Top pick for the 2026 NBA draft AJ Dybantsa has reportedly applied for Jamaican citizenship, as he explores the possibility of representing Jamaica internationally.

The 19-year-old forward, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, has a Jamaican mother and has expressed interest in playing for Jamaica, according to Jamaica Basketball Association President Paulton Gordon.

Standing six-foot-nine, Dybantsa visited Jamaica during the Easter period, where he supported local basketball development and shared his experience with young players through an initiative linked to the Marley Foundation.

“Always nice to see players at that level connected to their heritage and making deliberate steps to motivate and elevate the young ones who are showing interest in basketball,” Gordon told Observer Online.

Dybantsa’s mother, Chelsea Dybantsa, was born in Jamaica and raised in Chester Castle, Hanover before relocating to the United States. His father, Anicet Dybantsa Sr, is originally from the Republic of Congo.

At the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit, Dybantsa displayed both the Jamaican and Congolese flags on his jersey while representing the World Select Team. He scored 21 points but they lost to Team USA 98-75.

Top pick for the 2026 NBA draft AJ Dybantsa passing on his knowledge to young players during his visit to Jamaica last year.

Gordon confirmed that dual citizenship paperwork has begun and suggested Dybantsa could become eligible to represent Jamaica in the future, despite previously representing the United States at youth level.

“He is getting [a] passport, so I guess that may be a possibility down the road. He however has represented USA in all age group competitions from Under-17 level,” Gordon pointed out.

Dybantsa emerged as the top pick from the Class of 2026 that is considered one of the best in recent times.

Staying true to his heritage, he launched the AJ Dybantsa Foundation to help support charitable causes.

One of the foundation’s major efforts has focused on raising funds for hurricane relief in Jamaica, a move that showed his commitment to the island.

Several players with Jamaican roots are plying their trade in the NBA, none more so that Jalen Brunson, who has a Jamaican mother. He just led the New York Knick to the NBA title.

Before Dybantsa, Patrick Ewing, another with Jamaican links, was selected as number one in 1985 By New York Knicks and recently there was a video with Ewing and Dybantsa speaking in Jamaica’s native language Patios.

The profound impact of Jamaican roots in the NBA is tremendous with Miami Heat’s guard Norman Powell recently representing Jamaica.

Devin Vassell of San Antonio Spurs also showed an interest in playing for Jamaica. He has a Jamaican father as is his teammate Julian Champagnie, also with a Jamaican father.

Then there are the twins, Amen and Ausar Thompson. Amen plays for Houston Rockets and Ausar plays from Detroit Piston along with another Jamaican Isaiah Stewart.