SCOTTSDALEβ It was a homecoming for DeAndre Ayton when he flew out to Bahamas for a tournament, which began Nov. 18.
Ayton, an Arizona signee and the top-rated player in the 2017 class, helped Hillcrest Prep win both of its games in Nassau, where Ayton lived for most of his life before moving stateside five years ago.
"For the first few days when we had games it was great," Ayton told the Star on Friday night at the Hoophall West tournament at Chaparral High School. "We went 2-0, everybody on the team was showing me a lot of love until the little issue happened.
"Thenβ¦itβs all bad."
Ayton's visa was flagged at the Nassau airport as he and his teammates prepared to return to Arizona. Β Ayton's team flew back home, while their star remained in the Bahamas with his father for 2 1/2 Β weeks while waiting to renew his visa, which had expired. Β Ayton flew back Tuesday.Β
"The embassy doesnβt play around," Ayton said. "I was like, yo, I forgot. I was supposed to come down here (in Arizona) and get that stuff sorted with...it wasn't scary. It happens."
In his first game back on Friday night against Westbury (Texas) Christian, Ayton managed 20 points, 18 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Hillcrest plays again on Sunday.
"I couldnβt wait to see my teammates, to be honest," Ayton said. "I couldnβt wait to see my team practice and get back on the court."
Check Tucson.com and tomorrow's Daily Star print edition for more about Ayton and fellow Arizona signee Alex Barcello, both of whom played on day one of Hoophall West on Friday.
