Arizona Wildcats Basketball

Arizona Wildcats forward Ira Lee was cited and released for driving under the influence on Saturday, the school announced Tuesday.

According to a statement relayed by the Daily Wildcat's Alec White, Arizona's Dean of Students will review the citation under the school's code of conduct. The athletic department is also "reviewing the incident for team consequences." 

Lee, 20, arrived in Tucson last season as a 4-star recruit and the fourth-ranked center in the class of 2017. 

As a freshman, he averaged 2.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.4 blocks in 10.2 minutes per game.

The highlight of his first season with the Wildcats came on Nov. 29 when he piled up 11 points, four rebounds and two steals against Long Beach State. 

Recruit information courtesy of 247Sports.com. 

Despite a foot injury that sidelined him at the start of the 2017-18 season, Rawle Alkins never second-guessed his decision to return to Arizona after testing the NBA draft waters a year ago.

It would have been easy for Alkins to sulk amid the missed games, the recovery process and the frustration associated with not being on the floor. Instead, the sophomore guard put that time to good use by devouring countless hours of game film, talking strategy and closely observing his teammates from the bench. 

After missing the first nine games of the season, Alkins helped guide the Wildcats to their second consecutive Pac-12 championship and another NCAA tournament bid.

Projected as a second-round pick by B/R's draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman, Alkins had a bit of an advantage over most of his peers at the NBA Draft Combine, as he had gotten a sense of the draft process the previous year. While he struggled to find his offense during the first day of scrimmages this year, all facets of his game and versatility were on full display during the second day, when he scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and added six rebounds, five blocks and two assists. The 20-year-old Brooklyn native also tested well, registering a 40.5-inch vertical.

While he doesn't have a preference as to where he'd like to play next season, he does believe his NBA-ready frame and defensive toughness will allow him to make an immediate impact as a rookie.

Bleacher Report sat down with Alkins in Chicago last month to discuss his second go-round at the combine, how his injury helped the mental aspects of his game, what he's been working on to improve heading into the draft and his New York-bred competitiveness.

   

B/R: How prepared are you for this draft process after getting a taste of it last year?

Rawle Alkins: It's kind of like being a rookie and now a vet. I know what to expect more this time. Last year, I was going through jitters. I was nervous about what was going to happen, and now I know what the interviews consist of. I've learned a lot just from sitting down and talking with the teams—what to wear and little things like that. Most of everything is in your own control, if you think about it. All you have to do is perform well, and the rest is going to take care of itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fM2FDwyfxg

    

B/R: When you broke your foot last year, did you have any doubts about your decision to return to Arizona?

RA: Not at all. In some ways, I think that the injury helped me out a lot. First, it humbled me, because it made me realize that at any second, you can get hurt and basketball can be put on the shelf for a while. Before that, I had never been injured to the point where I had to sit out. Off the court, I really dialed in more in watching our team play more closely and picking up on little details. There are things that you don't realize because you're physically on the court focused on playing. If coach is saying "be the help," for example. Sometimes you don't realize what he means, but when you're watching what he sees, you see that you are supposed to be the help. You can learn a lot by watching.

   

B/R: How did that time away from the game help you when you returned to playing and now as a draft prospect?

RA: It helped me improve my basketball IQ a lot. I was watching more film. I think it also helped me slow my pace down. At first, I would just be running free and jumping everywhere, playing. Now, I'm thinking a lot more out there on the court. It's like, should I waste my energy trying to power through someone when I can just pull up for a jump shot now, which sets up my drive up a couple of possessions later?

   

B/R: With the five-on-five scrimmages at the combine and everyone trying to get noticed, how do you find a way to stand out?

RA: Defense. My mindset was to just play hard, compete and try to match up with my opponent and defend and stop them from scoring. I think I did that effectively. I think on the defensive end is where I can make an immediate impact in the NBA right away.

     

B/R: What are the main areas that you have focused on improving while training for the draft?

RA: My three-point shooting and my ball-handling abilities are the biggest areas I am working on. I can be a combo guard at the next level, a two-way player. In some ways, I feel like I can play some point guard. I've been working on my IQ in reading ball screens, pick-and-rolls and working on using my body on the defender. If the defender goes over the screen, they can't recover. If they go under it, shoot it, and if they try to play for the screen, reject it. I've also been looking at all things related to reading game situations on the ball.

No need to wonder where I’m at, you know where to find me! I am and will always be a gym rat. Late nights in the gym working on perfecting my craft. I will never be satisfied until I am better than the person I was yesterday. ✍🏿💯⏱#SAVAGELIFE pic.twitter.com/TbVnzp9VoW

— Rawle Alkins (@Iam_RawleAlkins) April 3, 2018

   

B/R: You've been compared to Lance Stephenson a lot. Do you see similarities?

RA: I think people compare me to him mostly because they feel I resemble him (laughs). That, and I think because we're both from New York. As far as his playing style, I love his mentality on the defensive end. Most guys would be scared to guard LeBron, but he embraces that challenge, and that's something that doesn't go unnoticed.

   

B/R: Lance definitely plays with an edge. How necessary is having that edge being from New York?

RA: I think being from New York, you just have to be tough. Even when you're walking on the street, if guys see a little fear in you, they'll try to mess with you a little bit. People in New York always have their guard up—within reason, because you never know what can happen.

