Joel Ayayi

Joel Ayayi – Gonzaga

11.8 PTS, 7.0 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.2 STL, 58.3 FG%. 39.7 3P%

Even though he might not have blown many people away with his performance this year, Ayayi put up good numbers on this season’s only remaining undefeated team and highest scoring offense in the NCAA. He was fourth on the team in scoring, third in assists, and second in steals. The most impressive part of his performance this season has been his rebounding and shooting efficiency. Ayayi is the fifth best rebounder in his conference, and he is doing this as a 6’5 guard. He also ranks third in FG% and eighth in 3P% in his conference, which makes him one of the best shooters in the West Coast Conference. Ayayi’s offensive rating was seventh in the nation. It should be noted that his numbers could have been more impressive if he was not the secondary playmaker due to sharing the backcourt with potential top-5 pick Jalen Suggs.

JOEL AYAYI (GONZAGA) – After leaving INSEP at the age of 17, Ayayi and Zags staff agreed that it will be better to redshirt first year. After sitting out the whole season, Ayayi was not very consistent at U18 FIBA European Championship but he had big games with outstanding stretches which eventually gave him a spot in All Tournament Team. Expected to have back up point guard role upcoming season or maybe even more on the beggining if Josh Perkins doesn’t recover with chronic shoulder injury. Joel still needs to add some pounds to his skinny frame but he is maestro of floater who controls gears as good as anyone his age. This combined with his length and feel for the game are solid base to think about draft in future especially if his self confidence reaches even keel level.

JOEL AYAYI (France, Gonzaga)

Joel choose Zags scholarship offer over Georgia Tech after narrowing the list. However he drew interest also from Top educational programs like Stanford or Cal Berkeley. Underaged Joel may not be ready to play much this season but he is incredible pick up thinking long term. He can become next great European player coming out of Gonzaga but finally from the backcourt position. Joel can play both guard spots. He lacks experience as a full time playmaker because he always had to share this responsibility with talented Sofiane Briki or Theo Maledon in INSEP but still can fit and adapt into Mark Few continuity offense. He has room for improvement in terms of shot creation of the dribble and filling out his body. Ayayi is likely to achieve even more than his sister who is long time French NT member and played for San Antonio in WNBA.