The Washington Wizards selected forward AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft on Tuesday night. Dybantsa, who led the nation in scoring during his single season at BYU, averaged 25.5 points, including a 43-point effort that broke BYU’s freshman scoring record.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds, Dybantsa has already drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, his favorite player, who grew up in the Washington area. Wizards fans are now hoping Dybantsa can live up to these high expectations.
The franchise’s history with the top pick is mixed. Their first No. 1 selection in 2001 was center Kwame Brown, after the NBA changed draft formats in 1966. In 2010, they chose John Wall, who developed into an All-Star. The hope is that Dybantsa will follow Wall’s successful trajectory.
He appeared to say a quick prayer after his name was announced, then went on stage to greet Commissioner Adam Silver and slipped on a black Wizards hat that matched nicely with his black suit.
Dybantsa beat out fellow freshman Darryn Peterson of Kansas, who was taken at the No. 2 pick by Utah. While some thought Peterson had the most talent in the class, the guard missed 11 games during the season because of injuries and illness, potentially creating some questions that Dybantsa didn’t have.
Cameron Boozer, the college player of the year in his one season at Duke, was taken at No. 3 by Memphis.
His father, Anicet Dybantsa Sr., is from the Congo. His mother, Chelsea, is Jamaican. AJ Dybantsa believes the diversity of backgrounds in his family helped him learn about the world, and that it has translated to his game.
Scouting report on AJ Dybantsa
First-team Associated Press All-American and national scoring leader (25.5) as a sturdy-framed freshman. Pressured defenses by creating his own shot and getting to the line, where he led the country in made free throws (229) and attempts (296). Synergy rated him as “Excellent” as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls (87th percentile, 27% of possessions) and post-ups (94th, 10.9%). Averaged 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Shot 51%. Scored BYU freshman-record 43 points against Utah. Must improve his 3-point shot (33.1%).
