“This is really big,” stated Ayton after collecting TCL Player of the Game honors. “This is bigger than any Western Conference Finals, you’re fighting for your country and there’s guys like us that don’t get paid for this.”
"This is truly important - we’ve been making history as we’ve gone on in this tournament.
“We are just trying to set a bar high for our generation and just trying to set that basketball mark and get opportunities on our little island in the Bahamas and show that we can make it out and come to big opportunities like this.”
“The Final is going to be the toughest game, probably of our careers. The best thing we can do is go back, watch film and be ready for those guys, we know it’s going to be a big game for whoever wins.”
On dreaming about the Olympics: “Never,” added Ayton. “This is truly an opportunity I did not expect and it’s truly a blessing that our team is a part of it with these great countries, so we just trying our best to not take it for granted.”
The Bahamas defeated Lebanon today 89-72 and Ayton was crowned player of the game with 24 PTS and 15 REB on 73% FG.
Ayton has been the leader of the whole Olympic Qualifying Tournament in both PPG (20.3) and RPG (11).
The Bahamian big man already has experience in playing in big games, since he’s been a part of the Suns team that made the NBA Finals in 2021, in which they lost to the Bucks in 6.
The final of the OQT is scheduled for tomorrow, and the Bahamas will be playing the hosts Spain for the opportunity to play at the Paris Olympics.