19-year-old Nigerian, Deandre Ayton was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Suns at the 2018 NBA draft on Thursday, June 21 at a glamorous event held at the Barclays Center in New York.
Deandre was born to British-Nigerian, Edward Egerue who is also from Imo State, Nigeria. His mother, Andrea is a Bahamian of Jamaican descent.
Deandre was 12 when he was scouted by the All Bahamian Brand who were visiting Bahamas Academy High School, a tiny private school then located on Wulff Road in Nassau.
In his opening speech while fielding questions from the press right after the Draft ceremony, Deandre said, "Having my name called being the first pick for the Phoenix Suns was mind-blowing. Having all that confidence leading up to that point when I saw Adam Silver come out, I was just waiting for my name. He just called it and my mind went blank. I just did the routine everyone else is supposed to do and I just soaked in and enjoyed the moment. I saw the reaction on my ma’s face and it was just priceless."
One of the reporters also asked him before the end of the press session about opening his jacket during the first interview and he responded, “You can see a few flag in my jacket; you know my dad is from Nigeria and my mom is Jamaican and I’m Bahamian. So, I’m representing all those countries in one. I’m not just a Bahamian, I’m Nigerian and I’m Jamaican. So I want the world know that.”
It may also interest you to know that Sport brand, Puma already signed Deandre Ayton along with two other candidates, Marvin Bagley III and Zhaire Smith before they got drafted. The multi-million-dollar endorsement deal puts the 7.1ft Nigerian-Bahamian superstar on the same platform with other Puma brand ambassadors - Jamaican athlete, Hussein Bolt and Barbados Popstar, Rihanna.
In 2017, five players of Nigerian descent Semi Ojeleye, Wesley Iwundu, Ike Anigbogu, Bam Adebayo and Ogugua “OG” Anunoby were also picked at the NBA draft. Nigerians at home and diaspora will be looking forward to see and celebrate their own on the world’s biggest Basketball league.
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