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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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AJ Dybantsa is preparing for his debut NBA season as the Washington Wizards' No. 1 overall pick.
But as he turns his attention toward the beginning of his professional career, Dybantsa is still being recognized for his impressive collegiate accomplishments.
On Thursday, Dybantsa was announced as the 2025-26 Big 12 Men's Athlete of the Year.
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Dybantsa spent his one-and-done freshman season with the BYU Cougars, joining the program as the nation's No. 1 ranked recruit. The talented forward led the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Dybantsa earned consensus First Team All-American honors for his performance.
Dybantsa appeared in just two Summer League games for the Wizards before he was shut down for precautionary reasons. The NBA's top pick averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in those two contests.
"It was kind of just testing grounds for me," Dybantsa said of his Summer League experience. "Just trying to get used to the game speed, to the plays, to the players and my teammates and the physicality of the game."
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Dybantsa is a big part of what the Wizards are building in Washington, paired alongside NBA veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
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