No. 1 Pick Honors Family at 2026 NBA Draft

Published: June 26, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa as the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a dream come true for the former BYU star.

“It was super surreal,” Dybantsa told TODAY of being selected first overall. “Obviously, you see it for years and years on TV, and for your name to get called, it’s ridiculous.”

The forward revealed what was going through his mind as his name was called.

“I was just kind of replaying all the memories in my head,” Dybantsa, who has “God First” written in his Instagram bio, said. “All the sacrifices I made, all the practices, late nights, crying, all the blood, sweat and tears.”

He credits his family for helping him reach the NBA. Dybantsa requested that, when his name was called, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver say his full name, Anicet Dybantsa Jr., as a way to honor to his father, Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa Sr., who also serves as his manager.

Dybantsa was joined at the Draft by his father, mother, Chelsea, and two sisters, Samarra and Jasmyn.

“It’s meant a lot, obviously, just knowing them since birth, having my emotional support,” Dybantsa explained. “Them supporting me along with my sisters, it’s been great.”

Chelsea added that she was “Nervous, very, very nervous. But we’re just happy to be here. He worked so hard and we’re proud of him, but he should be proud of himself no matter what.”

“He made a lot of sacrifices, and I told him all the time, you work hard it will pay off, and here we are,” Dybantsa’s father echoed.

As Dybantsa was getting ready to hear his name called, he kept his head down and his eyes closed, praying and thanking the Lord for the opportunity. Once his name was called, he motioned the sign of the cross on his chest, giving all glory to God.

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TODAY reported that the NBA has had its eye on Dybantsa since high school when he was “considered the nation’s No. 1 recruit coming out of Utah Prep.” He secured the titles of first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 this past season at BYU, which was his only college season.

Dybantsa is ready to get to Washington to train with the team and star point guard, Trae Young, who was just traded to the Wizards from the Atlanta Hawks on a four-year contract, according to NBC Sports.

As Dybantsa steps into this next chapter, he brings more than just elite talent to the nation’s capital’s team — he brings a deep-rooted sense of gratitude, family and purpose that sure to lift the Wizards franchise to new heights.

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