Dybantsa is the favorite to be the first overall pick in June’s draft after leading college basketball in scoring as just a freshman. He’s a jumbo wing with terrific positional size, a 7-foot wingspan, good athleticism, and extreme court coverage. He’s also a proven scorer with a long history of putting up big numbers at virtually all spots.
About
Played prep school varsity as an 8th grader and was Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year as a 9th grader. Reclassified in October 2023 and immediately became the top ranked prospect in the Class of 2025.
Three-time gold medalist with USA Basketball, including this summer’s FIBA U19 World Cup, where he was named MVP.
Consensus First Team All-American and 2026 Julius Erving Award winner as the best small forward in college basketball.
Strengths
Elite physical tools with his size, length, athleticism, effortless mobility and elastic body type.
Polished shot creator who can rise-up into his pull-up on demand, has advanced footwork, can operate in the mid-post, attack the paint, draw fouls and make some explosive plays in the open floor.
Vastly improved decision-making, ability to read the floor as a passer and willingness to play through contact at the rim as a finisher.
Weaknesses
Inconsistent shooter who tends to have a flatter ball, both from the free-throw line and three and is more comfortable shooting off the dribble than the catch.
Real defensive upside with the way he can cover the court, move his feet and utilize his length, but defensive commitment can be inconsistent, as can his body language.
Has had virtually unlimited volume and freedom to this point, at every stop, so it remains to be seen how he will adapt to a more balanced system.
Wizards' AJ Dybantsa: Headed to Washington as No. 1 pick
Rotowire
Dybantsa was selected by the Wizards with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Dybantsa has been on the national stage since his freshman year of high school, when he earned Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors. The 19-year-old forward is coming off an impressive freshman campaign at BYU, where he led Division I basketball in scoring and averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.0 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from deep in 34.8 minutes per game across 35 outings. His three-point shot remains a work in progress, though he's a versatile offensive weapon who can get downhill, score from mid-range and draw fouls. He also offers strong upside on the defensive end thanks to his size and mobility. Dybantsa has the tools to be a franchise cornerstone and figures to command a sizable role right out of the gate alongside Trae Young (quadriceps) and Anthony Davis (finger).
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