Pac-12 Basketball: Where are the former stars selected in the NBA Draft?

Deandre Ayton, Arizona

One of the most intriguing prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft, Arizona big man Deandre Ayton didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called this past Thursday night.

Ayton became the first player in school history to be taken first overall in the draft. Derrick Williams (2011) and Mike Bibby (1996) came close as second overall picks, but Ayton takes the cake as a coveted pick by the Phoenix Suns.

Ayton brings tons of potential to a Phoenix squad in need of help on the interior. With Devin Booker on the wing, they’ve made some progress but when Booker went down last season with injury, the weaknesses showed.

It marks the second time the Suns have found themselves fishing for a big man in the draft. They’ve fallen out of sorts with Alex Len at the center position. Len was taken fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. Since being selected, he’s averaged 7.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

The acquisition of Ayton should change things, that’s for sure. He’ll have an opportunity to make an impact right away, starting first with Summer League.