NBA Draft No. 1 pick reveals Michael Olise is his favorite athlete
AJ Dybantsa, selected first overall by the Washington Wizards, named France's Michael Olise as his favorite athlete during the 2026 World Cup.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
AJ Dybantsa, the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, has shown that his sports interests reach well beyond the basketball court. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the league's newest prospect revealed that his favorite athlete right now is forward Michael Olise, who is currently representing France at the 2026 World Cup.
Dybantsa expressed his admiration for the Frenchman's style of play. Olise, who competes for Bayern Munich at the club level, has become a key figure for Les Bleus during the tournament. The basketball star highlighted Olise’s unpredictability, vision, and ability to make decisive plays in high-pressure moments.
This mention underscores the cultural impact and visibility that the 2026 World Cup is generating among stars in other professional sports across the United States, creating bridges between the basketball court and the football pitch.