AJ Dybantsa has officially arrived in Washington, and the No. 1 overall pick is embracing the challenge of helping turn around one of the NBA’s longest rebuilding projects.
The Wizards introduced the former BYU star on Thursday, marking the franchise’s first No. 1 selection since John Wall in 2010. Washington has not won 50 games in a season since 1979 and has managed just 50 wins combined over the past three years.
Dybantsa made it clear that he understands the expectations that come with being the face of the franchise.
“Nothing comes easy, but I want to be a piece of the puzzle that is part of the rebuild,” he said according to the Associated Press. “Obviously, Wizards fans have been waiting for a long time.”
The 19-year-old arrives after averaging 25.5 points per game at BYU, becoming the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since Trae Young accomplished the feat during the 2017-18 season.
Dybantsa also revealed that he will wear No. 4 in Washington after wearing No. 3 in college.
“Previously wore No. 3, but I was the No. 1 pick,” he said. “Wanted to add those up, and we got four.”
His professionalism has already impressed the Wizards front office. Dybantsa approached the draft process as if he were interviewing for a job.
“It was like a job. My dad was like, ‘This is your first job interview,'” he said. “So we decided to dress up. I went to a suit and tie in every single interview. Media availability, that was in a suit and tie. So I just wanted to treat it like a real job.”
That mindset stood out immediately to general manager Will Dawkins.
“It was a pretty fun first introduction, just to learn the maturity that he brings,” Dawkins said. “We allow opportunities to ask questions. Sometimes you get the standard questions from guys. We didn’t get that from AJ. He’s just curious and mature and asked some really deep questions.”
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