AJ Dybantsa Makes History as Wizards’ First Pick in 2026 NBA Draft
AJ Dybantsa is the No 1 pick – AJ Dybantsa’s journey to Washington, D.C., began with a celebratory evening on Tuesday, as the NBA’s top selection was announced. The Washington Wizards selected the forward, who led the nation in scoring during his lone season at BYU, with the No. 1 pick. Dybantsa’s 25.5 points per game, including a record-breaking 43-point performance, solidified his status as a standout talent. This marked the continuation of a trend, with eight consecutive college freshmen being chosen at the start of the draft—a record tied from the previous year.
A Record-Setting Draft Class
Dybantsa’s selection matched the historic pace set in 2025, as the Wizards opened the draft with a freshman. The next pick, No. 2, went to Utah for Darryn Peterson of Kansas, who had been speculated as a potential top choice. Peterson, however, faced questions due to missing 11 games from injuries and illness, while Dybantsa remained injury-free throughout his season. At No. 3, Memphis claimed Cameron Boozer, the college player of the year from Duke, where his father, Carlos, also played before becoming a two-time NBA All-Star.
Comparisons to Durant and Michigan’s Triumph
Standing at 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds, Dybantsa drew comparisons to Kevin Durant, his favorite player. The Wizards’ fans hope the new star can emulate Durant’s scoring prowess, especially since the team’s last No. 1 pick was in 2001 with Kwame Brown. Dybantsa’s father, Anicet Dybantsa Sr., is honored in his full name, a nod to his legacy. Meanwhile, Michigan’s national championship team saw three of its players drafted in the first round, including Morez Johnson Jr. and teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara.
Michigan’s Players and the Draft’s Momentum
Morez Johnson Jr. was taken by Dallas at No. 5, following a trade that gave the Mavericks the pick. The selection brought together Johnson and his Michigan teammates, who celebrated their collective success as lottery picks. “We achieved our ultimate goal of winning the national championship and now we’re all heading into the NBA together,” Johnson said. Lendeborg was chosen by the Golden State Warriors at No. 11, and the Oklahoma City Thunder added Mara with the 7th pick, completing a strong showing for the Wolverines. Dusty May, Michigan’s former coach, expressed excitement for his team’s draft success.
Uncertainty and the Draft’s Flow
As the draft progressed, teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers took calculated risks. The Nets selected Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., while the Clippers acquired Keaton Wagler from Illinois through a trade. This pattern of scoring guards continued until Dallas shifted focus to the big men, securing Johnson. The evening’s festivities included Dybantsa’s heartfelt moment after being announced, where he appeared to pray before greeting Commissioner Adam Silver and donning a black Wizards hat.
“I think down the road we can continue to do this,” Dybantsa said. “They are comparing us to a certain amount of draft classes. Obviously we have to see how that plays out and how we do in the league, but if we talk it into existence, I think that would be pretty special.”
The draft, always a highlight of the basketball calendar, saw teams like the Miami Heat acquire stars through trades, including Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Wizards’ first pick was a defining moment, the evening also showcased the unpredictable nature of the selection process, with surprises and solid choices shaping the new league season.
