Junior 7-footer Deandre Ayton is arguably the top basketball prospect in the nation, regardless of class. He may be the best pure talent to emerge at the center position in high school in multiple decades with guys like Greg Oden, Andre Drummond and Karl Anthony Towns, being in the conversation. Earlier this season, he transferred to Hillcrest Academy from Balboa City and has had a very strong showing all season. Coming from the Bahamas, Ayton has a very laid back demeanor, but is beginning to learn how to consistently flip the swich and become a beast out on the floor. NBADraft.net’s Evan Tomes caught up with DeAndre at Mustang Madness. Here is what the talented high school junior had to say.
NBADraft.net: How has playing here in Kentucky been so far?
DeAndre Ayton: Kentucky’s been cold! Pretty cold! But I love the people out here, they show a lot of love out here.
NBADraft.net: To somebody who hasn’t seen you play before, how would you describe your game to them?
DeAndre Ayton: I’m pretty competitive. I run the floor a lot. I’m very vocal and I love defense, and I always execute what I have to do. I’m a post player but I’m also a perimeter player, and I can shoot the three ball as well.
NBADraft.net: Is there anybody you base your game off of?
DeAndre Ayton: (In terms of comparisons) I get a little bit of both David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon. Kevin Garnett, definitely Kevin Garnett; and a little bit of LeBron, his leadership and how he attacks the basket.
NBADraft.net: What are some things you want to add to your game or work on while you’re still in high school?
DeAndre Ayton: Just putting the ball more on the floor. Pushing it up when I get a rebound to get more transition points; and just settling down, go in the post. As soon as I get the rebound just go with it.
NBADraft.net: Who has been the most difficult player you have faced?
DeAndre Ayton: I mean, it hasn’t been any difficult players. Just competing to the highest level. You have one player like Thon (Maker), he’s a very competitive player. That’s one of the best players I have competed against as almost to my matchup.
NBADraft.net: What age did you realize basketball was something you really wanted to pursue as a career?
DeAndre Ayton: I would say around 14. 14 years old.
NBADraft.net: From the Bahamas to Balboa to Hillcrest, how has the transition been?
DeAndre Ayton: It wasn’t that hard. It was hard for my mom when she came from the Bahamas but we did a lot of traveling to the schools but to me, it was just, I’ve got to move on. I’m on a mission. If it was a bad decision I just have to deal with it. Just fix it, fix it and be on my way.
NBADraft.net: How is your recruiting coming along?
DeAndre Ayton: My recruiting…I think it’s pretty calm. It’s not wild, it’s not out there really. I don’t really talk to college coaches that much. I just stay low key. Just try to stay underneath the radar and just do what I got to do on the court.
NBADraft.net: What are some things you want to accomplish, some goals, before your high school career is over?
DeAndre Ayton: Win as many games as I can to be honest and just show these people that I’m really the number one player in the country and the most dominate player.
NBADraft.net: Many people consider you the top prospect regardless of class, what do you think separates yourself from everyone else?
DeAndre Ayton: I compete! I compete no matter what the competition is. I just compete, no mercy.
NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
DeAndre Ayton: In five years, hopefully in the league becoming a superstar in the making.
