Decision pending for Dybantsa

While rising basketball superstar AJ Dybantsa has never shied away from acknowledging his Jamaican heritage, he admitted that the possibility of wearing the black, green, and gold of the Jamaican national basketball team remains a “game-time decision”.

Dybantsa was selected first overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft and is regarded as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects.

Born in the United States, Dybantsa has Jamaican roots through his mother, Chelsea Dybantsa, who was born in Hanover.

He is also eligible to represent Congo through his father, Ace Dybantsa, meaning he could choose to play for the United States, Jamaica, or Congo in international competition.

The small forward has spent his entire youth international career with United States national teams, winning the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship, the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, and the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup.

He was also named Most Valuable Player of the U19 World Cup after averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Dybantsa said any decision regarding his senior international future would be discussed with his family when the time comes.

“That decision, that would be like a game-time decision,” Dybantsa said. “Whenever the time comes, I’ll talk to my mom, I’ll talk to my dad and see what happens.

“Knowing that my mom’s from here, that would, like, play a part in it. But like I said, it’ll probably be a decision when the time comes.”

Dybantsa remains a long-standing target of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), which believes he could become a vital piece in strengthening the national programme.

JaBA president Paulton Gordon said the association has been actively recruiting Dybantsa and has built a relationship with both the player and his family.

Gordon, however, acknowledged that Dybantsa is currently focused on his professional career and understands that the decision ultimately rests with the player.

“That would be absolutely huge for Jamaica’s basketball,” Gordon said.

“The star power of marquee players of any team will bring a lot to your programme. It will bring resources, it will bring visibility, it will bring added interest from other players,” he continued.

“Whenever we get an opportunity to engage, that’s what we’re doing. Someone like AJ as a poster boy for Jamaica basketball would be great, and that would elevate us to yet another level.”

INSPIRING OTHERS

While JaBA will continue its pursuit of Dybantsa, Gordon said the player remained committed to helping grow Jamaica’s basketball community.

Last year, Dybantsa partnered with JaBA and the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation to donate basketball gear to inner-city schools.

This time, he has partnered with the Jamaica Tourist Board to support the development of basketball locally and serves as an inspiration for young Jamaican athletes.

“AJ’s visit is one of the things that we encourage all NBA players with connections in Jamaica to come back and give back, and it really presents a platform for the youngsters to see what is possible,” Gordon said.

“We try and connect them when they come to Jamaica with our high school players and younger players so that the kids can look to emulate what they are doing and understand what it takes in terms of a pathway to get where they are.”

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com