This morning, blue chip recruit AJ Dybantsa selected BYU as his school vacation spot for subsequent season. We had the possibility to meet up with the Boston native in Portland on the Nike Hoop Summit earlier this yr. He’s one of many high prospects to emerge at the highschool stage in quite a lot of seasons. Throughout the interview, I discussed to Dybantsa that he’s paying homage to Tracy McGrady, a multi-skilled ahead with elite shot creation and ball expertise together with dimension, fluidity and athleticism.
NBADraft.web: Okay, so that you’ve been to Portland earlier than, or is that this the primary time in Portland?
AJ Dybantsa: I’ve been right here earlier than.
NBADraft.web: You’ve been right here earlier than. How’s the expertise been up to now for you this time?
AJ Dybantsa: I imply, it’s been nice. Clearly, representing each nations, my mother and my dad, and with the ability to play with different guys from completely different elements of the world is an efficient expertise, not simply enjoying with guys from the U.S. My dad’s from Congo and my mother’s from Jamaica.
NBADraft.web: Have you ever been to both of these locations?
AJ Dybantsa: I’ve been to each, yeah.
NBADraft.web: What’s your impression of these locations?
AJ Dybantsa: I imply, my dad’s household is basically poor, so it’s tough going again and seeing it, however my mother’s from Jamaica, so it’s like a trip spot.
NBADraft.web: Did you go to Kingston?
AJ Dybantsa: I went to Kingston to go get my citizenship. My mother’s from Montego Bay, the place the surroundings is.
NBADraft.web: Okay. So that you spent a bit of time there and acquired to expertise the tradition there. You’re a reggae fan?
AJ Dybantsa: I’m not a giant reggae fan, however I’ve listened to it earlier than.
NBADraft.web: What do you hope to get out of this Hoop Summit occasion?
AJ Dybantsa: I’ll simply discover ways to play with different guys. I imply, undoubtedly studying from them, as a result of, like, the FIBA video games, abroad basketball is manner completely different than right here, so if I can take a few of their recreation and implement it to my recreation.
NBADraft.web: You transitioned to a brand new college enjoying in Napa at Prolific. What was that transition like?
AJ Dybantsa: Undoubtedly completely different in comparison with my different old style. Enjoying a nationwide schedule, enjoying with higher gamers, so undoubtedly acquired me higher.
NBADraft.web: And was it an adjustment simply being in several place, was that tough?
AJ Dybantsa: I imply, it wasn’t tough for me, as a result of I reside with a bunch household, they usually simply welcomed me in, however, I imply, clearly, being away from my household for the primary time and my sisters for the primary time was undoubtedly tough.
NBADraft.web: What sort of stuff do you love to do off the court docket? What do you take pleasure in in your free time?
AJ Dybantsa: Nothing. I simply hoop. I don’t do anything. I don’t play video video games.
NBADraft.web: Everybody’s gotten to know your recreation, however are there gamers that you just sort of mannequin your recreation after?
AJ Dybantsa: Yeah. I watch a number of Jordan, a number of Tatum, a number of Ingram, Brandon Miller, Kawhi, a number of these sort of gamers, and Lengthy wings.
NBADraft.web: Anybody ever carry up McGrady?
AJ Dybantsa: No, nobody introduced him up.
NBADraft.web: I see a bit of McGrady in your recreation.
NBADraft.web: How a lot of your basketball capacity is difficult work, and the way a lot is simply innate, born with it?
AJ Dybantsa: I believe, if I’m being fully sincere, I used to be born with some expertise, so I might say like 30% expertise, 70% onerous work.
NBADraft.web: At this level, what are you making an attempt to show upon what a part of your recreation?
AJ Dybantsa: Simply getting stronger, clearly with the ability to take the bump, pulling down the shot. Clearly, I’m extending this line. It’s manner farther, so simply pulling down this shot and being a playmaker.
NBADraft.web: Your shot’s, I imply, a fantastic shot on your age and every part.
AJ Dybantsa: My mechanics are there, simply getting reps up now.
NBADraft.web: What’s your view on social media. It’s clearly a advertising and marketing device however do you attempt to not concentrate on it an excessive amount of?
AJ Dybantsa: Yeah. I imply, I’m on it, but when there’s any hate or slander, I don’t take note of it, however I’m on it.
NBADraft.web: Yeah. Yeah, that’s necessary. And let’s see, How necessary is it to win the Hoop Summit this yr?
AJ Dybantsa: Crucial. I imply, I performed for USA earlier than. I’m acquainted with their recreation, however clearly if I’m on the other workforce, I wish to win. I imply, with the ability to win and signify my two nations, my two nations, it will be massive.
NBADraft.web: Who do you take into account the most effective participant in highschool aside from your self?
AJ Dybantsa: Numerous gamers. I like Coop. I like Ace. I like Dylan. There’s a number of gamers.
NBADraft.web: Are you the most effective in highschool?
AJ Dybantsa: I imply, in my view, I’m the most effective participant.
NBADraft.web: Is being the primary choose necessary to you?
AJ Dybantsa: No.
NBADraft.web: No?
AJ Dybantsa: No.
NBADraft.web: Who’s going to win the NBA title this yr?
AJ Dybantsa: Celtics.
NBADraft.web: Celtics. Are you a Celtic fan?
AJ Dybantsa: Yeah, I’m from Boston.
NBADraft.web: Admire it. Good to Meet you, man.
AJ Dybantsa: Thanks.
