Patrick Ewing's Legacy Continues as A.J. Dybantsa Becomes First Mass. Player Since 1985 to Go No. 1 in NBA Draft

A.J. Dybantsa Makes History as First Mass. Player Since Patrick Ewing to Go No. 1 in NBA Draft

A.J. Dybantsa has become the first Massachusetts player since Patrick Ewing in 1985 to be taken first overall in the NBA Draft, as the Washington Wizards selected the 6-foot-9-inch, 217-pound forward from BYU with the No. 1 pick on 18 Jun 2026.

What Happened?

Dybantsa, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in his lone season at BYU. He joins Roxbury's Jimmy Walker (1967) as the only other Massachusetts players to be taken in the first spot in the NBA Draft. Dybantsa's impressive stats and 7-foot wingspan, along with his 42-inch vertical leap, have drawn comparisons to Tracy McGrady.

Why It Matters for Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing's legacy continues to be felt in the NBA, with Dybantsa becoming the first Massachusetts player to follow in his footsteps since 1985. Ewing's own impressive career, which included 11 All-Star appearances and a Hall of Fame induction, has left a lasting impact on the league.

What Comes Next?

Dybantsa will join a Washington Wizards team that finished 17-65 last season, despite significant investments in improving the roster. The team will look to find their footing in the Eastern Conference with Dybantsa on board, alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis. With a new season on the horizon, the Wizards will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and make a push for the playoffs.

The Road Ahead

As Dybantsa prepares to take the court for the Wizards, he will be looking to make an immediate impact and help turn the team's fortunes around. With his impressive stats and athleticism, he has the potential to be a key player in the league for years to come. Only time will tell if Dybantsa can live up to the hype and become a star in the NBA.

A New Era for the Wizards

The Washington Wizards have a long way to go to become a competitive team in the NBA, but with Dybantsa on board, they have a chance to start building towards a brighter future. The team will be hoping to use Dybantsa's talent and energy to drive them forward and make a push for the playoffs.

The Weight of Expectation

As the first Massachusetts player since Patrick Ewing to go No. 1 in the NBA Draft, Dybantsa will be under a lot of pressure to perform. However, with his impressive stats and athleticism, he has the potential to be a game-changer in the league. Only time will tell if he can live up to the hype and become a star in the NBA.

A New Chapter for Dybantsa

Dybantsa's selection by the Washington Wizards marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. With his impressive stats and athleticism, he has the potential to be a key player in the league for years to come. As he takes to the court for the Wizards, he will be looking to make an immediate impact and help turn the team's fortunes around.

The Road to Success

Dybantsa's journey to the top of the NBA Draft was not an easy one. He worked tirelessly to develop his skills and improve his game, and it has paid off in a big way. With his selection by the Washington Wizards, he has taken the first step towards a successful career in the NBA.

The Future is Bright

As Dybantsa prepares to take the court for the Wizards, the future looks bright for the young forward. With his impressive stats and athleticism, he has the potential to be a game-changer in the league. Only time will tell if he can live up to the hype and become a star in the NBA.