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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Draft

Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in NBA draft

ESPN • 3 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 12:24 AM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in NBA draft
Summary

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.

Source Links
ESPNThe Guardian SportYahoo SportsCBS NBA
Key Details
  • •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.
Latest Updates
  • 1:17 AMESPN — Wizards opt for BYU's Dybantsa with No. 1 pick
  • 12:48 AMThe Guardian Sport — AJ Dybantsa chosen by Washington Wizards with No 1 pick in NBA draft
  • 12:40 AMYahoo Sports — Wizards choose teenage talent Dybantsa with No.1 pick in NBA Draft
  • 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
What they're saying
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BYU freshman tops draft after scoring spree Wizards land first No 1 pick since Wall Dybantsa joins rebuilding Washington 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. Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, highlighted by a 43-point effort that broke BYU’s freshman scoring record. Continue reading...

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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 […]

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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.

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Washington WizardsNBABasketball

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