Deandre Ayton declines NBA Combine invite, prepares for NBA Draft

Former Arizona Wildcat freshman and one of the greatest to put on an Arizona uniform, Deandre Ayton, declined an NBA Combine invite, and ready himself for the NBA Draft.

More from Wildcats Basketball

• Arizona Basketball likely to schedule Florida Atlantic for 2023
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s FIBA World Cup performance is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s
• Rawle Alkins a star in the Drew League this summer
• Arizona Basketball to play in ‘Battle 4 Atlantis’ in 2024
• Reflections on the Pac-12, the Arizona Wildcats, and other memories

Declined! As we get closer and closer to the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21st, top lottery picks have to start to think about their future and decide if the NBA Combine is worth going to. One of those being former Arizona Wildcat being Deandre Ayton, who many expect him to go No.1 or No.2 in the draft, decided to not take part in the NBA Combine later this month.

From day one to the last day Ayton played for the Wildcats, it was clear he was meant to play in the NBA. Even before he stepped foot on campus it was obvious. Thankfully the one and done rule were still in effect this past season, giving Wildcats fans the opportunity to witness this physical specimen perform.

The skill set, the body, the understanding of the game, Ayton’s transition to the next level won’t be too hard. There will be some learning for him to do and there will be those NBA veterans looking to show the rookie what’s up! They will quickly find out that might not be the best thing to do and wake the beast!

https://twitter.com/DeandreAyton/status/977338948136534017

Unless you have been sleeping under a rock and hadn’t watch Ayton play at Arizona, it’s a safe bet he will be drafted and drafted high. He has the possibility of becoming the FIRST Arizona Wildcat to be drafted at the No.1 Sport.  There have been other greats that have been picked in the top 3 of the NBA Draft, Derrick Williams and Mike Bibby at No.2 and Sean Elliot at No.3, but none at the top.

For those that need a reminder how special of a player Ayton is, relive these highlight below:

Now the NBA Combine is an opportunity for invitees to show off their vertical leap, quickness, and all-around basketball skills to NBA teams, but if you know you are that good and confident you’ll be a lottery pick why not skip it? Plus, it prevents the opportunity of their being any type of injury during competitive drills and competition.

These players that skip it still take part in team tryouts. One of those teams that are looking to acquire Ayton is the Phoenix Suns, who Ayton has previously expressed interest in playing for. He would fit in perfectly and have many Wildcats fans make the trip up north to watch him play.

Must Read: Arizona Basketball Recruit Brandon Williams Sets Decision Date

As Ayton gets ready to take that next step in his basketball career, Zona Zealots would like to say thanks. Thanks for the way you carry yourself and represent the University of Arizona. Good luck Ayton and don’t forget to Bear Down in the NBA!