The Washington Wizards pulled off more than landing the top pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. They likely won the AJ Dybantsa sweepstakes. But how does the BYU basketball star feel about D.C. becoming his likely destination?
Many wondered what type of reaction the Cougars star would give after the draft lottery revealed the order. Would he become euphoric, flash a smile, or have a look of detest?
Dybantsa didn't flash a smile, but didn't show a scowl either. Instead the freshman phenom showed a look of focus and determination after the draft order became complete.
AJ Dybantsa reaction to the Wizards getting the 1st pick
(h/t @NBA__Courtside) pic.twitter.com/TbxwRFHCmr
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 10, 2026
Dybantsa perhaps was told by those closest to him that there's no need to react. Or perhaps he's secretly thinking about the possibilities to elevate the Wizards franchise, who have taken a hard fall in recent years.
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Dybantsa could walk down the path of John Wall, who went from high-profile College Basketball Recruiting five-star standout to Washington's top pick of 2010. Wall went on to play in five NBA All-Star games. He also helped lead Washington to the postseason in his fourth season with the franchise.
Dybantsa is the popular choice to rise as the top pick in a class featuring Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, Darius Acuff and Keaton Wagler. NBA insider for ClutchPoints Brett Siegel immediately plugged the BYU star as his top pick followed by the Kansas sensation. He also pointed out what Washington's future looks like with Dybantsa in it.
The Wizards’ future is extremely bright:
Trae Young
Kyshawn George
AJ Dybantsa
Alex Sarr
Anthony Davis
Tre Johnson
Will Riley
Bilal Coulibaly
Bub Carrington
Jaden Hardy
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) May 10, 2026
Siegel isn't the only believer in Dybantsa going No. 1. ESPN plugged the Cougars star at the same spot after the lottery.
The Washington Wizards pulled off more than landing the top pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. They likely won the AJ Dybantsa sweepstakes. But how does the BYU basketball star feel about D. C. becoming his likely destination? Many wondered what type of reaction the Cougars star would give after the draft lottery revealed the order.