The case for AJ Dybantsa as the number-one pick is as rock-solid as ever, even in response to the recent news that Darryn Peterson -- Dybantsa's primary competition for the top pick -- is so confident he'll be selected by Washington that he's canceled his workout with the Utah Jazz, who have the second overall pick and a coin flip's chance of securing one of those two top prospects.
Unless the Cameron Boozer smoke is more tangible than it appears.
Still, Dybantsa and his team remain convinced that he will be the pick on draft night. There's a tug-of-war over the top slot, and it's much closer than it appeared to be just a few weeks ago. Peterson's confidence can only mean one of two things: the Wizards indicated that they'll be taking him in their pre-draft interviews, or he's making a declaration of his commitment to the Wizards moving forward.
Either way, I think the best method of disciphering Washington's priorities is to ask the head of the organization himself, and I can do that through a recent interview with President Michael Winger, where he shared exactly what Washington values in a potential top selection.
You probably inferred from the title of the article, but his description is incredibly reflective of a certain prospect from BYU.
"They're all very similar in one regard: they're super talented," President Winger said in his response to NBC4's question about what qualities he likes in the top prospects. "This crop of guys at the top of the draft are supremely talented."
But when asked about what specific attributes he watches for in a number-one pick, his response will materialize the image of AJ Dybantsa in your mind.
"Somebody that when our fans come to the game or are tuned in to watch, they can resonate with that athlete. They say, 'That athlete represents me. That athlete's a good human being, he takes care of other people, he goes out and he works his butt off every day, he has no quit.'"
"Other than that, they have to be leaders. It's really hard to be picked that high in the draft, come with expectations, and not be a leader. Guys can lead in different ways [...] we look for that."
As the @WashWizards get ready for next week's #NBADraft, where they hold the #1 pick, @JPFinlayNBCS goes 1-on-1 with Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger to talk about the pick, the talent at the top of the draft class and what qualities a top pick should have#Wizards pic.twitter.com/AqYlrEq0c5
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) June 15, 2026
Each of those attributes is embodied in BYU basketball's freshman star, the player who took command of a crumbling depth chart and pushed his teammates to be the best they can be. A player who took charge of his destiny and made no excuses; AJ Dybantsa took responsibility for his performance and was a leader from his first day in Provo.
Yes, other player have displayed leadership attributes in this draft class, but there is none who fits the bill described by the Wizards' president more perfectly than AJ Dybantsa.
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