AJ Dybantsa is the projected No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft. He is expected to end up with the Washington Wizards, who hold this pick this year.
On Friday, a clip of the forward went viral on social media. In the video, Dybantsa can be seen discussing his potential future in Washington, D.C. While speaking about playing for the Wizards, he made a bold and confident claim about his abilities.
“If I go to DC, I’ll make the playoffs,” Dybantsa said.
Coming out of high school, AJ Dybantsa had offers from programs such as Boston, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, UConn, Baylor, Kentucky and North Carolina, to name a few. He was considered the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2026 before reclassifying to the class of 2025.
In 2024, AJ Dybantsa signed with the BYU Cougars, becoming the program’s highest-rated recruit in history. Last season, the forward played in 35 games and averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The Cougars qualified for March Madness, but lost to Texas in the first round.
Dybantsa declared for the 2026 draft as a one-and-done player. However, last month, he came under scrutiny for his reaction to the Wizards winning the NBA draft lottery. The 2026 consensus first-team All-American later clarified his reaction.
“I ain’t used to it,” Dyantsa said during the NBA draft combine. “I’ve been all over social media since about 13. But, you’re trained not to react. A lot of the top players, like Cooper Flagg last year, and we can go down the line, just having no reactions at all.
“You don’t wanna seem too happy, you don’t wanna seem too down. So, I just kept a straight face, kept the poker face.”
AJ Dybantsa gets honest about dealing with criticism
Several experts and analyst have their doubts about AJ Dybantsa being successful in the NBA. During an appearance on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, the forward highlighted how he’s been dealing with trolls and haters throughout his career.
“No (I’m not bothered by the haters),” Dybantsa said (TS-26:40). “I mean, I got hate comments when I was in eighth grade and I was playing varsity. They said I have a wife and kids in the stands. I’m the youngest dude on the court.
“Some people are really cracking me up, though. Like the are actually super creative with what they say. But most of it is just BS.”
The 2026 NBA draft takes place on June 23 and 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Read More: John Calipari Shares Heartwarming Moment With Karl-Anthony Towns’ Dad After Knicks Victory
Also Read: Kentucky Predicted by Analyst to Follow John Calipari Model After Milan Momcilovic Capture
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
