AJ Dybantsa: "I Want to Be in the Same Conversation as LeBron James or Allen Iverson"

Brooklyn. AJ Dybantsa spoke to the media after being selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. The small forward discussed what it means to reach the top of the Draft, his arrival in Washington, his family, and the challenges awaiting him in the NBA.

Question: Now that it's official, what does it mean to you to have been selected with the No. 1 pick in the Draft? And what does it represent for you to put Massachusetts on the basketball map?

AJ Dybantsa: Being No. 1 means so much to me. I've been considered the No. 1 throughout my high school career and I wanted to solidify that by also being the No. 1 in the NBA Draft. I wanted to be in the same conversation as players like LeBron James, Cooper Flagg, or Allen Iverson.

As for Massachusetts, I always try to represent my state. I'm from Brockton, from the 508 area. I like to help my community and give hope to kids. There are many boys who play basketball and think they can't make it. When they see me, they understand that it's possible. And it doesn't have to be in basketball: it could be as a doctor, engineer, or any other profession. I try to be an example for them.

Question: You recently visited Washington. What impression did you get from the city? What message do you have for Wizards fans?

AJ Dybantsa: It was incredible. I got to meet the team's staff, visit the facilities, and everything was fantastic.

I also went to see a Mystics game against the Liberty and they won. Maybe I brought them some luck.

I'm very excited about the Washington fans. I'll be there tomorrow and I want to start working as soon as possible. Summer League is right around the corner and I'm ready to get to work.

Question: Nike launched an advertising campaign today with you and Wale. What does that relationship mean to you?

AJ Dybantsa: I'm very excited. I've been with Nike for three years and they've done fantastic work with me.

And I want to give a shout-out to Wale. I know he's been wanting to see me in Washington for a while, so I'm glad it finally happened.

Question: When did you really know you were going to be the No. 1 pick in the Draft?

AJ Dybantsa: I found out when you all did. At 8:11 p.m. When I heard them announce Anicet Dybantsa as the No. 1 pick in the Draft.

I went on stage, prayed, and hugged my whole family. It was surreal.

The funny thing is that the day before I was going to post another photo for Father's Day, one from when I was a baby, but I was naked in it so I decided not to. So I ended up posting a photo from the White House. Then I saw all the buzz on Twitter and thought: "What a coincidence."

Question: The first eight picks in the Draft were college freshmen. What does that say about your generation?

AJ Dybantsa: It's something very special. I've been playing with many of these guys or against them since I was 13 or 14 years old, in USA Basketball circuits, NBPA camps, or Nike events.

Seeing the same faces make it this far shows the work, discipline, and focus we've had for many years.

We're being compared to other great Draft classes. We'll have to see what happens in the NBA, but if we keep working and believing in it, we can do something very special.

Question: You're joining a Wizards team that has added important veterans. What can you bring to the team?

AJ Dybantsa: Versatility. They've re-signed Trae Young and they have Anthony Davis. I think I can fit in very well playing off the ball, scoring in different ways: in transition, off the catch, or creating off the dribble.

Also, one of the things they told me was that they wanted me to defend the full 94 feet of the court. That's also part of my game.

Question: You're the first BYU player to be selected No. 1 in the Draft. What does that mean to you?

AJ Dybantsa: So much. They welcomed me with open arms. I have to thank BYU, Kevin Young, and the entire coaching staff for the confidence they placed in me.

I knew I wanted to commit to them from my first visit. Today I also saw Egor Demin. We're a family and I'll always be grateful.

Question: You've always said you've been No. 1 your whole life. What do you want to prove in Washington?

AJ Dybantsa: A little bit of everything. Right now we're in the middle of preseason, so I'll arrive to train and work. But I also want to connect with the fans and show them who I am.

I think I already have some event with them on Thursday and I'm looking forward to meeting them.

Question: You'll share a locker room with players like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. What does that mean to you?

AJ Dybantsa: It means a lot. Arriving in the NBA without veterans to help you must be difficult. Having players like Trae Young and Anthony Davis, who are All-Stars and champions, will allow me to learn so much.

I'm going to try to absorb as much information as possible from them.

Question: How do you balance enjoying this night and knowing that the real work is just beginning?

AJ Dybantsa: I know I still have so much work ahead of me. Tonight is a celebration of all the effort I've put in over the years, so I'm going to enjoy it. But tomorrow I have to catch a flight and, if they let me, I'll even try to get some training in.

Question: Why are you the right player to turn the Wizards' fortunes around?

AJ Dybantsa: Because of my versatility. I can do whatever the team needs. If they want me to be a defensive specialist, I can do that. If they need me to be an offensive focal point, I can do that too.

I can play on both sides of the court. I've spent a lot of time working on my three-point shot off the catch and I always want to defend the opposing team's best player.

Plus, with the long, athletic wings the team has, I think we can create a lot of defensive problems.

Question: You had a lot of the ball at BYU and now you'll share the court with Trae Young. How do you imagine that offensive partnership?

AJ Dybantsa: I have no problem playing off the ball.

A lot of people haven't seen it because at BYU I had a lot of offensive responsibility, but I did it before at Prolific Prep, playing alongside Tyran Stokes and other great talents.

It also happens in USA Basketball. There I'm not the first option.

I know how to play off the ball and I understand that I'm joining a team with veterans. I'll have to earn my spot.

Question: You've always said your father helps you manage many things so you can focus on basketball. What does that mean to you?

AJ Dybantsa: It means everything. I don't even know how to explain it. He's made so many sacrifices. He left his job to move with me to Utah Prep and make sure I was doing well.

He also sent me alone to California so I could have a better basketball experience.

Many of the things he did when I was little I didn't appreciate back then, but now I understand everything they meant.

He's my father, but he also acts as my agent and does so many things he shouldn't even have to do. I'll always be grateful to him.