AJ Dybantsa's Dad Ace Explains Why Son Didn't Hire Agent Before 2026 NBA Draft

The father of BYU star AJ Dybantsa didn't see the value in his son hiring a certified agent ahead of the 2026 NBA draft.

In an interview with CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Ace Dybantsa recounted his experience with Expressions Elite, a Nike-sponsored grassroots program in Massachusetts.

An Expressions program director suggested to the Dybantsa family they should sign with one of three agents, which would've effectively netted the director a finder's fee.

Ace Dybantsa soured on the entire idea:

"If you get an agent, come on, they're getting a piece. Last time I checked, I'm the one that changed the diapers for AJ, not y'all. You come to me [and say] 'Ace, we're going to help your son, we're going to do this and get you to another level. Can you help our program?' That's fair. But trying to use my son? Now that, oh, no, no, no, that won't work. I have nothing against agents. AJ is No. 1. You know how much he's going to make. It's there. Google it. Why do I have to hire an agent to tell me what I already know what's fair?"

Ace also told Norlander he has blocked some agents on social media who tried to recruit AJ through direct messages.

"A lot of them are pissed at me, but too bad," he said.

There's certainly some logic behind the elder Dybantsa's thinking.

AJ is widely hailed as one of the best players in the 2026 draft. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected him to go first overall to the Washington Wizards, and his floor is probably the Utah Jazz at No. 2 if the Wizards pass on him.

A.J. Dybantsa Highlights

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Dybantsa didn't need an agent to campaign on his behalf before NBA teams.

More important than that, the collective bargaining agreement sets the general parameters for what every first-round draft pick earns on his first contract. There isn't a ton of negotiating to be had on that front.

Agents wouldn't still exist if they didn't serve a purpose, though, and why the biggest stars continue to employ them.

Dybantsa will be signing a second NBA contract at some point assuming his career pans out. His endorsement deals will become bigger and more intricate if he emerges as a major star as well. Agencies have staffs dedicated to knowing every aspect of the CBA and the marketing sphere.

Not to mention, having an agent is useful for a player to maintain some distance if things turn sour with a team. It's better to have someone else take the PR blows for you.

For now, Dybantsa isn't really losing anything by going agent-less. He and his family may need to rethink their stance once he has a few years in the NBA under his belt.