Wizards Make History by Drafting Byu's AJ Dybantsa First Overall

WHO:

CBS News - AJ Dybantsa is a 2026 first-team All-American.

CBS News - Dybantsa was called by his full name, Anicet Dybantsa Jr., in tribute to his father during the draft.

Boston.com - AJ Dybantsa is the first Massachusetts player to go No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft since Patrick Ewing in 1985.

Sportskeeda - The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa.

Daily Mail Sports - AJ Dybantsa is a BYU superstar.

CBS News - The Utah Jazz selected Darryn Peterson at No. 2.

CBS News - The Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer at No. 3.

CBS News - The Chicago Bulls selected Caleb Wilson at No. 4.

Fox News - Trae Young is a star point guard for the Wizards.

Fox News - Anthony Davis was traded to the Wizards in February.

WHAT:

CBS News - The Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa after considering him and Kansas phenom combo guard Darryn Peterson for the top pick.

CBS News - The Utah Jazz selected Darryn Peterson at No. 2, and the Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer at No. 3, followed by the Chicago Bulls selecting Caleb Wilson at No. 4.

CBS News - Dybantsa's selection marks the Wizards' seventh No. 1 draft pick in history.

CBS News - Dybantsa is projected to be a franchise-altering star for the Wizards.

CBS News - Dybantsa stated, “I’m definitely excited to play with [Young], like I said, All-Star point guard, just a guy that you watched growing up in the league, just him paving the way.”

CBS News - The Wizards are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.

CBS News - Dybantsa's performance included a 43-point game that broke BYU's freshman scoring record.

CBS News - The Wizards have not won more than 18 games in each of the past three seasons.

CBS News - The Wizards are looking for a fresh start with a team built around Dybantsa, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis after making only one playoff appearance in the last eight seasons.

CBS News - The Utah Jazz selected Darryn Peterson at No. 2, and the Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer at No. 3, followed by the Chicago Bulls selecting Caleb Wilson at No. 4.

CBS News - Dybantsa's selection is part of a draft class that is considered one of the most talented in recent memory, with a record-tying eight straight college freshmen being selected at the start of the draft.

CBS News - Dybantsa's performance included a 43-point game that broke BYU's freshman scoring record, and he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 35 games during his college season.

CBS News - Dybantsa stated, “I’m just super blessed and honored that they recognize my talents, and they see me as something that they can use to keep building.”

CBS News - Dybantsa's selection is seen as a potential franchise-altering move for the Wizards.

CBS News - Dybantsa stated, “I’m just blessed, and I just give all the praise to the Lord, and my parents, and everybody that played with me.”

Sportskeeda - Dybantsa was projected to be the top pick of the rookie class heading into the draft.

CBS News - The Wizards selected Dybantsa after considering him and Kansas phenom combo guard Darryn Peterson for the top pick.

CBS News - Dybantsa's selection is seen as crucial for the Wizards, who have made only one playoff appearance in the last eight seasons due to a series of misfires on the roster front.

CBS News - Dybantsa's performance included a 43-point game that broke BYU's freshman scoring record.

CBS News - The Wizards are looking for a fresh start with a team built around Dybantsa, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis.

CBS News - Dybantsa was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in what is considered one of the most talented classes in recent memory.

CBS News - Dybantsa appeared to say a quick prayer after his name was announced and greeted Commissioner Adam Silver on stage.

CBS News - The last time the Wizards had the No. 1 overall pick was in 2010, when they selected John Wall.

CBS News - Dybantsa's selection is seen as crucial for the Wizards, who have not won more than 18 games in each of the past three seasons.

CBS News - The Wizards are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.

Daily Mail Sports - Dybantsa led the entire nation in scoring during his college season, averaging 25.5 points across 35 games.

CBS News - Dybantsa's performance included a 43-point game that broke BYU's freshman scoring record.

Fox News - Dybantsa became the fifth Division-1 player in the last 40 seasons to average at least 25 points while shooting 50% from the field in a single season.

Sportskeeda - AJ Dybantsa was drafted with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Daily Mail Sports - Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in his college season.

CBS News - Dybantsa's selection marks the Wizards' seventh No. 1 draft pick in history.

Fox News - Dybantsa averaged 25.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 51% from the field.

RealGM Basketball - The Wizards confirmed Dybantsa as their pick after Adam Silver announced it.

WHERE:

CBS News - The NBA Draft took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Fox News - Dybantsa is from Boston, Massachusetts.

WHEN:

CBS News - The 2026 NBA Draft occurred on June 23, 2026.

Fox News - Dybantsa declared for the NBA Draft on April 23, 2026.

WHY:

CBS News - The Wizards are looking to build a competitive team in the Eastern Conference after a long period of struggles.

CBS News - The Wizards are looking for a fresh start with a team built around Dybantsa, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis after making only one playoff appearance in the last eight seasons.

CBS News - The Wizards are looking for a fresh start after making only one playoff appearance in the last eight seasons.

Fox News - The Wizards selected Dybantsa to enhance their playoff hopes.

HOW:

CBS News - Dybantsa expressed excitement about joining a young team with All-Star Trae Young and veteran Anthony Davis, stating, “I definitely like the roster, seeing Trae an All-Star point guard, having a vet [like] Anthony Davis.”

Fox News - Dybantsa's shot creation ability and his 7-foot wingspan were highlighted as key attributes that make him a valuable addition to the Wizards.

CBS News - Dybantsa was selected after the Wizards considered him and Darryn Peterson for the top pick.

The Wizards have made a significant move by selecting AJ Dybantsa as their top pick in the draft, marking their seventh No. 1 selection in history. Following Dybantsa, the Utah Jazz chose Darryn Peterson at No. 2, while the Memphis Grizzlies picked Cameron Boozer at No. 3, and the Chicago Bulls rounded out the top four with Caleb Wilson. Dybantsa expressed his excitement about joining a young team featuring All-Star Trae Young and veteran Anthony Davis, highlighting the potential for a fresh start as the Wizards aim to return to the playoffs after several challenging seasons.