Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American center Deandre Ayton (0) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

I got my first in-person look at 7-foot Arizona freshman basketball playerΒ DeAndre AytonΒ last week as he walked through a corridor of McKale Center with fellow freshmanΒ Emmanuel Akot. How times have changed. Both Ayton and Akot appear much older than their listed ages of 18. They could pass for 25, and it’s not like they are skinny, going-to-get-pushed-around freshmen. This isn’t 1990 any more. The physical development of top college basketball prospects has changed dramatically.Β 


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact sports columnist Greg Hansen at 520-573-4362 or ghansen@tucson.com. On Twitter: @ghansen711