AJ Dybantsa joins the Washington Wizards with plenty of hype, but the No. 1 overall pick isn't necessarily concerned with outside expectations or pressure.
Dybantsa was a consensus first-team All-American at BYU, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 33.1% from 3-point range. He led the country in scoring after totaling 894 points, the third-most by a freshman in history.
The 19-year-old joins a team that added veterans Anthony Davis and Trae Young last season and acquired Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton over the offseason to pair with a young core. As a result, Dybantsa believes he can just be himself on the court.
"I feel like there’s not a lot of pressure on me because I have such a great team around
me," Dybantsa said. "A lot of No. 1 picks come into a situation where they are ‘The Guy’ (and) everything’s kind of centered around them. But I have All-Stars and Hall-of-Famers on my team that I can (learn) under and get some knowledge from. ... So I don’t have to come in and carry this huge load. I think I can just bond with these guys and learn it slowly and learn how to play the right way."
This is going to be fun🔥#ForTheDistrict | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/9R6Mo3NUzU
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) September 28, 2026
Davis, a former top pick himself, and Young have spent time with a couple of previous No. 1 overall picks on their past teams in Cooper Flagg (Dallas) and Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta). As established players, they seem to be perfect options to help mentor Dybantsa this season.
The group will have plenty of opportunities to practice together when training camp begins on Tuesday, with the Wizards' first preseason game not until Oct. 8. They've already had a chance to get on the court this month, with everyone returning to D.C. by Labor Day.
"I've been able to give AJ a little bit (of advice), how it's going to be coming into the league," Davis said. "He is going to have a target on his back; everyone is going to want to come after him. He is ready for it. He has got all of the tools to be successful in this league. He is a very special talent. ... He works very hard. He listens. He is dedicated and motivated."
Dybantsa dazzled with the Wizards in summer league, averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, 2.5 steals, two assists and 1.5 blocks in two games. He tied with teammate Will Riley for the third-highest scoring average among all players in Las Vegas.
The 6-foot-9 forward has been among the most active players in the gym throughout the summer, which has caught general manager Will Dawkins' attention early on. He is eager to get to work and help the organization turn things around on the court.
"Summer league was definitely fun," Dybantsa said. "To get back on the court and get up and down with some guys, run some plays and win some games, it felt good. Going into training camp, I feel solid. I'm ready for tomorrow. It is going to be a challenge, but I'm ready."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards' Anthony Davis anoints AJ Dybantsa a 'special talent'
