Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa makes honest admission after settling No. 1 pick debate

In an achievement that felt as though it had been in the works, AJ Dybantsa, the highflying forward from BYU, went first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Washington Wizards. It is a huge honor to be the one to hear his name called first on draft night, as it just signals that they are, perhaps, the best player in this year’s draft class. Nonetheless, as history has shown over and over, success, even for a first overall pick, is far from guaranteed.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that Dybantsa’s head is in the right place. He’s not letting this latest achievement of his get to his head, as he can’t wait to get to work as he becomes the best version of himself for the Wizards.

“It just means a lot. … Obviously I have a lot more work to do, but a testament to all my hard work and all the discipline and sacrifices that I make,” Dybantsa said in an interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters.

"It just means a lot. … Obviously I have a lot more work to do, but a testament to all my hard work and all the discipline and sacrifices that I make."

AJ Dybantsa sits down with @saltersl after being drafted No. 1 to the Wizards pic.twitter.com/bfdB9w0c57

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 24, 2026

Dybantsa’s situation as the first overall selection is rather unique. He’ll be joining a Wizards team that has immediate playoff hopes upon his arrival, and he won’t be getting a taste of what it’s like to lead a team from the jump.

The 19-year-old forward is going to have to learn how to play alongside a ball-dominant guard like Trae Young, so he has to be prepared to sharpen his shooting from beyond the arc if he were to make an instant impact in Year 1.

Nonetheless, Dybantsa has all the physical tools to be the perfect complement to what the Wizards are building. Washington is entrusting the offense to Young, and they are assembling an army of long-limbed and rangy wings to try and protect their floor general on defense. And this situation will at least help bed Dybantsa in, as he can simply take his time to acclimate to the NBA-level.

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