AJ Dybantsa Chosen First Overall by Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, a forward from BYU, was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. The 6-foot-9, 217-pound freshman led the nation in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game, including a 43-point performance that set a BYU freshman scoring record. Dybantsa is the Wizards' first No. 1 pick since John Wall in 2010 and the first since Kwame Brown in 2001 under the current draft format.
Dybantsa, who was called by his full name Anicet Dybantsa Jr. as a tribute to his father, appeared to say a quick prayer before greeting Commissioner Adam Silver and putting on a black Wizards hat. He has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, his favorite player, who grew up in the Washington area. The Wizards are hoping Dybantsa can lead their rebuilding efforts.
Record Number of Freshmen Selected Early
The draft began with a record-tying eight straight college freshmen selected, matching the mark set in 2025. Darryn Peterson of Kansas went second to the Utah Jazz, followed by Cameron Boozer of Duke to the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3. Caleb Wilson of North Carolina was taken fourth by the Chicago Bulls. The top four picks were widely expected, though Peterson and Boozer had strong cases for the No. 1 spot.
Peterson, a guard, missed 11 games due to injuries and illness, while Boozer averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game at Duke, where his father Carlos played before becoming a two-time NBA All-Star.
Michigan Trio Drafted Together
Three national champions from Michigan were selected in the first round. Morez Johnson Jr. went ninth to the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with his college coach Dusty May, who left Michigan to coach the Mavericks. Yaxel Lendeborg was taken 11th by the Golden State Warriors, and Aday Mara went 12th to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Johnson expressed pride in his teammates, saying, "We got our ultimate goal of winning the national championship and we just got drafted together, all lottery picks. I'm proud of my brothers."
New York Fans Cheer, Boo Spurs
The draft, held at Barclays Center, saw enthusiastic cheers from Knicks and Nets fans. Commissioner Silver opened by congratulating the NBA champion Knicks and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, drawing applause from Knicks fans. Nets fans applauded the selection of Mikel Brown Jr., who had a 45-point game before a back injury ended his season. Loud boos erupted when the San Antonio Spurs were on the clock, as they had lost to the Knicks in the Finals. The Spurs selected Jayden Quaintance, who played only four games for Kentucky due to a knee injury.
Notable Picks: Bucks, Heat Trade, and Mexican First
The Milwaukee Bucks, who are trading two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, selected Brayden Burries at No. 10 and are acquiring Nate Ament from the Heat as part of the trade. Karim López became the first Mexican-born player drafted in the first round, taken by Detroit and traded to Memphis. The second round will be held Wednesday night.
