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Brockton native A.J.
Dybantsa was selected first overall in the NBA Draft Tuesday night, marking the beginning of his professional career with the Washington Wizards.Dybantsa, 19, spent his freshman season with Brigham Young University and averaged over 25 points in his lone collegiate season, leading the nation in scoring.His college career was highlighted by a 43-point effort that broke BYU's freshman scoring record.At 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds, Dybantsa has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, who happens to be his favorite player.
Durant grew up in the Washington area, and Wizards fans can only hope Dybantsa can live up to the comparisons.Massachusetts natives will most remember Dybantsa for his time at St.
Sebastian's, where he played basketball for two years.
He later transferred to Utah Prep Academy before committing to play at BYU.Dybantsa will join the Wizards, who signed 4-time All-Star guard Trae Young and 2020 NBA Champion big man Anthony Davis to deals earlier this year.Dybantsa will also join the young core of rising stars in Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.
Dybantsa is the first player from Massachusetts to be selected first overall in the NBA Draft since 1985, when Patrick Ewing, who attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, was drafted by the New York Knicks.The Associated Press contributed to this report.