Washington selects AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, beginning the first round at Barclays Center on June 23. Multiple outlets report that Dybantsa, a BYU freshman, led college basketball in scoring during his one season, including an average of 25.5 points and a standout 43-point game that set a BYU freshman scoring record. Several sources describe him as a high-upside prospect with a mix of size, athleticism and skill, projecting development into an elite NBA player.
The Wizards are also described as using the pick to rebuild after a difficult prior season. Coverage notes that Dybantsa is Washington’s first No. 1 selection since John Wall in 2010, and that he is the first BYU basketball player to be drafted first overall in NBA history.
One outlet adds that Washington passes on Darryn Peterson, whose draft stock declines late, with Peterson instead going No. 2 to the Utah Jazz. After the selection, Dybantsa reacts to being chosen as the top pick and joins Washington.
