Credit Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix
The No. 1 overall pick of this year's NBA Draft, AJ Dybantsa shared the differences between his defending in college and the NBA after he recorded four steals in the Washington Wizards' preseason win over the New York Knicks.
Dybantsa wasn't known as a great defender in college, but showed that he can do it against NBA talent which prompted the question about his defense by the media.
"I always knew I had defensive potential. It was just kind of me being lazy in college, but definitely just wanted to bring defensive impact to this team," Dybantsa told media members.
"I'm definitely capable of [defending], so I'm at the highest level now, so why not play with emotion heart and defensively."
Dybantsa's NBA start with the Wizards
Against the Knicks, Dybantsa had 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and the aforementioned 4 steals across 23 minutes as the Wizards won 111-109. He shot 5-of-11 from the field, missing all 3 of his threes.
The 19-year-old forward arrived to the Wizards after being selected in this year's draft following a season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Now, he joins Trae Young and Anthony Davis as part of the revamped Wizards squad that will look to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.