Dybantsa Selected First Overall by Wizards
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa was selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. Dybantsa, a consensus All-American and the nation's leading scorer during the 2025-2026 college season, was projected as a top-three pick entering the draft.
Draft Selection
The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. He was chosen ahead of Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson.
For the announcement, Dybantsa requested to be referred to by his legal first name, Anicet, to honor his father.
He becomes the first No. 1 overall draft pick from BYU; two previous Cougars, Mel Hutchins and Shawn Bradley, were selected second overall.
College Career Statistics
During his freshman season at BYU, Dybantsa recorded the following averages:
- Points per game: 25.5 (led the nation)
- Rebounds per game: 6.8
- Assists per game: 3.7
- Field goal percentage: 51%
- Three-point percentage: 33.1%
Dybantsa (age 19) earned consensus All-America honors, first-team All-Big 12 recognition, and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. He scored 35 points in BYU's single NCAA Tournament game against Texas. After teammate Richie Saunders suffered a torn ACL, Dybantsa recorded 20 or more points in 14 consecutive games.
Physical Profile and Projection
Dybantsa is a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan. He was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in his high school class. BYU coach Kevin Young stated that Dybantsa's decision-making and playmaking improved during the season.
Analysts have projected he could develop into an NBA-level defender and a multi-time All-NBA selection.
Draft Context and Academic Status
The deadline for college players to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft was Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Early-entry players have until June 13 to withdraw.
Dybantsa stated he intends to remain enrolled at BYU to finish his degree in mass communications.
The current Washington Wizards roster includes Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Alex Sarr, and Tre Johnson.