Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in NBA draft
ESPN • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 12:24 AM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
The Washington Wizards drafted forward AJ Dybantsa from BYU with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft held on June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Dybantsa had an impressive freshman season, leading the nation in scoring with an average of 25.5 points per game. The selection comes after significant speculation regarding the Wizards' choice between Dybantsa and other top prospects like Kansas' Darryn Peterson. Dybantsa breaks ground as the first BYU player selected first overall and adds to a Wizards roster that includes Trae Young and Anthony Davis, aiming to improve from last season's 17-65 record. The Wizards hope Dybantsa can contribute immediately and help lead the team back to playoff contention.
- •AJ Dybantsa was selected first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
- •Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists at BYU.
- •This is the Wizards' first No. 1 pick since John Wall in 2010.
- •Dybantsa is the first BYU player to be drafted No. 1 overall.
- •He joins a core that includes Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
- 1:17 AMESPN — Wizards opt for BYU's Dybantsa with No. 1 pick
- 12:33 AMYahoo Sports — After a difficult rebuild, the Wizards have new hope after adding Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick
- 12:17 AMYahoo Sports — Brockton native selected as No. 1 pick in the NBA draft
- 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Wizards select BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with No. 1 pick in NBA draft
- 12:12 AMCBS NBA — Wizards select AJ Dybantsa over Darryn Peterson with No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA Draft
- 12:11 AMYahoo Sports — AJ Dybantsa Drafted #1 Overall by Washington Wizards
- 12:11 AMYahoo Sports — What AJ Dybantsa brings to Washington Wizards as first pick in NBA Draft
- 12:11 AMYahoo Sports — Why Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with No. 1 overall pick instead of Darryn Peterson
"In a loaded draft class, AJ Dybantsa stood above the rest and was drafted #1 overall by the Washington Wizards in Tuesday night’s NBA Draft. He is the first ever BYU basketball player selected #1 overall. AJ came to BYU hyped as a generational-type prospect, and lived up to the hype in his one season […]
"It has been nearly a half-century since Washington was a real championship contender in the NBA. Now, AJ Dybantsa's arrival represents a potential turning point for a franchise that could really use one. The Wizards took Dybantsa with the first overall pick in Tuesday night's NBA draft.
"The Washington Wizards selected forward AJ Dybantsa, who led the nation in scoring in his one season at BYU, with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Tuesday night.
Sources
External links- ESPNJun 24, 2026, 1:17 AMWizards opt for BYU's Dybantsa with No. 1 pick
The Wizards ushered in a new era by drafting AJ Dybantsa first overall, selecting him over Kansas' Darryn Peterson.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 12:33 AMAfter a difficult rebuild, the Wizards have new hope after adding Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick
It has been nearly a half-century since Washington was a real championship contender in the NBA. Now, AJ Dybantsa's arrival represents a potential turning point for a franchise that could really use one. The Wizards took Dybantsa with the first overall pick in Tuesday night's NBA draft.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 12:17 AMBrockton native selected as No. 1 pick in the NBA draft
The Washington Wizards selected forward AJ Dybantsa, who led the nation in scoring in his one season at BYU, with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Tuesday night.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 12:15 AMWizards select BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with No. 1 pick in NBA draft
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, the Wizards on Tuesday selected forward AJ Dybantsa after a historic freshman campaign at BYU.
- CBS NBAJun 24, 2026, 12:12 AMWizards select AJ Dybantsa over Darryn Peterson with No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA Draft
Washington went with the BYU star after weeks of speculation over who would come off the board first
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 12:11 AMAJ Dybantsa Drafted #1 Overall by Washington Wizards
In a loaded draft class, AJ Dybantsa stood above the rest and was drafted #1 overall by the Washington Wizards in Tuesday night’s NBA Draft. He is the first ever BYU basketball player selected #1 overall. AJ came to BYU hyped as a generational-type prospect, and lived up to the hype in his one season […]
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 12:11 AMWhat AJ Dybantsa brings to Washington Wizards as first pick in NBA Draft
AJ Dybantsa was just selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft. See what he can bring to the nation's capital.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 12:11 AMWhy Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with No. 1 overall pick instead of Darryn Peterson
The Washington Wizards kicked off the NBA Draft by bringing a BYU star forward on board.
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