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AJ Dybantsa did not look overwhelmed when the Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery . If anything, the projected top prospect looked locked in. Sitting courtside as the lottery results were announced, Dybantsa processed the moment quietly while fans immediately began imagining him in Washington alongside stars like Anthony Davis and Trae Young .

For months, many around college basketball believed the dream scenario would send Dybantsa to Utah, where his connection to BYU and Jazz owner Ryan Smith already runs deep. Instead, Washington jumped to the front of the line. Dybantsa did not sound disappointed. The 6-foot-9 wing already appears to be studying how his game could fit into a roster that badly needs a new identity.

AJ Dybantsa reacts to Wizards landing No. 1 NBA Draft pick

The former BYU standout gave an honest first reaction after Washington won the lottery, and it revealed how quickly his focus shifted toward basketball instead of headlines.


"Initially, just thinking like how I am going to fit into the team. I think I am pretty versatile and adaptable so I think I can play anywhere. Me, confidently, I was not worried about picks 14 to three... I have been watching AD (Anthony Davis) for a long long time. Trae Young, even when he was still at Oklahoma. I know a couple of guys there," Dybantsa said.

Dybantsa understands the expectations already attached to him. After dominating at BYU and becoming one of the most talked-about young prospects in years, he now sits at the center of a franchise-changing conversation in Washington.

The Wizards have struggled to find direction since the end of the John Wall era, but Dybantsa could give the rebuild a clear face moving forward. His versatility, scoring ability, and calm approach have made him the early favorite to become the first name called next summer.

AJ Dybantsa will reunite with former high school rival Tre Johnson

Washington’s lottery win also opened the door for another storyline. Dybantsa could reunite with former high school rival Tre Johnson if he lands in D.C. next season.

Pairing Dybantsa with Johnson, along with promising young players like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, would instantly give the Wizards one of the NBA’s most intriguing young cores. Wizards are building a standout team with veterans, including Davis and Young, leading the roster. It would be interesting to see how the team lands on court in the upcoming season.