-
His Spidey senses led him to hoops! Before becoming the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, AJ was obsessed with Spider-Man and couldn’t have cared less about basketball. Then his dad bought him a Spider-Man hoop for his bedroom door, and suddenly the future of basketball was unlocked.
-
His real name comes with some serious No. 1 pick energy. AJ’s full name is Anicet Dybantsa Jr. (pronounced “A-Knee-Say”), and the name is often associated with meanings like “invincible” or “undefeated.” The confidence of being called that and then actually going No. 1 overall? Incredible work by his parents.
-
Even future NBA superstars aren’t safe from the chore chart. While AJ was becoming one of the most hyped basketball prospects in the world, his dad still expected him to do chores around the house. Imagine dropping 30 points and then being told it’s your turn to take out the trash.
-
AJ’s dad immigrated from the Republic of the Congo and his mom from Jamaica, creating a household his father lovingly calls “Jafrican.” The family grew up listening to Bob Marley, traveling to connect with both sides of their heritage, and staying deeply rooted in their culture.
-
His offseason runs looked more like an NBA All-Star Game. Before he was even draft eligible, AJ was training alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and Paul George. Most college freshmen are trying to find their classes, AJ was getting workouts in with basketball royalty.