Marvin Bagley III, like most 5-star recruits nowadays, played his freshman year in style, only to declare for the NBA draft with three years of eligibility left on the plate. Yesterday, he pleaded his case in a private workout for the Phoenix Suns, holders of the # 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Bagley believes he and not DeAndre Ayton, deserves to be picked numero uno. "I definitely believe I'm the No. 1 pick," Bagley said, "and if the Suns take me I'll definitely show them why."
DeAndre Ayton, the projected #1, worked out for the Suns on Wednesday, subsequently calling off meetings with other NBA teams, sensing he and the Suns were on the same page. Ayton boldly declared himself the obvious child: "I know I'm going No. 1."
Bagley on the other hand, is still open to working out with other NBA teams picking in the lottery. He has scheduled workouts with the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks, the teams picking 2nd and 3rd respectively. Marvin Bagley, although slightly perturbed by Ayton's overconfidence, hopes to use the comments as motivation to surpass exceptions. Bagley credits the chip on his shoulder with getting him this far.
"Deandre, he's going to do what he's going to do. That's his plan," Bagley said. "All I can do is control what I can control and do what I love to do and just show different teams what I'm capable of doing."
The NBA Draft takes place Thursday, June 21
