AJ Dybantsa's full name, explained: Why No. 1 pick went by 'Anicet' at NBA Draft

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

AJ Dybantsa's full name, explained: Why No. 1 pick went by 'Anicet' at NBA Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

AJ Dybantsa's name has been celebrated throughout his basketball career, following him as he scaled the heights of Saint Sebastian's, Prolific Prep, Utah Prep, BYU and, now, the NBA.

But when the newly minted Wizards forward was called to the stage by Adam Silver after being selected first overall in the NBA Draft, he did so under a new moniker — at least to those who have followed his budding career: Anicet Dybantsa.

Here's what you need to know about the origins of Anicet, Dybantsa's actual first name.

2026 NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

What is AJ Dybantsa's real name?​

Dybantsa's real name is Anicet. It comes from his father, aptly named Anicet Sr. AJ is Anicet Jr. Per Ancestry.com, "Anicet" has Polish and Greek origins. The title stems from the Greek name Aniketos, an offshoot of the Greek term, which means invincible or unconquerable.

Ancestry says the name carries the meaning of "undefeated." Dybantsa — and Washington supporters — will hope the title rings true throughout his nascent NBA career.

Yer a Wizard, AJ

AJ Dybantsa is heading to the District at No. 1 pic.twitter.com/42atCNr441

— ESPN (@espn) June 24, 2026

Continue reading...