The final stage of the 2026 NBA Draft process appears to be taking shape around AJ Dybantsa, with the projected No. 1 overall pick reportedly scheduled to visit the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz next week.
According to Hoopshq.com, Dybantsa will meet only with the teams holding the first two selections in the June 23-24 draft. The report noted that Dybantsa and his representatives had not heard from either franchise until roughly a week ago, but both organizations are now expected to host the BYU star shortly before draft night.
The timing is notable. NBA teams frequently bring in their preferred targets close to the draft in an effort to leave a final impression while limiting the possibility of information leaks. Dybantsa is not expected to conduct visits with the Memphis Grizzlies, who own the No. 3 pick, or the Chicago Bulls at No. 4, further reinforcing the belief around the league that the top of the draft begins with Washington and Utah evaluating the same prospect.
The Wizards enter the draft after finishing with the NBA’s worst record at 17-65, earning the No. 1 overall selection. Utah also endured a difficult season, going 22-60 and securing the second pick. Both franchises are searching for a foundational player capable of accelerating a long-term rebuild.
Dybantsa’s lone season at BYU strengthened his standing as the consensus favorite to hear his name called first. The freshman forward started all 35 games and averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 34.8 minutes per game. He shot 51.0 percent from the field, 56.8 percent on two-point attempts and posted a 77.4 percent mark from the free-throw line.
His production earned widespread national recognition. Dybantsa was a consensus first-team All-American.
The draft order places additional intrigue on Washington’s decision. While the Wizards control the process with the No. 1 selection, Utah remains positioned immediately behind them should any unexpected developments arise during the final week before the draft.
For now, all signs point toward Dybantsa being the central figure at the top of the board. His decision to visit only Washington and Utah suggests the race for the first overall pick may ultimately come down to which franchise is prepared to make him the cornerstone of its future.
