AJ Dybantsa: Is LDS| How old is| Parents| 247

Introduction

AJ Dybantsa has emerged as one of the most talked-about high school basketball prospects in the United States. With his combination of size, skill, and hype, he’s captured the attention of fans, scouts, and media alike. In this article we’ll dive into his background: his age, lineage (parents and heritage), his recruiting status (including with 247Sports), and the question of whether he is a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints (LDS).

Age & Early Life

• AJ Dybantsa was born January 29, 2007.

• That means as of 2025 he is 18 years old (depending on the date).

• He’s from Brockton, Massachusetts (and has roots in the Boston area).

• His high school career includes time at Saint Sebastian’s in Needham, Massachusetts; then Prolific Prep in Napa, California; and Utah Prep Academy in Hurricane, Utah.

Heritage & Parents

• AJ’s father is Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa Sr., originally from the Congo (and spent time in France) before moving to the United States.

• His mother is Chelsea Dybantsa, of Jamaican origin.

• The article by CollegeFootballNetwork highlights that his parents (Ace & Chelsea) have played a key role in his development both on and off the court.

• He has siblings (per BYU profile: two siblings Samarra and Jasmyn) and grew up in a family that emphasises discipline, culture, and support.

• AJ’s multicultural background — Congolese, French, Jamaican — is often mentioned as integral to his identity.

Recruiting & 247Sports Status

• On ESPN’s recruiting profile, AJ is listed as 6-foot-9, around 200 pounds, class of 2025.

• He originally was in the class of 2026 but reclassified to 2025 in October 2023.

• According to 247Sports, among the biggest names in high school basketball recruiting, AJ committed to Brigham Young University (BYU) on December 10 2024.

• The signing at BYU made waves because it represented a major get for that program, and because AJ wasn’t choosing BYU for religious reasons (more on that next).

Is He LDS (Member of the LDS Church)?

This question has circulated because BYU is a university affiliated with the LDS Church, and some assumed recruits to BYU might be LDS or convert. Here is what is known:

• According to a Deseret News article: “AJ Dybantsa didn’t choose BYU because he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He isn’t.”

• While there are social media posts or rumours that he visited an LDS Church service (for example, attending or being pictured at a service), there is no confirmed source that he is baptized or formally a member. For instance, one Instagram post claims he “attended an LDS church for the first time this last Sunday.”

• In short: The reliable journalistic sources say he is not LDS, and his commit to BYU was motivated by basketball and program fit rather than religious alignment.

• So, when addressing “Is he LDS?” the answer is: publicly, no — but he may respect or attend events; nothing indicates formal membership.

Why BYU & What It Means

• AJ chose BYU over traditional powerhouse programs such as Kansas Jayhawks, North Carolina Tar Heels and Alabama Crimson Tide.

• According to media coverage: While BYU is affiliated with the LDS Church (which led to speculation about religion), AJ’s decision “wasn’t because he is a member of the Church … it was because of program fit, coaching, and his own goals.”

• His father’s quote: “He wants to be a one-and-done. He wants to be here for nine months and prepare for the next leap in his career.”

• In the Deseret News article, huge emphasis is placed on how his parents played a central role in vetting BYU — the school even gave a private tour to his mom & dad before AJ’s decision.

• For BYU, the signing of AJ is historic — he is the highest-ranked recruit in the school’s history by many accounts.

Playing Style & What to Expect

• AJ is described as a 6-9 wing with guard-like skills, projected as a top NBA draft pick down the road.

• He has size, length, and ability to create mismatches. According to ESPN: “He’s the No.1 prospect in high-school basketball.”

• His high school and AAU production has been outstanding: he led the Nike Peach Jam in scoring with around 25.8 points per game while playing up an age group.

• Expect him to arrive at college ready to contribute quickly; his early enrolment and dedication indicate he is preparing for the next level.

FAQs

Q1. How old is AJ Dybantsa?
A: He was born January 29, 2007 — making him 18 years old (as of 2025).

Q2. Who are AJ Dybantsa’s parents?
A: His father is Ace Dybantsa (Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa Sr.), originally from the Congo/France; his mother is Chelsea Dybantsa, of Jamaican origin.

Q3. What is his recruiting status on 247Sports?
A: He is rated as a top-tier recruit (No.1 in the 2025 class after reclassification) and has committed to BYU.

Q4. Is AJ Dybantsa LDS (a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)?
A: Reliable reports say no, he is not a member. He chose BYU for basketball reasons, not because of religion.

Q5. What heritage/ethnicity is AJ Dybantsa?
A: His father has Congolese roots and spent time in France; his mother is Jamaican. AJ’s background is multicultural.

Q6. Why did he choose BYU instead of a traditional powerhouse?
A: According to articles, it came down to coaching, development path, the “NBA infrastructure” BYU offered, and his parents’ comfort. Religion was not the main driver.

Summary

AJ Dybantsa is a generational prospect with all the tools — size, skill, mindset — to make a major impact in college basketball and beyond. Born in 2007, his multicultural heritage, the unwavering support from his parents Ace and Chelsea, and his commitment to excellence set him apart. While he committed to BYU (an LDS-affiliated institution), the evidence strongly indicates he is not LDS; his decision was based on basketball fit and personal goals. As fans and analysts follow his career, his 247Sports status as the top recruit in his class underscores just how bright his future is.