The Washington Wizards selected towering teenager Anicet "AJ" Dybantsa Jr. with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-9 (2.06m) 19-year-old forward was chosen by the Wizards after playing just one season of college basketball with the Brigham Young University Cougars.
In the 2025-26 season, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points in 35 starts, along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Dybantsa enters the NBA after a stellar youth basketball career, which included leading the United States to the 2025 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he was named tournament MVP.
"It means a lot," Dybantsa told ESPN moments after his selection. "Obviously, it's just a stepping stone, and I have a lot more work to do. But it's a testament to all my hard work and discipline and the sacrifices that I've made," he added.
The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, opted for University of Kansas prospect Darryn Peterson with the second pick. Like Dybantsa, the 6-foot-6 guard also enters the NBA after a single college season, averaging 20.2 points.
A natural scorer, Peterson is seen as the perfect fit to play alongside Utah's Keyonte George as the Jazz attempt to rebuild after a dismal 22-60 season.
The Memphis Grizzlies chose consensus national player of the year Cameron Boozer with the third pick. Boozer is the son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.
The 18-year-old played one season at Duke University, averaging 22.5 points in 38 starts. The 6-foot-9 prospect was regarded by many as the most naturally gifted player in this year's draft, combining all-court skills with physical heft.
His college season ended in March when he suffered multiple fractures around his right eye during Duke's 73-72 loss to the University of Connecticut in the Elite Eight.
"Honestly, man, it's crazy," Boozer said afterward. "Just a lot of happiness and joy – my whole life in a couple of seconds."
Boozer, sitting alongside his parents and brothers as he spoke to ESPN, credited his family for his success: "As a family sitting here, I wouldn't be here without these guys sitting right here. It's just a great feeling to be here with them. They've been there with me every step of the way."
Source: www.aljazeera.com