entering the high school level as an incoming freshman. The field was loaded, and you could feel the buzz early on with the event but one thing was for sure… 2026 6'7 AJ Dybantsa Jr. was one of the must-see players at the event and all cameras and eyes were on him early.
Let's put it this way, you didn't need much time to see why he was being looked at as one of the premier talents not only at the camp but also in the country for his class. For a player at his age, Dybantsa showcased that he was a level above so many on the court and that he had that 'special' talent that you don't see many have at such a young age. Dybantsa just has that swagger and feel, knowing and understanding that there weren't many that were going to slow him down and that he could effectively get whatever he wants. Having a 6'7, long frame already certainly helped and instantly made him a mismatch for his opponents, but it was also the levels he was able to operate and his comfort in doing so. Dybantsa has that natural feel in going to get a bucket when he wants and how he wants. Whether it was his ability to create off the dribble, showcase his elite athleticism and finishing at the rim, his bounce and footwork, or his ability to knock down shots or create space with his perimeter game, Dybantsa did it all and did it with ease. But he also does all of this within the game and framework of his team. He shares the ball well, doesn't play with a selfish mindset, and finds ways to impact the game on both ends and in other ways. But he has that switch that he can flip when needed, and there wasn't an opponent that was going to stop him.
Whether it was his handles, his ability to attack or his smooth feel, his understanding of how to operate from all levels, his incredible bounce and athleticism, or his impact on either end of the floor, Dybantsa showed why he will be considered one of the top players in his class of 2026 and will be a highly coveted prospect quickly.
