After a historic freshman season at BYU, the versatile wing emerges as the missing piece for a star-studded Washington Wizards roster ready to transform into a playoff powerhouse.
On May 10, 2026, the Washington Wizards were rewarded for years of rebuilding by receiving the number one overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
In one of the most talented draft classes of recent memory, Washington will be able to select a franchise altering talent in AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer.
However, many believe that Dybantsa is the clear cut number one prospect in this years' draft class, and after acquiring former All-Star's Anthony Davis and Trae Young last season, many believe that Dybantsa is the final piece of the puzzle to get Washington back into the playoffs.
BYU Wing AJ Dybantsa (3) | © Aaron Baker-Imagn Images6-9 | 210 lbs | 7-0 WS | Freshman
School: BYU
Position: SF/PF
2025-26 Statistics: 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 51.0 FG%, 33.1 3P%
Dybantsa was arguably the best player in all of college basketball last season, as he led BYU to a 23-12 record and a six seed in the 2026 March Madness tournament.
Dybantsa's year was historical as his 894 points scored were the third most by a freshman in D1 history, and broke Kevin Durant's Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record by dropping 40 points in a win against Kansas State.
The 19 year-old has often been compared to NBA greats Kevin Durant and Tracy McGrady, due to his elite shot-making and physical measurements.
Additionally, Dybantsa thrives at scoring inside the paint and attacking downhill, as his natural athleticism and raw strength allows for him to finish over taller defenders. Dybantsa's athleticism also makes him a promising defender as it allows for him to serve as a rim protector and disruptor in the passing lanes.
There's no denying that Dybantsa can put the ball in the basket, and Washington should be foaming at the mouth as they're in the drivers seat to take a franchise altering talent. Dybantsa is the perfect player for them to pair alongside their budding young core.
Dybantsa's versatility on both sides of the ball fits seamlessly with the identity that Washington's front office is trying to build -- a young core with athletic and versatile players paired with veteran superstars (Trae Young & Anthony Davis).
The other side of the equation is if Dybantsa is the pick, then the Wizards will need to figure out what happens at the wing.
Kyshawn George and Will Riley both flashed in 2025-26, Justin Champagnie carved out a clear role as a versatile two-way piece, Bilal Coulibaly enters the summer extension-eligible while Cam Whitmore returns from injury.
While Michael Winger and Will Dawkins do their due diligence on the other top prospects in this class, you can't rule out the possibility of trading back from number one overall given how talented this class is from top to bottom.
With the NBA Draft six weeks away, Washington will have a lot of thinking to do: Select Dybantsa, or trade the pick?
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