One day after the Suns selected Deandre Ayton number one overall in the NBA draft, Phoenix introduced its 'favorite Sun' to the local media Friday at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Ayton, who played his high school basketball at Hillcrest Prep, flew cross-country after being drafted at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
"Having my name called being the first pick for the Phoenix Suns was mind-blowing," he said. "It's an honor to be drafted number one."
A 7'1'' center, Ayton joins a Suns team that finished with a 21-61 record. Phoenix has a new head coach in Igor Kokoskov, who spent 18 years in the league as an assistant coach.
Origininally from the Bahamas, Ayton stays in his adopted state after becoming the first Arizona Wildcat to be chosen as the top overall pick. It was also the first time Phoenix had the top selection.
"I'm blessed," Ayton said. "I can remember just yesterday, being, home, and now I'm talking in front of the media waiting to play the best possible basketball I can."
Ayton played one season at Arizona where he was named Pac-12 player and freshman of the year. He averaged 20.1 points per game and 11.6 rebounds per game.
The Suns also introduced their other draft picks, Mikal Bridges, Élie Okobo and George King.
