Kings Suns Basketball

Deandre Ayton shoots over Sacramento’s Dewayne Dedmon. The Phoenix Suns center is being pushed by teammate Frank Kaminsky, an Arizona Wildcats postseason nemesis, to add the occasional 3-pointer to his offensive repertoire.

 Photos by Rick Scuteri / The Associated Press

Former Arizona Wildcats star Deandre Ayton is making Cinco de Mayo one to remember for employees at Talking Stick Resort Arena. 

As part of #GivingTuesdayNow, Ayton is teaming up with Ocean 44, a local Phoenix restaurant, to donate dinner for the essential staff of the Phoenix Suns' home arena that have continued to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’m happy to support Ocean 44, one of my favorite restaurants, while sending a small token of appreciation to all the staff who are taking care of the arena until we can get back on the court,” Ayton said in a press release.

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Giving Tuesday is a recent movement launched with the goal of creating a 'global generosity movement' on May 5 to support those in need during the ongoing pandemic.

Ayton becomes the latest high-profiled athlete to contribute to the local community in Phoenix, joining Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and more. 

 

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Alec has been with the Star since October 2019. He’s currently a senior at the University of Arizona and previously worked as sports editor for the Arizona Daily Wildcat.