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Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in NBA Draft

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 6:11 AM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in NBA Draft

Summary

AJ Dybantsa was selected by the Washington Wizards as the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. His full name, Anicet Dybantsa Jr., surprised some in attendance, but the crowd quickly erupted in cheers as the BYU standout was introduced. Dybantsa expressed gratitude to his father, whose support aided his journey, and shared excitement about joining the Wizards. The team has struggled in recent years, failing to secure a winning season since 2018, but Dybantsa aims to help turn the franchise around alongside other young talents and acquired veterans. Summer league games are on the horizon, and he is eager to begin work with his new team.

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By the Numbers

•AJ Dybantsa chosen first overall by Washington Wizards in 2026 NBA Draft.
•Dybantsa's full name surprised fans during the announcement.
•He credits his father for his success and plans to honor him.
•Wizards aim to improve after several poor seasons, lacking a winning record since 2018.
•Dybantsa looks forward to contributing alongside young teammates and veterans.

Latest Updates

6:11 AMYahoo Sports — Analysis: Memorable draft night sends No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa to the nation’s capital as a BYU hero and Washington’s new hope

What they're saying

"
It was a quick swing of emotions at the Barclays Center Tuesday night as NBA commissioner Adam Silver took the podium to announce AJ Dybantsa as the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Many fans and analysts had expected the Washington Wizards to select Dybantsa No. 1 overall, but few were expecting to hear his full name — Anicet Dybantsa Jr. — from Silver’s lips rather than simply “AJ.” Dybantsa had always planned for his full name to be read at the draft, but most of the Brooklyn crowd must have missed that memo, being briefly caught off guard to think for just a split second that some other mystery player named “Anicet” was going No. 1 instead of the BYU star or soon-to-be Utah Jazzman Darryn Peterson.
— Yahoo Sports

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Washington Wizards NBA Basketball