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Basketball

Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa with first pick in NBA draft

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Jun 23, 2026

Published in Basketball

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images North America/TNS

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NEW YORK — After much speculation, the Washington Wizards made BYU’s AJ Dybantsa the first pick in the loaded 2026 NBA draft.

Dybantsa, a 6-9 forward who thrives as a downhill finisher, led the nation in scoring as a freshman last season at 25.5 points per game.

Equipped with elite athleticism and a hyper-competitive mentality, the 19-year-old emerged as the top prospect in a draft so historically deep that about a third of the NBA teams tanked last season.

Washington selected Dybantsa over shot-making Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, do-it-all Duke power forward Cameron Boozer and fast-rising North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson.

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