Arizona Wildcats reel in top basketball recruit

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona has landed one of the top players of the 2017 recruiting class, receiving a verbal commitment from big man DeAndre Ayton.

The 7-footer announced his decision on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Tuesday.

Ayton is rated by many recruiting services as the top player in the 2017 class and has been pursued by numerous schools, including Kansas and Kentucky.

At 7-foot, 250 pounds, Ayton is long and strong, a good-passing big man with a solid midrange game. He’s also a superb shot blocker.

Originally from the Bahamas, Ayton plays at Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix, where he averaged 21 points, 16 rebounds and nearly 4 blocked shots per game last season.