Ayton wants college experience, doesn't plan to play overseas
For the class of 2017's No. 1 player, DeAndre Ayton, the speculation has been rampant that he is going to skip college to play professionally overseas.
Ayton told Rivals.com that those rumors need to stop.
A 7-footer at Phoenix (Ariz.) Hillcrest, Ayton made it clear that he has no interest in playing overseas instead of college. For now, Ayton lists Kansas, Kentucky, Arizona and UCLA. The native of the Bahamas says that he would like to build on what Buddy Hield has done when it comes to furthering basketball in his home country.
IN HIS OWN WORDS ...
On college vs. overseas: "I'm going to college. It's a must. My mom would tell you that she wants me to go to college and that it's a must. Overseas, that's not me. I'm not trying to take risks with my career just to get to the pros fast."
On Hield: "It was amazing to see Buddy this year but last year it was the same thing. It gives kids more drive to want to do the same things, keep a better head on your shoulders and keep driving for whatever you want in life. It gives me a lot of drive. He had his country on his back and I do as well, and I'm going to carry it as far as I can go."
On last season: "I would give my junior season an A-minus. I thought I played pretty well but as a team we didn't compete as much and I don't want to give myself an A because we didn't win enough. That's on me. Everybody looks to me so I need to stay on the top of my game at all times and stay positive for my teammates."
On his recruitment: "It's surprising that people haven't been more aggressive in my recruitment. That's ok, though, because I'm more of a low-key kind of guy so I'm not rushing anything."
RIVALS' REACTION...
It is interesting to hear from Ayton that he's frustrated by speculation that he could look to skip college. There is a good chance that the speculation was indeed having a negative impact on his recruitment. To speak with him and see him so adamant that he wants to go to college should change a lot of things. Given how he said that college is a priority, we'll expect his recruitment to pick up.
WHAT'S NEXT?
While Ayton's recruitment has been relatively quiet, things have picked up a bit over the last few months.
He will hit the grassroots circuit this spring where he'll play in Nike's EYBL on a California Supreme team that features fellow five-star junior big man Brandon McCoy and potential 2019 star shooting guard Cassius Stanley.
There is no rush on Ayton's part to make any kind of decision and he indicated to Rivals that he plans to pay close attention to who is watching him during April's two upcoming live weekends. At some point this summer he hopes to lock in on a list of schools and set visits during his senior season.