Top-ranked US high-school basketballer heads to Jamaica

A. J. DYBANTSA, the number-one ranked high-school basketball player in the United States entering college this year (per ESPN), is set to return to Jamaica, where his mother is from.

Dybansta, who plays for Utah Prep, will be in the island on Friday with his parents, Anicent and Chelsea Dybantsa. Chelsea Dybansta is from Hanover.

The primary focus of the visit is to give back to local basketball programmes. To that end, Dybantsa has partnered with the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation to launch a series of charitable initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders through the power of sport.

Dybantsa, who is committed to Brigham Young University (BYU) in the fall, is widely projected to be the number-one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Marley Foundation

Known not just for his on-court talent but also for his commitment to community impact, Dybantsa’s collaboration with the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation will include school visits and equipment donations.

The Bob & Rita Marley Foundation has partnered with the Jamaica Basketball Association (JBA), with the aligned strategic objective of growing youth and grass-roots basketball in Jamaica.

The JBA is instrumental in the coordination and execution of Dybantsa’s visit to the island, which will promote early involvement to ensure that young players can access opportunities, thus helping to build a stronger pipeline for future success.

“I was taught by my parents to give back, and what better way to do that than the place where my mother was born. I just hope to inspire the next generation of young ball players,” said the young Dybansta.

“Dada always believed in giving youth a voice and a vision,” said Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies.

“AJ embodies that same spirit – he’s a young man with talent, heart, and purpose. We’re excited to welcome him to Jamaica and support this mission to uplift our youth through sport.”