2018 NBA Draft

[darealjuice]

DeAndre Ayton is headed to Arizona next year.

Will be just like Terrance Ferguson. Wont play a minute there. Elite prospect but wont play a minute of college ball, same will probably be said for Duval

Ferguson had issues with his Prep school. The NCAA wouldn't accept classes from his prep school in Dallas. Ayton goes to Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix which is certified by the NCAA. It's in his control whether he wants to make his grades or not.

I'm actually not too sure about Hillcrest, isn't that the school that Bagley left because he was worried about academic eligbility? Apparently the school was actually shut down recently before classes started, unless this Hillcrest is different from Ayton's Hillcrest??

[DirtyDez]

Will be just like Terrance Ferguson. Wont play a minute there. Elite prospect but wont play a minute of college ball, same will probably be said for Duval

Ferguson had issues with his Prep school. The NCAA wouldn't accept classes from his prep school in Dallas. Ayton goes to Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix which is certified by the NCAA. It's in his control whether he wants to make his grades or not.

I'm actually not too sure about Hillcrest, isn't that the school that Bagley left because he was worried about academic eligbility? Apparently the school was actually shut down recently before classes started, unless this Hillcrest is different from Ayton's Hillcrest??

It's the same but it had more to do with Starshine and the NCAA...

The academic issue at Hillcrest centered around the academic program provided by StarShine Academy, which was not certified by the NCAA. Hillcrest switched to a program (Arizona Connections) certified by the NCAA, which should help Ayton’s case should there be any questions with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

http://heavy.com/sports/2016/09/deandre-ayton-eligibility-college-basketball-recruiting-class-of-2017-arizona-kansas-kentucky-deandre-ayton-college-basketball/

Ayton plays for Hillcrest Prep, which is similar to Nevada’s Findlay Prep in that the team itself is a basketball program and the players on its roster attend an affiliated school. He acknowledged there had been concerns about him establishing academic eligibility to compete at the NCAA level, because Hillcrest players were taking classes at StarShine Academy in Phoenix, which the NCAA has not certified. The team members were switched last winter to Arizona Connections, an online school that the NCAA does certify.

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/deandre-ayton-recruiting-updates-arizona-kentucky-no-1-recruit-class-of-2017/ua85nd1mtuv91qfnjhl2bqyi9

[Duke4life831]

DeAndre Ayton is headed to Arizona next year.

Will be just like Terrance Ferguson. Wont play a minute there. Elite prospect but wont play a minute of college ball, same will probably be said for Duval

Ferguson had issues with his Prep school. The NCAA wouldn't accept classes from his prep school in Dallas. Ayton goes to Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix which is certified by the NCAA. It's in his control whether he wants to make his grades or not.

Put it one way. It was only a couple months ago, Ayton was talking about how much he liked UK and Duke but neither one was talking to him. When was the last time UK or Duke weren't even talking to the #1 recruit. UK talked to him at the end but it was very very minimal. This was the #1 recruit that struggled to get blue blood programs to recruit him. Rumors are his grades aren't just bad, but beyond fixing in time.

It will be beyond a miracle if he gets eligible to play. And if he does, there is going to be a heavy look into it. Only way I see this happening is if they pull what Cal did with Rose and have another person take his tests for him.

[Rastas]

Million Dollar 1 year China CBA season is calling you Ayton.

[CptCrunch]

DeAndre Ayton should have pulled a Maker and hid in Canada for a year. The only direction he can go is down, espicially with the dark cloud surrounding his academics. Let's hope it is merely an academic/fraud issue as opposed to a handler issue.

[Marcus]

Will be just like Terrance Ferguson. Wont play a minute there. Elite prospect but wont play a minute of college ball, same will probably be said for Duval

Ferguson had issues with his Prep school. The NCAA wouldn't accept classes from his prep school in Dallas. Ayton goes to Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix which is certified by the NCAA. It's in his control whether he wants to make his grades or not.

