AJ Dybantsa's NBA Draft night was about more than becoming the No. 1 overall pick. Shortly before the Washington Wizards selected him first overall, fans noticed the BYU star wearing a special "TC5" pin on his suit in honor of the late Kentucky star Terrence Clarke, drawing widespread praise across the basketball community.
The tribute carried special meaning given the close bond between Dybantsa and Clarke.
Both players grew up in the Greater Boston area and shared the same basketball circles growing up. They both trained under coach Joe Saunders and trainer Brandon Ball. Clarke, who starred at Kentucky before tragically passing away in a car accident in 2021, was one of Dybantsa's biggest influences and often referred to him as his "little brother."
In a 2023 interview with KSR, Dybantsa opened up about their relationship.
"He was like my big brother. You could say that we were cousins — we weren't related, but basically cousins," Dybantsa said.
"I was 'little brother' every time he came back. I've known him since I got to Expressions, so the fourth grade."
Dybantsa also explained how Clarke's legacy continues to motivate him.
"That was my idol. Ever since he passed away, I do the basketball stuff for him. Everything is for him. I'm just trying to carry his legacy."
The 6-foot-9 wing has honored Clarke on multiple occasions throughout his rise to basketball stardom. During a dunk contest at the CP3 Rising Stars Camp, Dybantsa wore Clarke's No. 5 Kentucky jersey before pointing five fingers toward the sky after a dunk.
So when fans spotted the "TC5" pin on draft night, many immediately recognized its significance.
"AJ Dybantsa wore a 'TC5' pin honoring Terrence Clarke. 🙏. Nothing but respect," Polymarket Hoop s wrote.
Ky Insider's Tristan Pharis shared additional context behind the gesture, writing, "Likely No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa, is wearing a 'TC5' pin tonight in honor of the late Kentucky Wildcat, Terrence Clarke.
"Clarke served as an inspiration to Dybantsa and viewed him as a 'little brother.'
"'I got to carry his legacy and make sure it don't die,' Dybantsa said in 2024."
Kentucky Sports Radio also reacted to the moment, posting:
"No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa honored the late Terrence Clarke on draft night 🥹."
"AJ Dybantsa with a nod to Terrence Clarke tonight. Mannn 💙," Kentucky Wildcats Football writer Wyatt Huff added.
Journalist Ethan Fuller reflected on Clarke's continued impact on young Massachusetts basketball stars:
"Two years after speaking for this tribute story, AJ Dybantsa wears a TC5 pin to honor the late Terrence Clarke at the NBA Draft. Still so powerful to see the impact Clarke left on this generation of Massachusetts stars."
Years after Clarke's passing, Dybantsa continues to make sure his mentor remains part of every major milestone.
"I know he would be proud of me, us being from the same city and same hood," Dybantsa said in an interview with Swish Cultures. "He always cared about the community, the youth and all he wanted was people from that Boston area to do well."
Those words were reflected in Dybantsa's draft-night tribute. While he celebrated becoming the No. 1 overall pick, he also made sure to honor his idol, who helped inspire Dybantsa's journey.
