From Spiderman to Provo: How AJ Dybantsa and His Family Found a Home-and a Future-at BYU
AJ Dybantsa’s journey to BYU isn’t your typical top-recruit tale. It’s a story shaped by family, faith in a coach’s vision, and a cross-country leap that landed one of the nation’s most electric young basketball talents in the shadow of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.
Just 20 months ago, the Dybantsa family-Ace, Chelsea, and their son AJ-had never even heard of Provo. Now, they’re calling it home. And for a kid who once dreamed of being Spiderman more than an NBA star, AJ has come a long way.
“We Love It Here”
Ace Dybantsa, AJ’s father, still finds himself in disbelief sometimes. “I’m in Utah of all places,” he said this week on BYU’s “Y’s Guys” livestream.
“A kid from Africa is in Utah. We love it here.
People have been great to us. They have embraced our family and have definitely embraced AJ.”
Chelsea, who’s originally from Jamaica, had her “Utah moment” last December when the family attended their first game at the Marriott Center after AJ announced he was committing to BYU. The crowd’s energy, the student section’s embrace of her son-it all felt surreal.
“I could see how it was going to be,” she said. “The students embraced him and he was having a ball.
I was picturing him on the court during that time.” But it wasn’t just the fans that won her over.
“What I love about Utah is the mountains. Coming out of the house and a mountain is right beside you - it’s a surreal experience coming from the East Coast.”
From Superhero Obsession to Super Prospect
Before AJ Dybantsa was a five-star recruit, he was a kid obsessed with Spiderman. And not just a casual fan-we’re talking sneakers, pajamas, jackets, the whole nine yards.
“He was in love with Spiderman,” Ace said. “Everything about him.”
It wasn’t until eighth grade that AJ started to see the basketball court as more than just a hobby. That’s when the superhero action figures started collecting dust, and the real-life dream of playing in the NBA took shape.
Even now, standing 6-foot-9 and still growing, Ace says AJ is still a kid at heart. But there’s a maturity in how he approaches the game-and his future-that’s well beyond his years.
The BYU Pitch
Interestingly enough, it was Ace and Chelsea who visited BYU before AJ ever did. After Kevin Young was hired in April 2024, he flew in from Phoenix-where he was still coaching in the NBA playoffs-to meet them personally.
His pitch? He wasn’t just offering a college scholarship.
He was offering a pro pathway.
“I told him, ‘You don’t have to convince me. You have to convince my son,’” Ace recalled. “He said, ‘Give me a chance and we’ll see what happens.’”
What stood out to Ace wasn’t just Young’s NBA background-it was his sincerity.
“I had been a cop for 19 years. I know BS when I see it,” Ace said. “He was sincere and everything he said - he delivered.”
That visit was enough to convince Ace to push AJ to take a look at BYU. AJ was hesitant at first, but his dad’s message was simple: “Just go visit.”
The Decision
After visiting Provo twice and weighing offers from bluebloods like North Carolina, Kansas, and Alabama, AJ had a plan to announce his decision during Black History Month on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith.
But in mid-October, he walked into his dad’s room with a change of plans.
“Dad, if I decide to pick my school now, do we have to wait until February?” he asked.
Ace told him no-just say the word.
Two weeks later, AJ did.
“Dad, I’m going to BYU.”
“You are going where?” Ace asked, stunned.
“BYU.”
“Why? Tell me why.”
“KY,” AJ said, referencing Coach Kevin Young. “He brought in a pro staff, a dietitian and strength and condition guy.”
Then came the kicker-AJ had done his homework. He’d called Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul to get their take on Young.
“You called those guys?” Ace asked, surprised.
“Yeah,” AJ said.
“OK, BYU it is!” Ace replied.
Welcome to the Garden
For all his years living near Boston and visiting New York, Ace had never set foot in Madison Square Garden. That changed on December 9, when AJ and BYU faced Clemson on the biggest stage in basketball.
Before the game, the family was taken to see AJ’s billboard in Manhattan-a larger-than-life image of their son plastered in the heart of the city.
“We almost cried,” Ace said. “My wife said, ‘Oh, my baby!’ I said, ‘That’s a big baby!’”
During the game, BYU fell behind by 22 points before mounting a furious comeback. AJ scored 22 points in the second half-outscoring Clemson by himself-and finished with 28. Rob Wright’s buzzer-beating three sealed a 67-64 win.
“It does not bother him. It’s 94 feet.
It doesn’t matter where he plays,” Ace said. “I asked him a couple of years ago, ‘AJ, don’t you feel pressure?’
He said, ‘Dad, what pressure? It’s just basketball.’”
The Kevin Young Effect
From their first meeting to now, Ace remains impressed with Kevin Young’s leadership. What stands out most? His ability to command respect without raising his voice.
“He doesn’t have to yell to get his point across,” Ace said.
And under Young’s guidance, AJ is growing into more than just a stat-stuffer. Ace sees leadership qualities emerging-traits that will serve AJ well far beyond his time at BYU.
“You can tell he galvanized everybody,” he said. “You saw what he can do on the court in Boston and New York - just being himself, but still unselfish.”
What Comes Next
Ten games into the season, BYU is 10-1 and ranked No. 10 in the country. The Cougars just rolled through Pacific and Abilene Christian, and they’ll wrap up nonconference play Monday night against Eastern Washington.
Whether AJ Dybantsa is in Provo for one season or more, his impact is already being felt. And even when he moves on, his connection to BYU won’t end there.
“Education means a lot to me,” Chelsea said. “I always say to my kids, that’s one thing someone can’t take away from you, so make sure to get your degree. AJ promised me that he will.”
From Spiderman pajamas to Madison Square Garden, AJ’s story is still being written. But one thing’s clear: BYU isn’t just a stop on his journey-it’s part of his foundation.