Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton - Hillcrest Prep

Deandre Ayton, Hillcrest Prep

Vitals
7'0"
Center
Team
Hillcrest Prep
Pro
lakers logo

Before college stardom and an NBA career, Ayton made waves on the Grind Session stage. After starting his high school career at Balboa School in California, where he put up 21 points, 16 rebounds, and nearly seven blocks per game as a sophomore, he transferred to Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, Arizona — a perennial powerhouse in the Grind Session.

At Hillcrest, Ayton shared the court with another future NBA lottery pick, Marvin Bagley III, forming one of the most formidable prep frontcourts in recent memory. As a junior, Ayton posted jaw-dropping averages of 29.2 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game.

He capped off his high school career by leading Hillcrest Prep to a Grind Session World Championship, earning both Finals MVP and season MVP honors. That dominant senior campaign — 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game — solidified his status as the nation’s top big man and a consensus five-star prospect.

All-star selections
  • 2016 Nike Hoop Summit
  • 2017 McDonald's All American
Player Headlines: Deandre Ayton
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The Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit of elite high school basketball events. In past seasons, our teams have played in some of the greatest and most unique cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. From November to March over 300 action-packed games will be played. The Grind Session is more than just great games: it's an opportunity to prepare for the next chapter of your basketball career.

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