DeAndre Edoneille Ayton, Sr., whose roots are profoundly ingrained in the rich tradition of the Bahamas, Nigeria, and Jamaica, embarked on an incredible journey from the vibrant landscapes of the Caribbean to the competitive arenas of the NBA. This voyage, which began on the sunny streets of San Diego and ended in the difficult collegiate basketball rounds of Arizona, illustrated the rise of a legendary character in the sport. Ayton’s early success, including winning Freshman of the Year and Pac-12 Player of the Year with the Arizona Wildcats, stemmed from his selection as the Phoenix Suns’ first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. His entry into the professional league was marked by great accomplishments, culminating in an All-Rookie First Team selection and suggesting the start of a promising career.
Ayton’s story goes beyond individual accomplishments, exemplifying a genuine dedication to collaborative success and the relentless pursuit of quality. His vital involvement in leading the Suns to their first NBA Finals in nearly 30 years, in 2021, a feat unprecedented in recent history, demonstrates his significance both on and off the court. Ayton’s involvements and engagements outside of basketball demonstrate his strong connection to his cultural background, with projects that reach across communities, from the Bahamas to the world stage.
1. Shamrock Farms
DeAndre Ayton collaborated with Shamrock Farms, the largest family-owned dairy in the Southwest, and their Rockin’ Protein brand, resulting in numerous promotional activities. This relationship, which was announced on December 18, 2018, positioned Ayton as an evangelist for Rockin’ Protein, matching his nutritional tastes with the brand’s protein-rich products.
2. Fox Restaurant
Fox Restaurant Concepts teamed with Ayton and his family to introduce a Caribbean sea bass dish created by his mother across their dining venues. This business aims to bring people together through culinary events, emphasizing Ayton’s cultural heritage and enthusiasm for food.
3. Proto
DeAndre Ayton has invested in Proto, a company known for its groundbreaking hologram technology. He joins more than 57 current and former athletes, including Marshawn Lynch, Luke Walton, Brianna Stewart, and Brittney Griner, who have opted to invest in Proto. Proto is the world’s first and only holographic communications platform that includes its own hardware, software, and app ecosystem. The company has achieved rapid growth, winning the 2022 SXSW Innovation Award for ‘Connecting People’ and obtaining the first patent for their approach to making and showing holographic content.
4. Public Speaking
DeAndre Ayton is available to book for speaking events, personal appearances, and corporate functions through platforms such as All American Speakers Bureau and Athlete Speakers. These platforms make it easier to contact Ayton’s representative and ensure his participation in both physical and digital meetings.
5. Overtime
Overtime, a sports media company focusing on the next generation of athletes and fans through innovative content and a high-school basketball league, has raised $80 million in Series C funding from over 25 NBA players, including DeAndre Ayton.