Anicet "AJ" Dybantsa Jr., a 19-year-old forward, was chosen first overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft. He joins the NBA after one college season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points. Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer were selected second and third, respectively.
AJ Dybantsa was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. The BYU forward led the nation in scoring and has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant. He was the first of eight consecutive college freshmen drafted.
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore showcases Asian basketball's diversity, with Rui Hachimura and legends like Lauren Jackson and Mitch Richmond highlighting the importance of pathways for Asian talent to reach the NBA, amid the league's global expansion.
In 1986, the Portland Trail Blazers drafted Arvydas Sabonis and Dražen Petrović, defying NBA norms and communist-era restrictions. Their selections marked a turning point, challenging skepticism about European players and ultimately contributing to the NBA's globalization.
Washington last picked No 1 overall in 2010Wizards had worst record in the NBA this seasonThe league’s worst team this season are getting the No 1 pick in the NBA draft. The Washington Wizards won the draft lottery on Sunday and are poised to pick first overall for the first time since choosing John Wall in that spot in 2010. Wall was the Wizards’ on-stage representative for this year’s lottery.Utah won the right to pick No 2, Memphis will pick No 3 and Chicago will pick No 4. Continue reading...
How do we know that Sunday's lottery (3 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) is massively important to the NBA? A third of a league seemingly tanked just to get into it.
We have the odds, likely picks and best fits for prospects ahead of Sunday's NBA draft lottery.
We have the odds, likely picks and best fits for prospects ahead of Sunday's NBA draft lottery.
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam says he would like to have Giannis Antetokounmpo's future sorted out before next month's NBA draft.
AJ Dybantsa is extending his Nike endorsement deal from his NIL agreement signed in January 2024 to a professional contract as he prepares for the NBA Draft. The former BYU star, who led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game, has his sights set on being the No. 1 overall pick in June and winning Rookie of the Year.
Tyran Stokes, the nation's top-ranked senior and consensus favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, announced Tuesday he will play for Kansas next season. The 6-foot-7 small forward chose the Jayhawks over Kentucky after an intense recruiting battle, becoming Kansas's second five-star commitment in the 2026 class and giving Bill Self a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick for the second straight season.
The 2026 NBA draft features an unusually strong top tier with AJ Dybantsa emerging as the front-runner for the No. 1 pick. The early-entry pool of 71 players is the fewest in over 20 years, down from 106 in 2025, as many prospects opted to return to college due to NIL. The lottery is scheduled for May 10 in Chicago, with teams like Washington, Indiana, Brooklyn, and Utah holding significant draft positioning.
As the 2026 NBA draft lottery approaches -- it's Sunday, May 10, on ABC -- we have an updated mock draft of all 60 picks.
As the 2026 NBA draft lottery approaches -- it's Sunday, May 10, on ABC -- we have an updated mock draft of all 60 picks.
Paige Bueckers stated that her personal relationship with new Dallas Wings teammate Azzi Fudd is private. Both players, former UConn teammates, addressed media speculation at a press conference.
Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. announced Wednesday on ESPN's "NBA Today" that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft.
Duke center Patrick Ngongba II announced Monday he will return for his sophomore season, forgoing his NBA draft opportunity. The 6-foot-11 center was projected as a borderline first-round pick in June's NBA draft but chose to remain at Duke. Ngongba earned honorable mention All-ACC honors this season after averaging 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists, ranking among the ACC leaders in several advanced metrics.
UConn's Braylon Mullins, who was ranked No. 17 on ESPN's NBA draft big board, will look to boost his stock with a second season in Storrs.
ESPN's final WNBA mock draft projects UConn's Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 pick for the Dallas Wings, while UCLA could set a record with six players drafted. The draft takes place Monday night.
