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BYU forward AJ Dybantsa
Incoming No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa is expected to have an immediate impact for his NBA team in just his first season in the league. Dybantsa, who many believe has superstar potential, has already set lofty goals for himself for his rookie year.
According to Dybantsa, he looks to bring his team to the playoffs in just his rookie season. Dybantsa believed the Washington Wizards, which is seen to pick him as the top selection in the 2026 Draft, and the Utah Jazz, which holds the No. 2 pick, have the tools to let him do his thing in the postseason.
“So, whatever team I go to, they weren’t in the playoffs last year,” Dybantsa said in the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, referring to the Wizards and the Jazz. “So, my number one goal is to not only make the playoffs, go far in the playoffs.”
“Like, I think both teams, Utah and Washington, they have a deep enough roster that if they add me that we can automatically be a playoff team.”
AJ Dybantsa on his goals for his rookie season:
“So, whatever team I go to, they weren’t in the playoffs last year. So, my number one goal is to not only make the playoffs, go far in the playoffs. Like, I think both teams, Utah and Washington, they have a deep enough roster that
Dybantsa added that he has also set his eyes on the Rookie of the Year award.
“And then rookie of the year, obviously,” he said.
GettyLAWRENCE, KANSAS – JANUARY 31: Forward AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars controls the ball as he is defended by guard Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Dybantsa is predicted to go No. 1 for the Wizards in Tuesday’s draft, but there had been reports about them gaining interest in Darryn Peterson, who did not meet with any other team except the Wizards.
If he is picked by the Wizards, Dybantsa would join a team led by a mixture of young promising players and proven veterans, such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Dybantsa would be the face of the team’s young core, currently led by Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.
Dybantsa, a wing, has shown two-way chops in his position, which would immediately put him as a starter for the Wizards.
Across 35 games in college, he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 51.0% from the field and 77.4% from the free-throw line.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 18: AJ Dybantsa visits The Empire State Building on June 18, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
AJ Dybantsa has so much confidence in himself that he already promised the Washington Wizards of playing in the playoffs in his rookie season.
“If I go to [Washington] DC, I’ll make the playoffs… I’m going to make sure I make it,” Dybantsa said in his conversation with New Orleans Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears.
The last time the Washington Wizards made the NBA playoffs was in 2021 as the eighth seed. The team was then led by Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, who steered the team from the play-in tournament to the playoffs. They lost to the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in five games.
The Wizards made moves over the past few months to improve their roster, adding Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
The Wizards only won 17 games last season.
Even without Dybantsa’s declaration, the Wizards are expected to return to the playoffs, especially with such a promising roster.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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