The Washington Wizards used the No. 1 overall pick to select BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa, passing Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. Dybantsa becomes the franchise’s third top‑pick after John Wall and Kwame Brown. The move follows a three‑year stretch that produced 200 losses and a 17‑65 record, the latest step in Monumental Basketball’s rebuild plan.

During his lone college season, Dybantsa posted 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 51 % from the floor. His 6‑foot‑9 frame gives Washington a rare height combination with Trae Young, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, a lineup John Wall likened to a tall‑ass version of Tracy McGrady’s.

The front office believes Dybantsa is a pillar of the second and third phases of the Monumental Basketball roadmap, aiming to shift the Wizards from a 120‑290 record since 2021 to a playoff berth. Owner Ted Leonsis says the roster now has the tools to match the fanbase’s expectations, and the team will test that claim this season.

Behind Washington, Utah selected Darryn Peterson at No. 2, Memphis took Duke’s Cameron Boozer third, Chicago grabbed North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson fourth, and the Clippers added Illinois guard Keaton Wagler at five. The draft underscored a deep talent pool, but the Wizards’ gamble on a versatile forward reflects their urgency to end a 120‑loss stretch and finally return to the postseason.