Ainge is coming to BYU (Danny Ainge's son signs to play for BYU)
CNN/SI (AP) 18Nov99 S2
Ainge is coming to BYU (Danny Ainge's son signs to play for BYU)

PROVO, UTAH -- Austin Ainge, son of current Phoenix Suns and former BYU star Danny Ainge, has agreed to play for BYU, according to BYU officials. Ainge, a 6-foot-1 point guard at Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona, has signed a letter-of-intent to play at BYU. He will serve a two-year mission before he plays.

The younger Ainge is heralded by BYU coach Steve Cleveland as a potential star, "Austin has a total understanding of the game and the unique ability to distribute the ball to teammates when they are ready to score, rather than just when they are open," said Cleveland.

Cleveland also said that BYU's recruiting this year has been the best ever, but the impact will be felt over several seasons, "As a result of LDS Church missions, these players will represent different recruiting classes," Cleveland said. "Regardless of when they actually play, each will have a significant impact on the program."

The older Ainge won the Wooden Award in 1981, which named him the nation's top college basketball player. After graduating from BYU, Ainge played baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays for four years before joining the Boston Celtics and playing on the NBA championship teams of 1984 and 1986. He also played with teams from Portland and Phoenix that reached the NBA finals.