With the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Wizards have selected forward AJ Dybantsa from BYU.
Dybantsa was predicted to be the No. 1 selection by a majority of draft experts, but there was some debate over whether Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson would ultimately be the choice.
Now, the day after the Wizards inked Trae Young to a massive four-year, $212 million contract, they bring in a highly touted prospect in a deep class.
AJ Dybantsa gets interviewed by Knicks guard Jose Alvarado before the 2026 NBA Draft. Getty Images
AJ Dybantsa thrived in his one season at BYU JASON SZENES/ NY POSTIn just one season at BYU, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He’s considered an excellent scorer and can score from all three levels.
“Being the No. 1 pick meant a lot to me,” Dybantsa told reporters after getting selected. “Obviously, me being No. 1 throughout all my high school career, I definitely wanted to be a staple to be No. 1 in the NBA draft and be in the same conversation with LeBron James and Cooper Flagg, Allen Iverson and guys like that.”
Even while only playing one season of college ball, the 19-year-old Dybantsa was considered a leader in the Cougars locker room.
The Wizards brought in Young and Anthony Davis last season to give their young core some veteran leadership in hopes of hastening the team’s rebuild.
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young attempts a technical foul free throw against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, March 8, 2026. AP Photo/Peter Forest“I feel like I could play with Trae [Young] in the backcourt really well,” Dybantsa said. “He’s a great facilitator and great point guard and we could play off each other for sure.”
In a 2026 class where all of the anticipated top three picks are expected to be difference makers immediately on their NBA teams, Dybantsa was the most popular option to turn around a franchise that won fewer than 20 games the past three seasons.
