In different Jordan Brand Classic games Friday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Arizona signees DeAndre Ayton and Brandon Randolph made their mark.
Ayton had 19 points and eight rebounds (seven on the offensive end) in the West's 124-116 win over the East in the national game. Earlier in the "regional" game, Randolph had 32 points and nine rebounds in 20 minutes.
Kind of makes you wonder how Randolph might have done in the marquee game.
USA Today High School Sports said Randolph actually had to play often inside Friday despite being a 6-6 wing, and Randolph said afterward he hoped to bulk up before playing for the Wildcats. (Certainly, this brings a smile to Chris Rounds' face).
It's about βjust getting my body ready,β Randolph told USA Today. βI know that once I get my body right, Iβll be ready to compete at the next level.β
Of the national game, Rivals' Eric Bossi wrote that Ayton played the best he has on the all-star circuit, "being active on the glass and committed to playing strong on the interior."
Adam Zagoria posted some video highlights, where Ayton is shown in No. 9 dunking over teammate Mohamed Bamba, of all people...
Meanwhile, UA target Brian Bowen picked up an MVP award and told Rivals he's still primarily looking at Arizona, Creighton, Michigan State, N.C. State and Texas. He said he hopes to make a decision before the end of the month.
"So many schools have tried to get involved because I'm still uncommitted," Bowen told Rivals. "So many guys who are committed have tried to talk to me as well but I'm going to stay with my same five as of now."
Kadeem Allen will play his last Portsmouth Invitational game at 11 a.m. Saturday (stream linked here).
