Wizards Select Phenom Forward Dybantsa as 2026 NBA Draft's Top Pick

(CNA New York, June 24, Comprehensive Foreign News) The Washington Wizards of the American professional basketball league NBA selected the tall, 19-year-old phenom forward Anicet "A.J." Dybantsa Jr. with the first overall pick in today's draft, making him this year's top draft selection.

According to a combined report from Agence France-Presse and Reuters, the 203 cm tall Dybantsa was selected by the Wizards after playing just one season with the Brigham Young University Cougars.

In the 2025-2026 season, Dybantsa played in 35 games, averaging an impressive 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

Before entering the NBA, Dybantsa had an outstanding youth basketball career, leading the US team to win the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup and earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Upon being selected, Dybantsa immediately told sports channel ESPN: "This means a lot to me... Obviously, this is just a stepping stone, and I still have a lot of work to do. But it proves all my hard work, discipline, and the sacrifices I've made."

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz selected the highly touted Kansas University freshman Darryn Peterson with the second overall pick.

Like Dybantsa, the 198 cm tall guard played only one season in college before entering the NBA, averaging 20.2 points per game.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected the 2026 NCAA Player of the Year Cameron Boozer with the third overall pick.

Boozer is the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, who played 13 seasons in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.

The 18-year-old Boozer played one season at Duke University, starting in 38 games and averaging 22.5 points per game.

The 206 cm tall rookie is considered by many to be the most talented player in this year's draft, possessing all-around court skills and a strong physique. (Compiled by: Li Peishan) 0624

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