AJ Dybantsa: The No. 1 Pick of the 2026 NBA Draft

On June 23, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the Washington Wizards made it official: Anicet "AJ" Dybantsa Jr. was going to the NBA with the No. 1 overall pick. It was the culmination of a rise that basketball fans have been watching — and marvelling at — since Dybantsa was barely in his teens. Here's the full story of who he is, where he came from, and what he might become.

Topics Covered: NBA Draft, Basketball, Washington Wizards

Who Is AJ Dybantsa?

Born in Boston and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Dybantsa is a 6'9" forward with a playing style that blends size, skill, and scoring instinct in a way that's genuinely rare for a 19-year-old. He's been on the national radar since his freshman year of high school, when he won Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honours and led the prestigious Nike Peach Jam in scoring. He collected a McDonald's All-American nod, reclassified a year early, and won FIBA U19 World Cup MVP after leading Team USA to gold — all before playing a single college game.

His full name, Anicet Dybantsa Jr., is a tribute to his father, Anicet "Ace" Dybantsa Sr., who serves as AJ's manager. When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his selection, Dybantsa specifically requested his full name be used. "I was just kind of replaying all the memories in my head," he said after being drafted. "All the sacrifices I made, all the practices, late nights, crying, all the blood, sweat and tears."

His College Season at BYU

Dybantsa committed to Brigham Young University as the highest-ranked recruit in program history, choosing BYU over North Carolina, Kansas, USC, and Auburn. He repaid that faith spectacularly.

In his lone freshman season, he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game across 35 starts — leading the entire NCAA in scoring. He broke a 48-year-old BYU freshman scoring record with a 43-point game, won the Julius Erving Award, earned consensus first-team All-American honours, was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and claimed the NCAA scoring title. BYU ultimately fell to Houston in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals, but Dybantsa's performance throughout the season left no doubt about his readiness for the next level.

What Makes Him Special

At 6'9" with a 210-pound frame, Dybantsa is a multi-level scorer who can create his own shot from almost anywhere inside 20 feet. He gets to the rim with ease, finishes above the rim when the lane opens, draws free throws at a high rate, and has the footwork and touch to hit fading jumpers off the dribble. He's one of those rare wings who makes the difficult look routine — gliding to the basket, making reads before defenders can react.

His passing vision is another standout trait. He sees the floor like a much older player, making cross-court passes that open up offenses and running pick-and-roll as well as most guards in college basketball this season. Defensively, his size, lateral mobility, and motor give him the tools to guard multiple positions — a huge asset in the modern NBA.

The Draft Itself

The 2026 draft was widely considered one of the most talent-rich in recent memory, with Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, and Duke forward Cameron Boozer all regarded by many as worthy of the No. 1 pick.

The Wizards had the No. 1 pick for just the third time in franchise history. Former Wizard John Wall was even the franchise's representative at the draft lottery in May, bringing the team luck in landing the top selection.

His New Home in Washington

Dybantsa arrives in Washington to join a young roster that the Wizards are actively building around. He'll play alongside star point guard Trae Young — who agreed to re-sign with the team after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks — and All-Star big man Anthony Davis. Having two established veterans around him should ease Dybantsa's transition and give him the chance to develop without carrying the full weight of a franchise on his first day.

His first taste of live NBA action will come at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 9 to 19, where he'll face off against fellow top picks Peterson, Boozer, and more.

The Bigger Picture

The 2026 draft class was one of the most hyped in years, and Dybantsa lived up to every bit of the expectations placed on him. He's a player who has been tested at every level — high school showcases, Team USA international competition, the Big 12 — and raised his game each time. Washington fans have waited a long time for a franchise cornerstone. There's good reason to believe they just found one.

Common Questions

Where is AJ Dybantsa from? He was born in Boston and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Where did he play in college? One season at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he led the nation in scoring.

Which team drafted him? The Washington Wizards selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

How old is he? He is 19 years old.