WASHINGTON WIZARDS SELECT AJ DYBANTSA AT NO. 1 IN 2026 NBA DRAFT

The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa, a forward from Brigham Young University, with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York. Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game during his sole collegiate season across 35 games. He measured 6'9" in height with a 7'0.5" wingspan, according to the draft documentation. The Wizards reported that Dybantsa will join a roster including Trae Young, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr.

Dybantsa led the nation in scoring during his college season at BYU. His three-point shooting recorded 33.1% accuracy, an area identified as requiring development. His offensive capabilities, athleticism and ability to attack the rim were cited as strengths that should transfer to professional basketball. The first round of the draft proceeded with multiple selections, including Darryn Peterson to the Utah Jazz at No. 2 and Cameron Boozer to the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3.

The 2026 draft class was characterised as deep, with multiple rookies expected to contribute to fantasy basketball rosters in the 2026-27 season. Peterson, a guard from Kansas, averaged 20.2 points and shot 38.2% from three-point range during his collegiate season. Boozer posted 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists per game with shooting splits of 55/39/79 in his final college year at Duke.