Basketball star AJ Dybantsa is part of Soldier Showcase at UCSB
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The rain might wreak havoc across the Central Coast this weekend, but the best ticket in town just might be a place where you don’t have to dodge raindrops, but instead watch it raining threes.
The Oakland Soldiers basketball organization — which launched a Central Coast chapter in 2025 — returns to Santa Barbara on Sunday for its annual Soldier Showcase, which will include the jersey retirement of projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick AJ Dybantsa.
The All-American at BYU played for the Soldiers in 2024, the latest in elite players that have come through the organization, including LeBron James, Aaron Gordon, Gabe Vincent, Kendrick Perkins and dozens of other professional players.
On Sunday, AJ will share the spotlight with a high-flying dunk contest that will feature legendary Southern California dunker Christon Staples; a 3-point contest with former UCSB star Aidan Mahaney; and the spectacle that is playing 1-on-1 against Jerome Randle in a King of the Court competition.
Local families wanting to learn more about grassroots basketball; how the Soldiers address the complex world of youth athletics through their non-profit, the FAM Foundation; and how the organization sets families up for success on and off the court, this event will cater to those looking to be inspired, educated and empowered to take the next step.
Tickets are still available, and you can find them at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/soldiers-showcase
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