Photos-NBA overall number one draft, Deandre Ayton Is a Nigerian

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.