Put it one way. It was only a couple months ago, Ayton was talking about how much he liked UK and Duke but neither one was talking to him. When was the last time UK or Duke weren't even talking to the #1 recruit. UK talked to him at the end but it was very very minimal. This was the #1 recruit that struggled to get blue blood programs to recruit him. Rumors are his grades aren't just bad, but beyond fixing in time.

It will be beyond a miracle if he gets eligible to play. And if he does, there is going to be a heavy look into it. Only way I see this happening is if they pull what Cal did with Rose and have another person take his tests for him.

didn't even know all of that. Appreciate the input sir.

[Marcus]

this brings up and interesting question. We haven't seen what playing overseas for a year does to a number pick. Mudiay wasn't in position to go number one at any point during his draft class so no way to really say if his stock was affected. Ferg was more than likely going to be late lotto late first rounder regardless this year.

What does an international stint do for Ayton's stock with Bamba, Carter, Duvall, and Porter on his heels? I'd venture to guess it hurts him a bit.

Carter is built for collegiate dominance and does everything Ayton does without the motor issues and is a stellar student.
Bamba could arguably have a higher ceiling if his skillset catches up with his physical tools. Also ridiculously smart.
Porter is tailored for today's game in the sense he can be a 3 or small ball stretch 4 in the league and will be featured at a growing program.
Duvall is an elite ball handler headed into a PG PnR heavy league.

how much of a hit could a international stint be for Ayton. Most likely to get major minutes in China. Even if dominant in China the knock will be "it was China" and if he isn't dominant it will be "why wasn't he dominant in China?"

If he plays in the Euro league he may get buried on the bench.

Can him being the most talented kid in that class hold him steady at number 1 regardless?

[EddieJonesFan]

How does Ayton compare to David Robinson?

[Marcus]

How does Ayton compare to David Robinson?

that's another one of those .net comps that doesn't quite compute. I don't really see the connection.

I think about all they have in common is fluidity for a big and midrange jumper. But I think Ayton's will be more money in the league because the game itself is more tailored to that style of play with the bigs. Ayton is crazy skilled for his size but his motor is a question. He appears to need to see things going his way in order for him to turn it on. I do think this is something that can be improved though. It will definitely need to be if he's going to last in the league.

[Duke4life831]

this brings up and interesting question. We haven't seen what playing overseas for a year does to a number pick. Mudiay wasn't in position to go number one at any point during his draft class so no way to really say if his stock was affected. Ferg was more than likely going to be late lotto late first rounder regardless this year.

What does an international stint do for Ayton's stock with Bamba, Carter, Duvall, and Porter on his heels? I'd venture to guess it hurts him a bit.

Carter is built for collegiate dominance and does everything Ayton does without the motor issues and is a stellar student.
Bamba could arguably have a higher ceiling if his skillset catches up with his physical tools. Also ridiculously smart.
Porter is tailored for today's game in the sense he can be a 3 or small ball stretch 4 in the league and will be featured at a growing program.
Duvall is an elite ball handler headed into a PG PnR heavy league.

how much of a hit could a international stint be for Ayton. Most likely to get major minutes in China. Even if dominant in China the knock will be "it was China" and if he isn't dominant it will be "why wasn't he dominant in China?"

If he plays in the Euro league he may get buried on the bench.

Can him being the most talented kid in that class hold him steady at number 1 regardless?

Now Ive been on the record that I think Bamba is the best prospect in the class long term. Longer than Gobert but with Anthony Davis athleticism. But right now I think there are 3 elite prospects in the class that I think can have a legit argument for the #1 pick (Ayton, Bamba, Porter). I dont think Ayton's hold on the #1 spot is all that strong. I think with Bamba and Porter also being elite prospects, it wouldnt surprise me if Ayton falls behind those two. No way (unless injury) Ayton falls farther than that though

[DirtyDez]

Will be just like Terrance Ferguson. Wont play a minute there. Elite prospect but wont play a minute of college ball, same will probably be said for Duval

Ferguson had issues with his Prep school. The NCAA wouldn't accept classes from his prep school in Dallas. Ayton goes to Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix which is certified by the NCAA. It's in his control whether he wants to make his grades or not.

