The 2026 NBA Draft is underway and the most anticipated pick of the night is in. The Washington Wizards have selected BYU star forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick.
WITH THE FIRST PICK IN THE 2026 NBA DRAFT, THE WIZARDS SELECT AJ DYBANTSA‼️ pic.twitter.com/OKWfahRy7D
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— ESPN (@espn) June 24, 2026
Dybantsa was widely regarded as one of the top two prospects expected to go No. 1, alongside Kansas star guard Darryn Peterson.
While last season began with Peterson as the favorite, Dybantsa had an outstanding freshman season for the Cougars and led all Division I players in points per game.
As a hyper-athletic 6’9″ forward, he already has tremendous physical traits that give him superstar potential. What makes him such a terrific prospect is his elite shot-making abilities to go along with this athleticism.
He thrives both when getting downhill to the rim and when stopping on a dime for a midrange pull-up jumper.
For the Wizards, Dybantsa fits into the lineup much more than Peterson would.
With Trae Young back on a new contract extension to run the point and Anthony Davis looking to get healthy and anchor the frontcourt, Dybantsa helps fulfill Washington’s need for a dynamic wing.
This year’s draft class is loaded with freshman talent and it looks like the Wizards just got the cream of the crop.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
