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NBA Draft: Deandre Ayton Becomes First Arizona Wildcat selected No.1

By David Rosen

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Deandre Ayton poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Deandre Ayton poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Former Arizona Wildcat and freshman sensation Deandre Ayton was selected No.1 overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA Draft.

“With the No.1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select Deandre Ayton.” History has been made! Ayton becomes the first Arizona Wildcat ever to be selected as the No.1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Many felt he would be the unanimous choice to be selected first, it was just a matter of time before it became official. Bullyseason is now in full effect!

Leading up to the NBA Draft, there was rumors out there that the Phoenix Suns may choose Luka Doncic, or possibly trade their No.1 pick, but thankfully they didn’t. They made the right decision in choosing Ayton. He will bring an immediate, positive impact for their organization on so many levels. His versatility, competitiveness, his willingness to become an even a stronger player and his personality will make him a fan favorite for many, many years to come.

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Even though it was announced prior to the start of the NBA Draft Ayton was a lock for the No.1 spot, he still displayed a true sense of excitement and appreciation for achieving his dream of getting selected to play in the NBA as his name was chosen. For someone to have the talent that Ayton has, combined with his personality, will equate to a very successful career in the NBA.

As a Wildcat, fans were able to see first hand how much Ayton dominated the college game. Now Suns fans will get to enjoy his level of domination on the NBA level. With more spacing and isolation’s in the NBA, expect to see Ayton have a lot more freedom and opportunities to display his versatility and toughness.

Ayton will have a lot of attention and expectations heading into his rookie year, but if their is anyone who is capable of handling that type of pressure, it would be Ayton! This past college season, he had to deal with a lot of pressure, especially on the road against Oregon, where he dominated the Ducks, putting up 28 points and 18 rebounds in a losing effort in OT. For a 19 year old, he handled the situation with such maturity and class.

Their will be some learning curves for Ayton early on, but it’s safe to say he will have no problem figuring those out and show everyone what ‘bullyseason’ is all about. For a better understanding of what ‘bullyseason’ means (the hashtag that he uses a lot on his Social Media posts), Ayton explains it during an interview hosted by Portland Trailblazer, CJ McCullom. Fans also asked Ayton questions about everything, from his playing time in Arizona to Kobe and Shaq 2.0.

Ayton becomes the 68th Wildcat to be drafted by the NBA and the first ever Wildcat to be chosen No.1 overall. Both Mike Bibby and Derrick Williams were the two previous highest selected Wildcats at the No.2 spot. Another interesting fact, Ayton also is the 23rd Wildcat to be selected in the 1st round. He set records as a Wildcat and even before the NBA season has begun he makes history. Ayton is also the seven person drafted into the NBA from the Bahamas and the second to be drafted No.1. Mychal Thomson last did it in 1978.

https://twitter.com/UofABarstool/status/1009944744917544960

If things couldn’t get any better for Ayton, he just signed a deal with Puma basketball. What’s next for Ayton? NBA Rookie of the Year? NBA All-Star games? MVP? NBA Playoff Appearances? NBA Finals Appearances? NBA Championships? Who knows, one thing is for certain though Ayton will go down as one of the greatest players to play the game of basketball, mark my words!

Must Read: Deandre Ayton signs to be Brand Ambassador for PUMA basketball

At Zona Zealots, we would like to congratulate Deandre Ayton on this great milestone in his basketball career. Fans from all over the globe can not wait to see what he has in store. Stay tuned as we find who the other Wildcats that get selected in this year’s NBA Draft. Hopefully, at least two more get drafted. Bear Down, Arizona!

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