Watch: 10 best things Deandre Ayton, Suns GM said at Tuesday's news conference
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Former UA star says "I know I'm going No. 1" in the NBA draft.
By Justin Spears Arizona Daily Star
'I know I'm going No. 1'
UpdatedPHOENIX — The Suns have quite the decision to make on draft night. Following his solo workout with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Deandre Ayton announced to the world that he's going to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
It's not a done deal, but he's confident.
In his first press conference since Arizona's first-round loss to Buffalo in the NCAA Tournament, Ayton said he will not work out for other teams leading up to the draft. Instead, he'll work to become familiar with Phoenix's young nucleus of Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and Marquese Chriss over the next few days.
While Ayton is projected to be the top pick, the Suns will work out a small group of players in the following days, which could include Slovenia's Luka Doncic or Phoenix native Marvin Bagley III.
Following the workout, Ayton and Suns general manager Ryan McDonough addressed the media. Here's what they had to say.
Ayton's case as the No. 1 pick
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on why he should be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft: “I’m the best competitor in the draft. ... There’s no one like me.” pic.twitter.com/iybacjQpsZ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
Ayton's shooting
UpdatedRyan McDonough says he was mostly impressed with Deandre Ayton’s perimeter shooting during the workout. pic.twitter.com/eHxI1H1pvv
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
Staying in Arizona
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on playing with the Suns and the possibility of staying in Phoenix: “This is our second home.” pic.twitter.com/2HKl8PiPvn
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
Workout went as expected
UpdatedPhoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough after Deandre Ayton’s workout: “This is a big day for the franchise. ... It was everything we expected.” pic.twitter.com/WONoOWWTgj
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
Future teammates?
UpdatedRyan McDonough says Deandre Ayton has gotten familiar with Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and Marquese Chriss. pic.twitter.com/f5GafiI5dd
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
Fitting in
UpdatedRyan McDonough on how Deandre Ayton fits in with the Suns roster: pic.twitter.com/u1nz0igYyV
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
KG + Dream = Ayton
UpdatedDeandre Ayton says he models his game after Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon: pic.twitter.com/9kBqn3MNaR
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
No surprises for Ayton
UpdatedDeandre Ayton says he wants to know that he’s the No. 1 pick ahead of time. pic.twitter.com/zdJE0VywQq
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
Takeaways from FBI investigation
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on what he took away from his lone season at Arizona: “I learned the true meaning of professionalism.” pic.twitter.com/istxmd6WGv
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
'I'm a player'
UpdatedDeandre Ayton doesn’t want the power forward or center label: “I’m a player. I do what the coaches ask.” pic.twitter.com/tY86gwuulL
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) June 6, 2018
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