ESPN.com's top-ranked player, DeAndre Ayton, ended his recruitment Tuesday with a verbal pledge to head coach Sean Miller and the Arizona Wildcats. Ayton chose Arizona over his other finalists, Kentucky and Kansas.
Here's a look at what the 7-foot big man from the Bahamas will bring to Tucson.
Why he committed: The attraction of playing close to home and the relationship Ayton built with Miller and his staff was the difference in his decision. Ayton, who attends Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix, has not had the number of schools knocking down his door like most No. 1 players. Arizona has been on him for quite a while, it has had success developing post players under Miller and will build the team around him. That philosophy paid off for Miller & Co.
What he brings: What makes Ayton special is his natural scoring ability both in the post and facing the basket with range to the 3-point line. Ayton has held the No. 1 spot since his freshmen year because of his dominating yet efficient performances. Most games he produces a double-double and flirts with a triple-double on occasion. He runs exceptionally well for a big man with high knees and long strides. He just needs to run with a more consistent effort. He can own the glass and protect the rim as well as any big man in the country. Ayton wipes away shots with a long standing reach and an enormous wing span. When you analyze his long-term upside of being a starter in the NBA and a possible All-Star he combines the best of everything in a prospect. When he is dialed in and plays with an everyday motor, the sky will be the limit for Ayton.
How he fits: Miller has always had talented big men at Arizona but never a No. 1 prospect. Miller has built Arizona into a national power and he has done it by owning the West Coast in recruiting and playing a stifling defense along with a four-out one-inside offense combining motion and set plays. With a player of Ayton's ability you center the style of play to his talent and production level. The Wildcats will have plenty of talent and depth on their roster next season and in the frontcourt with Dusan Ristic, Chance Comanche and Lauri Markkanen, but the star will be Ayton. Look for Miller and staff to scheme their offensive concepts around Ayton's inside and outside talent to make sure he gets touches and shots.
Who he reminds us of: There are three categories of Ayton's game that remind us of Tim Duncan. His footwork in the post is fluid, and his ability to make and maintain contact using his hips is natural. Second, when it comes to rebounding, he has a knack to be there when the ball comes off the rim and he gets up quickly and meets the ball with two hands above the rim. Finally, his versatility to score facing the basket makes him a hard cover as he is comfortable and confident in the 15-17 foot range. His work ethic and approach to the game are not in the same leagues as Duncan's (not many are) but his natural talent is very similar.
How the class is shaping up: The Wildcats finished last season with a top-10 class and a collection of perimeter talent. They already have a pledge from ESPN 100 sharpshooter Alex Barcello who has excellent 3-point range and accuracy, which will open the floor for Ayton. They are still looking for more firepower, and their top targets are ESPN 100 prospects P.J. Washington, Gary Trent Jr., Lonnie Walker and Troy Brown Jr. But with Ayton, Miller and staff have put themselves in the running for the nation's No.1 class.