Patrick Ewing, the Jamaican NBA legend, was selected No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA Draft, and now AJ Dybantsa is poised to follow in his footsteps. On Tuesday, the 2026 NBA Draft will get underway, with Dybantsa likely to be chosen first overall by the Washington Wizards.

What's at stake for AJ Dybantsa?

Dybantsa, a power forward from Brockton, Massachusetts, averaged 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during his one season at BYU. This impressive performance has made him a top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft.

He played his freshman year at St. Sebastian's School in Needham, where he was named Massachusetts Boys' Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022-23. Dybantsa then transferred to Prolific Prep in Napa, California, before landing a big-money deal at BYU.

How does Patrick Ewing fit into the picture?

Patrick Ewing, who played at Cambridge Rindge and Latin, was the last Massachusetts native to be selected No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA Draft. If Dybantsa is chosen first overall, he will become the second Massachusetts native to achieve this feat.

Dybantsa has received advice from many current NBA players, including his favorite player Kevin Durant. Durant told Dybantsa to keep his game simple and stay focused.

What's next for AJ Dybantsa?

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, Dybantsa is preparing for the moment when his name is called and he officially becomes an NBA player. He has been thinking about this moment since he wanted to be an NBA player and has tried to recreate it plenty of times.

The last time a player from Massachusetts was selected at all in the first round was Everett native Nerlens Noel in 2013. Boston's Terrence Clarke was expected to be a first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but he died in a car crash in Los Angeles before the draft.

Dybantsa spoke to WBZ-TV's Dan Roche about what he took from growing up and playing basketball in Massachusetts. He said the whole northeast plays with a lot of grit and energy, which has helped shape him as a player.

He also thanked the people of Brockton for their support, saying he wouldn't be where he is without them. Dybantsa's journey to the NBA has been a long one, but he is now on the cusp of achieving his dream