AJ Dybantsa's Family: The Driving Force Behind NBA Prospect

0:00On March 19, AJ Dybanse stands out as one of the top basketball prospects heading into the 2026 NBA draft. The 6-foot 9-forward from Massachusetts committed to BYU for his freshman year, drawing massive hype for his scoring skills and size. His real name is Anisette Jr. with AJ as a nickname, and his family plays a big role in his rise. His dad, Anisette Sr., known as ACE, manages his career as both Agent and Advisor. Born in Congo, ACE grew up partly in France before moving to the United States in 1999. He worked as a police officer in Boston, including at Boston University, and has been hands-on with AJ's decisions, like visiting BYU first to check. Out the coach, meanwhile, AJ's mom, Chelsea, Hales from Jamaica, and keeps the family grounded. She pushes education hard, making sure her kids prioritize degrees alongside sports. The family blends Congolese and Jamaican roots, creating what ACE calls, a no-nonsense home,

1:02with strict routines like daily push-ups. AJ has two sisters adding to the athletic vibe. Older sister Samara studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, while younger Jasmine stars in high school volleyball in Utah as a top prospect. In her class of 2027, he grew up in the Boston area, starting at a local Catholic school before transferring to elite prep programs in California and Utah. Now settled at BYU, AJ benefits from a Thai family support as he eyes a quick pat to the pros, with his parents and sisters cheering every step.