Deandre Ayton

Deandre Edoneille Ayton Sr. (born July 23, 1998) is a Bahamian professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats and was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. Ayton is known for his size, athleticism, and versatility as a center.

 Early life and high school career 
Deandre Ayton was born in Nassau, Bahamas. He moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue basketball. Ayton attended multiple high schools, including Balboa City School in San Diego and Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. At Hillcrest, he became the No. 1 recruit in the nation.

 College career 
Ayton played one season of college basketball at the University of Arizona (2017–18). He averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, leading the Wildcats to a Pac-12 championship. Ayton was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and a consensus first-team All-American. After one season, he declared for the 2018 NBA draft.

 NBA career 

 Phoenix Suns (2018–2023) 
Ayton was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

During the 2020–21 season, Ayton played a pivotal role in the Suns' run to the 2021 NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks. His defensive presence and rebounding were crucial throughout the postseason.

 Portland Trail Blazers (2023–present) 
In September 2023, Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

 National team career 
Ayton has expressed interest in representing the Bahamas men's national basketball team. In 2023, he joined the team and contributed to their success in regional tournaments.

 Career statistics 

 NBA regular season 
+Key career statisticsSeasonTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGBPGPPG2018–19PHX717030.7.585.000.74610.31.80.916.32022–23PHX676730.4.587.294.76110.01.70.818.0Total31730930.3.588.225.75410.41.60.916.7

 References 

 Other websites 

 NBA.com profile
 Basketball-Reference profile

Category:1998 births
Category:Living people
Category:Phoenix Suns players
Category:Bahamian sportspeople