Why AJ Dybantsa is on a mission to be the No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA Draft

A.J. Dybantsa, a standout player from BYU, is making a bold statement ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, declaring his intention to secure the No. 1 pick. Speaking at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago on May 13, Dybantsa wore a brown pinstripe suit to emphasize professionalism, calling it his first job interview. He has maintained top rankings since ninth grade and insists he won’t drop in the draft, positioning himself as a frontrunner alongside Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. The debate over the top pick remains intense, with Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson all seen as potential All-Stars. Dybantsa’s athletic profile as a 6-foot-8 scorer aligns well with the Washington Wizards’ current roster, assuming they retain point guard Trae Young. However, Peterson, who has addressed health concerns tied to creatine use, views himself as a point guard and prioritizes finding the best fit for his career. Peterson’s pre-draft process focuses on helping teams understand his true potential beyond his freshman season struggles at Kansas, where he missed 11 games due to cramping. Boozer, the son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, downplays the importance of the draft position, emphasizing skill and long-term impact over ranking. His polished game and advanced statistical strengths have placed him ahead of Dybantsa and Peterson in certain evaluations. Teams are actively assessing these prospects, with speculation that the Utah Jazz may trade up to select Dybantsa due to his connection with Jazz owner Ryan Smith, a BYU booster. The draft lottery will determine the order, with the first round set to begin on June 23. The class is widely regarded as historic, fueled by the NBA’s record-breaking tanking at the end of the past season.