The Washington Wizards have selected small forward AJ Dybantsa of Boston, Massachusetts first overall in the 2026 National Basketball Association draft. Dybantsa only played one season of college basketball and led all players at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level in points per game (25.5 points) while being a small forward for Brigham Young University.
Dybantsa also led the NCAA in total points (894), field goals made (308), two-point field goals made (259), and free throws made (229). He averaged 6.8 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game. Dybantsa also had a field goal percentage of .510, three point percentage of .331, and a free throw percentage of .774. This past season, he received the honour as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year Award.
In the history of the NBA, Dybantsa is the first player from Brigham Young University selected first overall. This is the third time a player for the Washington Wizards has been drafted first overall. Center Kwame Brown of Charleston, South Carolina was selected first overall in 2001 and guard John Wall of Raleigh, North Carolina was selected first overall in 2010.
The Wizards were the worst team in the NBA last season. They had a record of 17 wins and 65 losses for a winning percentage of .207. There are signs that the Wizards might improve. Washington will have point guard Trae Young and center Anthony Davis on their roster in 2026-27, and will be big components on their team if they can stay healthy.
