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Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa gets real on the NBA award he wants to win
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- Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa gets real on the NBA award he wants to win
Wizards' AJ Dybantsa gets real on the NBA award he wants to win appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
AJ Dybantsa has his eyes set on one of the NBA's end-of-season awards as he prepares for his rookie campaign with the Washington Wizards .
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Dybantsa only spent one season playing college basketball with the BYU Cougars. He shone as one of the best performing freshmen in the country, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His efforts earned him the scoring title, the Julius Erving Award, First Team All-American honors, and Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.
The Wizards recognized his talents and wasted no time selecting him first overall in the draft. They are at a crucial point in their rebuilding period, having landed star talents and added young prospects to be an intriguing playoff contender.
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Dybantsa spoke with reporters after the Summer League contest against the Sacramento Kings , per NBA insider Brett Siegel. Answering questions about his skillset, he believes that he can make a big difference as a defender in the 2026-27 campaign.
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"I think I can be a first-team All-Defensive player. I'm just trying to make an impact on that end," Dybantsa said.
How AJ Dybantsa, Wizards played against the Kings
AJ Dybantsa certainly can shine as a two-way star for the Wizards. For the time being, Washington remains perfect in Las Vegas after taking down the Kings 104-85 to improve to a 2-0 record.
Two players scored in double-digits for Washington in the win, including Dybantsa. He finished with a stat line of 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two steals, and two blocks. He shot 6-of-15 from the field, including 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Will Riley led the team with 32 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Reece Beekman and Kadary Richmond provided nine points each.
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The Wizards will prepare for their next Summer League matchup in Las Vegas. They take on the Chicago Bulls as tip-off takes place on July 14 at 8 p.m. ET.
Related: NBA rumors: 76ers urged to trade Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis to land LeBron James
Related: Wizards' AJ Dybantsa sends bold message after 23-point Summer League game
