AJ Dybantsa led the nation in scoring last season at BYU, earned unanimous first-team All-American honors, and now stands as the favorite to be selected first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23.
But unlike many other prospects of his age, Dybantsa doesn’t have an agent. And it is quite surprising that his team will not be hiring one anytime soon, even with the draft just days away.
Why Top NBA Draft Prospect AJ Dybantsa Doesn’t Have an Agent
Ace Dybantsa Sr. has built that arrangement. He has become a full-time manager for his son and has already negotiated NIL deals with Nike, Red Bull, and Fanatics without an agent involved.
“I’m just doing what I believe is best for my son,” Ace said of his unorthodox involvement. “You know how much AJ is going to make. Everyone and their mother knows how much AJ is going to make. Whoever doesn’t know, all they have to do is Google it. AJ is going to get a max rookie deal. You know that, I know that, so why should I hire an agent to tell me what I already know?” he said.
Rookie scale contracts are fixed by the collective bargaining agreement, meaning a top-five pick’s salary is already known before he ever sets foot on an NBA court.
Ace went a step further, framing his role less as a parent moonlighting in the sports business and more as the head of an operation.
“And then I’m the CEO,” Ace continued. “I can negotiate contracts. I’ve done it. I did a great contract with Nike. I did great contracts with Red Bull and Fanatics. AJ is happy with them. I’m happy with them. We like to keep everything in the family.”
AJ averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field during his lone season at BYU, production that made him a generational prospect.
The family relies on outside expertise selectively, working with longtime sports business advisor Leonard Armato, who represented Shaquille O’Neal during his playing career, but Ace has made clear that final say on basketball and business decisions stays with him.
Now, there’s only one question that remains. The Washington Wizards or the Utah Jazz could possibly draft the BYU star.
Ace recently texted ESPN’s Brian Windhorst a photo of himself wearing both a Wizards and a Jazz shirt, a strong hint that the Dybantsa family wants one of those teams to select AJ.
