Wizards select BYU F AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall in NBA draft

Field Level Media|published: Tue 23rd June, 20:32 2026

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Draft prospect AJ Dybantsa poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards opened the NBA draft on Tuesday night by selecting BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick.

The Wizards tabbed Dybantsa over Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who had a checkered college season at Kansas last season. The Utah Jazz then chose Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick.

The 6-foot-9 Dybantsa led the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game in his one college campaign and should be ready to make an immediate impact.

"This means a lot," Dybantsa said on ESPN of going first in the draft. "It's a stepping stone. Obviously, I have a lot more work to do."

This is the third time Washington has held the No. 1 overall pick. The Wizards selected Kwame Brown in 2001 and John Wall in 2010.

Dybantsa is the first BYU player to go first overall.

--Field Level Media