Put it one way. It was only a couple months ago, Ayton was talking about how much he liked UK and Duke but neither one was talking to him. When was the last time UK or Duke weren't even talking to the #1 recruit. UK talked to him at the end but it was very very minimal. This was the #1 recruit that struggled to get blue blood programs to recruit him. Rumors are his grades aren't just bad, but beyond fixing in time.

It will be beyond a miracle if he gets eligible to play. And if he does, there is going to be a heavy look into it. Only way I see this happening is if they pull what Cal did with Rose and have another person take his tests for him.

He definitely needs to get his sh*t in order which is possible if he wants it bad enough. Not to rag on the guy but you can tell he's not the brightest bulb and I've heard he needs to be directed and pushed to finish everything. The motor concern isn't just an on-court issue.

There's some rumors that he took summer school classes to help get caught up and teams gained interest the past few months. His mom really wants him to go to college close to home and Ayton has repeatedly said he's not going overseas.

Unlike Bagley he's at least acknowledging he wants to play in college and taking the steps necessary to make it. Bagley has no interest in it.

It's still 50/50 whether Ayton can do what needs to be done though. What surprises me most about the commitment is Miller losing out on T-Ferg and not being scared off. Although it might've been just a close-to-home thing from Ayton's camp and Miller thinks it's worth it the risk getting burned again.

A double whammy would be McCoy going somewhere else then Ayton doesn't qualify and they're left thin in the frontcourt.

[Duke4life831]

Ferguson had issues with his Prep school. The NCAA wouldn't accept classes from his prep school in Dallas. Ayton goes to Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix which is certified by the NCAA. It's in his control whether he wants to make his grades or not.

Put it one way. It was only a couple months ago, Ayton was talking about how much he liked UK and Duke but neither one was talking to him. When was the last time UK or Duke weren't even talking to the #1 recruit. UK talked to him at the end but it was very very minimal. This was the #1 recruit that struggled to get blue blood programs to recruit him. Rumors are his grades aren't just bad, but beyond fixing in time.

It will be beyond a miracle if he gets eligible to play. And if he does, there is going to be a heavy look into it. Only way I see this happening is if they pull what Cal did with Rose and have another person take his tests for him.

He definitely needs to get his sh*t in order which is possible if he wants it bad enough. Not to rag on the guy but you can tell he's not the brightest bulb and I've heard he needs to be directed and pushed to finish everything. The motor concern isn't just an on-court issue.

There's some rumors that he took summer school classes to help get caught up and teams gained interest the past few months. His mom really wants him to go to college close to home and Ayton has repeatedly said he's not going overseas.

Unlike Bagley he's at least acknowledging he wants to play in college and taking the steps necessary to make it. Bagley has no interest in it.

It's still 50/50 whether Ayton can do what needs to be done though. What surprises me most about the commitment is Miller losing out on T-Ferg and not being scared off. Although it might've been just a close-to-home thing from Ayton's camp and Miller thinks it's worth it the risk getting burned again.

A double whammy would be McCoy going somewhere else then Ayton doesn't qualify and they're left thin in the frontcourt.

Ya this is college sports so academics seem to find a way to work themselves out the majority of the time (again Rose or heck even another Zona commit Rawle Alkins). Sean Miller seems to have no hesitation to go after guys with extremely questionable grades Ferguson and Alkins. I think it's definitely worth it for Miller to do it, because if Ayton does become eligible then they have a legit contender for NPOY.

There is a reason Ayton decided to commit this early out of nowhere, it's much easier to get your academics in line when you get to work with a college staff. Ayton had to do this now or he would've never had a chance to be eligible, his grades are that bad.

Now with me saying all of that, it only has to deal with his academics. His ability on his court is elite. Does have a questionable motor, but if he learns an elite work ethic, he has all the tools to be a better Towns. Now again not saying that he will be a better Towns, just saying he has the physical tools to be better. Ayton is truly an elite physical prospect

[No-Man]

Learning a work ethic is damn hard, like I have that problem myself, 0 work ethic, that sometimes takes a longer way than just talent.

