BYU’s AJ Dybantsa Has Already Told People He’s Going No. 1. The Wizards Might Agree.

There’s a draft debate happening, but AJ Dybantsa doesn’t seem to be paying it much attention. The BYU freshman has been the projected No. 1 pick for months, and while Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has made a late push, multiple league sources believe the Wizards are locking in on Dybantsa.

ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported this week that a “majority” of evaluators still view Dybantsa as the better prospect. That matters because Washington holds the top pick, and they’ve spent a lot of time with both guys. Peterson visited D.C. multiple times for workouts and meetings. The Wizards gave him a long look. But according to Siegel, Dybantsa’s camp isn’t sweating it.

“Dybantsa and his camp are sitting back with their feet up with no worries whatsoever,” Siegel wrote. “Dybantsa has made it clear that he feels he has done more than enough to be the No. 1 pick, and he has been on the record several times stating how well he would fit in with the Wizards. Not to mention, he’s made it clear he intends to take the Wizards to the playoffs.”

Why Washington might see Dybantsa as the obvious pick

The Wizards have been searching for a franchise cornerstone ever since they traded Bradley Beal. Dybantsa fits the mold of a modern wing who can create his own shot, defend multiple positions, and carry an offense. Siegel reported that Dybantsa’s workout with the team went “perfect” — a word that came directly from a source close to the situation.

“The young forward left our nation’s capital following his workout and meetings fully of the belief that he would be the first pick in the draft,” Siegel added.

Peterson has long-term upside, sure. He’s 6-foot-6, athletic, and showed flashes at Kansas that have scouts intrigued. But Dybantsa is the safer bet right now. He’s bigger, more polished, and has played against high-level competition for years. The Wizards aren’t in a position to gamble. They need a sure thing, and Dybantsa looks like one.

That doesn’t mean Peterson is out of the conversation entirely. Some teams picking behind Washington would take him in a heartbeat. But the No. 1 pick is about fit and certainty, and Dybantsa checks both boxes.

The draft is next Tuesday. By then, we’ll know for sure.