Bahamian secret

NEW YORK — As he approached the stage for last year’s NBA Draft, Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen opened his suit jacket to reveal a Finnish flag sewn inside.

Something similar is expected for Deandre Ayton, who likes to say “242 to the world,” referring to the area code of his native Bahamas. On Wednesday, Ayton wore Puma “Clyde” shoes bearing his initials and the Bahamian flag.

Ayton won’t say where exactly he’ll weave his country into his draft night wardrobe.

“Let’s keep that a secret for now,” he said.

Footwork

Although Ayton says he’s out to prove there’s more to Bahamian sports than track and soccer, he also credits those pastimes.

“I was fortunate that soccer helped me not be a clumsy guy and be pretty nimble on the court,” Ayton said.

Which is why, even with his 7-foot-1-inch frame, Ayton says he’s fast.

“Oh yeah,” he says. “That’s in the blood. We’re very athletic people.”

Official delegation

Asked how many friends and family he has with him in New York, Ayton repeatedly said “everyone.”

That includes an official Bahamian delegation led by Michael Pintard, the country’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.

“He is clearly one of those athletes who constantly references the Bahamas, the 242, and so we are appreciative of him, and we are committed to him as we do all other Bahamian athletes operating on the international circuit,” Pintard told The Tribune of Nassau. “We are cautiously optimistic that he would go No. 1, but we know that in many ways, he remembers the future of the league, and we pray for good health for him and that his performance exceeds his own expectations.

“He represents the cadre of talented young Bahamians who are competing in a number of sports where coaches can come and find talented and disciplined athletes.”

Brooklyn bred

Maybe it was inevitable. Rawle Alkins was asked after his workout with Indiana on Tuesday about how he compared to Pacers guard Lance Stephenson, a fellow Brooklyn product sometimes known as “Born Ready.”

“I was just talking with the coaching staff about that,” Alkins said, laughing. “They told me they like my competitive nature, like he has. I’m dark-skinned; he’s dark-skinned. He’s from New York; I’m from New York. But at the end of the day he’s a great player. I love his game. I love his mentality. He’s fearless, and that’s how I like to look at myself, too.”

Happy Holiday

When Aaron Holiday announced his plans to leave UCLA, he was considered a borderline first-round pick. Some mock drafts had him in the first round, and some had him in the second.

Holiday said he thought he was always going in the first round. His invitation to Thursday’s draft was an indication it is now certain: The NBA typically invites only the top 20 or so prospects, only players who are all but assured of going in the first round.

“I’m very excited that I got invited here,” Holiday said. “I worked very hard to get here so I’m very happy about that.”

Known for a quiet personality and a strong work ethic during his three years at UCLA, Holiday said he helped himself during the pre-draft process via interviews with teams and letting “people see me up close.”

Rivals, or not?

Former teammates at Phoenix Hillcrest Prep, Marvin Bagley and Ayton are back together at the top of the NBA draft pool, both expected to be among the first few picks.

Bagley said the two haven’t had a chance to hang out much lately but still have a good relationship.

“A lot of people feel with the draft coming tomorrow they’ll try to create stories or put us against each other,” Bagley said. “It’s basketball. We all want to be good and be the best, but at the end of the day it’s bigger than that off the court.”

The big number

1:25

Odds that Ayton will be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, according to Bovada.com.

Quotable

“That game he really showed what he can do. He showed the ability he has in the post, backing down guys and hitting jump shots. He showed his all-around game.”

— Holiday, on the 32-point, 14-rebound performance Ayton had in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals, leading the Wildcats to a 78-67 overtime victory over UCLA