World Youth MVP is NBA top pick

NEW YORK – Towering teenager Anicet “A.J.” Dybantsa Jr was chosen by the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-8 19-year-old forward was scooped by the Wizards after playing just one season of college basketball with the Brigham Young University Cougars.

In 2025-2026, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points from 35 games with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Dybantsa enters the NBA after a stellar career in youth basketball which also saw him lead the United States to the 2025 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

“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.