
The Arizona Wildcats look like they will lose three players to the NBA, according to coach Sean Miller. On Saturday night, following a 66-54 win over California, Miller told reporters that star forward DeAndre Ayton, team second-leading scorer Allonzo Trier, and guard Rawle Alkins will not be back with the team next season to declare for the NBA Draft. Per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports:
Sean Miller told reporters that Deandre Ayton, Allonzo Trier, and Rawle Alkins will all not return to Arizona next season. They're headed to the NBA.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 4, 2018
Arizona won the Pac-12 outright after the victory last night, having a record of 24-7. Ayton has had a memorable season, breaking the Wildcats scoring record for a freshman at 597 points. He took over Jerryd Bayless’ ten-year standing record of 592. The 7’1” big man averaged a double-double this season, with 19.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He also added two blocks per game and a 62 shooting percentage.
Trier has averaged over 19 points per game this season as well, but was suspended for a failed drug test. He was eventually cleared of those charges. Rawle Alkins, who perhaps does not get the publicity of Ayton and Trier, averaged 13.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. However, he has been limited to only 18 games this season due to a foot injury.
Things have been dicey at Arizona lately with the alleged scandal involving coach Miller and Ayton. Those issues will likely not be resolved before Ayton is long gone and playing in the NBA.