[Marcus]

Learning a work ethic is damn hard, like I have that problem myself, 0 work ethic, that sometimes takes a longer way than just talent.

This is so true. I think that's the main reason why I keep pushing this Wendell Carter agenda so hard. He isn't as fast end to end, he doesn't handle as well, isn't as tall, but the kid brings it every time out, midrange is just as effective, hits his free throws, cleans the glass on both ends, anchors the defense and actually goes after shots, he can pass, has good feel, well paced in the post, and is just as effective with his footwork and touch around the cup.

He doesn't and won't have the ceiling of Ayton but you won't have to question his motor and I think he has the least bust potential out of the kids projected top five right now in that class.

All those physical gifts Ayton brings to the court means nothing if he's not putting the work in when he gets to the league. Renaldo Sydney, Derrick Coleman, Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum were all talented. Work ethic goes a longggggg way at that level.

[EricAnderson]

The nba more then any other league is about having top of the league talent to have any shot at the title. Very few players come along with that type of ability. Ayton is one of them. Even if he doesn't live up to it you almost have to take that chance in a league like the nba.

[Chuck Everett]

Does it really matter if Ayton doesn't go number one and instead goes number five because GM's are morons? His academics (or lack thereof) is not a reason to pass on him. If he isn't good enough should be 99% of the reason (although if the kid had a criminal past I would obviously weigh that). Everything else is for show.

[EddieJonesFan]

How does Ayton compare to David Robinson?

that's another one of those .net comps that doesn't quite compute. I don't really see the connection.

I think about all they have in common is fluidity for a big and midrange jumper. But I think Ayton's will be more money in the league because the game itself is more tailored to that style of play with the bigs. Ayton is crazy skilled for his size but his motor is a question. He appears to need to see things going his way in order for him to turn it on. I do think this is something that can be improved though. It will definitely need to be if he's going to last in the league.

Just asking a question, I don't really know a lot about him.

[Marcus]

Does it really matter if Ayton doesn't go number one and instead goes number five because GM's are morons? His academics (or lack thereof) is not a reason to pass on him. If he isn't good enough should be 99% of the reason (although if the kid had a criminal past I would obviously weigh that). Everything else is for show.

I don't think his grades would or should matter I think the motor questions are bigger concerns.

[Marcus]

How does Ayton compare to David Robinson?

that's another one of those .net comps that doesn't quite compute. I don't really see the connection.

I think about all they have in common is fluidity for a big and midrange jumper. But I think Ayton's will be more money in the league because the game itself is more tailored to that style of play with the bigs. Ayton is crazy skilled for his size but his motor is a question. He appears to need to see things going his way in order for him to turn it on. I do think this is something that can be improved though. It will definitely need to be if he's going to last in the league.

Just asking a question, I don't really know a lot about him.

No doubt. Wasn't trying to come across aggressive. if I did that's my bad.

[Duke4life831]

How does Ayton compare to David Robinson?

that's another one of those .net comps that doesn't quite compute. I don't really see the connection.

I think about all they have in common is fluidity for a big and midrange jumper. But I think Ayton's will be more money in the league because the game itself is more tailored to that style of play with the bigs. Ayton is crazy skilled for his size but his motor is a question. He appears to need to see things going his way in order for him to turn it on. I do think this is something that can be improved though. It will definitely need to be if he's going to last in the league.

Just asking a question, I don't really know a lot about him.

Honestly he plays a lot like KAT. Can be a beast on the boards and defensively and solid down low and has a good solid jumper out to the 3 point line. He is a scary prospect when you think of his physical tools and skills already. Hes a better prospect than KAT was at this time. The big difference between the two is KAT has an epic work ethic while Ayton's work ethic is in question. A lot of people question if he really loves the game, no one has or ever will question that about KAT.

A video of Ayton from the EYBL this year

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