NBA Draft prospect first impressions: De’Andre Ayton looks promising
Through two games, both Arizona victories, it looks as if the way we measure De’Andre Ayton’s success and development this season might be a simple 50/50 observation: Did he stand out?
If it weren’t for his teammate, the Wildcats’ starting center Dustan Rustic, Ayton would overwhelmingly be the biggest player on the court each time he checks in. The physical advantages he brings whenever he’s on the floor earn him the benefit of the doubt as someone who will present game plan problems every night. That means we may be able to analyze his impact and growth simply by whether or not we’re noticing him.
Statistically, we have had no choice but to recognize Ayton’s impact for the Wildcats. The freshman is averaging 19.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 62.5 percent from the field after these two contests.
He is in rhythm already, despite Allonzo Trier’s 32-point outburst on Saturday night. Sean Miller’s system puts the ball in his guards’ hands, but Ayton knows when his turn has arrived and works hard to put himself in positive positions to score and rebound. Against smaller programs like the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, there is no defensive answer for a guy like Ayton.
Miller had his guards feeding Ayton early against both UMBC and Northern Arizona, and he’ll need to continue to run a great deal of the offense through Ayton to be successful, especially once Trier comes down to earth after starting the season 10-for-13 from the field. The way we notice Ayton won’t be by the shots he gets up or his usage rate.
But when things get sticky — UMBC stuck around under a double-digit deficit late into the first half — does Ayton continue to show up? Can he find new ways to impact the game when an extra defender stands between he and the rim or when he’s being denied the ball?
Arizona’s first two games were cake. Ayton responded accordingly. Let’s see what happens when Trier’s scoring goes down, defenses key into Ayton’s scouting report and opponents learn how Miller is using this new group of guys. Will the areas in which he’s not as excellent — outside shooting and defense — continue to work for him?
On Sunday night, his defense on smaller players driving toward the hoop was game-changing. Ayton used quick feet and keen shot-blocking timing to deter UMBC from even bothering at the rim, helping the Wildcats secure a 25-point victory. His debut occurred at home against a NAU squad with little size in the backcourt. Ayton’s three blocks in that one felt like stealing.
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The Wildcats’ schedule doesn’t really toughen up until the first week of December, in which they face both Texas A&M and Alabama, two programs with high hopes this season. Around that time, Arizona should be rounding into form around Trier and Ayton as we get a better idea of what’s real and fake in the NCAA.
So far, Ayton himself looks like a good bet to be on the “real” side.