I remember my freshman year when I got to college, it would be late and I would be walking, and there would be people staring at me at times. If you see people staring at you in New York and it's late, you may start to feel something is about to go down. I had that mentality when I first got to Arizona (laughs). I would be walking, have my guard up and fans would approach me and would ask, "Can I have your autograph?" I had to realize that everywhere is not like New York. When I go back to New York, though, I'm still going to have my guard up; it's different.

    

B/R: At what point during your basketball career did you feel you could be a pro?

RA: It was probably my sophomore year in high school. That's when I began to get rated as a top-20 player in the country. In the history of the top 20 in the country, most of those guys usually make it to the NBA. That's when I began to get a lot of confidence in my game. My junior year in high school was really my breakout; I was rated top 10 in the country.  

A wise man once told me "your time will come just be humble and patient "💯boy was that the best advice ever #BLESSED pic.twitter.com/yzlrMztRdc

— Rawle Alkins (@Iam_RawleAlkins) November 25, 2014

    

B/R: Earning that high of a ranking in any city is a great accomplishment, but what's that like when you're in New York?

RA: You have to embrace that kind of stuff in New York...if you're a competitor. I'm a competitor, and I feel like I would go at someone harder if they have a higher ranking, or a big name. You just want to compete against them. I don't want to name guys, but guys like LeBron; everyone wants to compete with the great players.

    

B/R: You started using the hashtag #SavageLife on social media back in high school, and now it has expanded to a clothing line. What is the meaning behind it?

RA: It started as a way to explore my mind, and it became a mindset. A T-shirt can be forever if it makes sense. I think that it represents a part of me and how I play. It got big in Tucson, as a lot of fans there wanted the T-shirts and were asking me about them. Our second design, we created some hoodies. With that being said, I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to become the next Gucci or anything (laughs).  Basketball is my main focus.

If you want different than you gotta move different 💯🤫 #SAVAGELIFE pic.twitter.com/iKa3ZXLYjM

— Rawle Alkins (@Iam_RawleAlkins) May 10, 2018

     

B/R: Your schedule is going to get a lot busier as it gets closer to the draft. In what ways are you relaxing to take your mind off of basketball?

RA: Training at Impact (a basketball training facility in Los Angeles), the schedule is 9 to 5. After that, you're tired and you really don't want to do much else. We only have one day off during the week, so if I'm not working out, I'm usually in bed, relaxing or playing video games. I don't play Fortnite, though. I tried to play it, but I couldn't. I mainly just play 2K, Grand Theft Auto and games like that. (Otherwise, Alkins has worked out for a handful of teams, including the Warriors, Celtics, Lakers, Suns, Hawks, Kings and Jazz.)

    

B/R: What is a NBA team getting when they draft you?

RA: Some guys in this draft might get drafted as a project, and it will take them a while to show their worth. I can show my worth from day one. I want to be known as a versatile player. One of the assistant GMs told me that I'm on their "All-Jack Team"...that I'm a jack-of-all-trades. That's something that made me feel honored, and I appreciated it. It's always a great feeling when people view you the same way that you want to be seen.

   

Christopher Cason is a Chicago-based writer. He's written for GQ, SLAM Magazine and The Athletic. Follow him on Twitter: @C4DUNK

Four-star point guard Brandon Williams is headed to Arizona after all.

Williams re-committed to the Wildcats at a ceremony at the Ballislife All-American Game on Saturday. He's the No. 31 overall prospect and seventh-ranked point guard in the 2018 class, according to 247Sports.

The 6'2" Encino, California, native originally committed to Arizona last June but backed away when the program and coach Sean Miller were implicated in an FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Miller, who was accused of arranging a $100,00 payment to Deandre Ayton, has denied all allegations and returned to his post after a brief hiatus when the school cleared him.

"The whole thing with me was being extremely happy with a program where I know I'm most comfortable with and where I know my heart first led me," Williams said during his announcement, per the Arizona Daily Star's Bruce Pascoe. "That was with coach (Sean) Miller and the University of Arizona."

The Wildcats did not have a recruit in their 2018 class when Williams de-committed. He's now one of three players heading to Arizona, joining Devonaire Doutrive and Omar Thielemans.

Jahvon Quinerly and Shareef O'Neal, who previously committed to Arizona before backing out, did not re-commit. Quinerly will be attending Villanova, while O'Neal signed with UCLA.

Because of the upheaval and other departures, Williams has a chance to have an instant impact next season. He's a score-first point guard who averaged 24.7 points and 2.7 assists during his senior season.

With the Wildcats potentially losing their top five leading scorers from 2017-18, Williams' re-commitment could prove to be a smart move for his draft stock. He is not currently seen as a lottery type if he were to be one-and-done.

The University of Arizona Board of Regents approved amendments to the contract of Wildcats head basketball coach Sean Miller that could see him lose $1 million in longevity fund shares if he's charged with a crime or determined to have committed a Level I NCAA violation. 

On Friday, Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star provided details of the changes to Miller's contract, which also includes "tighter Title IX language." Wildcats athletic director Dave Heeke said the coach agreed to the new terms amid the FBI investigation into alleged corruption in college basketball.

"I'm appreciative to coach Miller for stepping up and putting some skin in this," school president Robert Robbins said. "He put his money where his mouth was. We support coach Miller through a very difficult time and we look forward to him having great success and being our coach for a long time."

In February, Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reported FBI wiretaps intercepted telephone conversations that featured Miller talking about a $100,000 payment to secure a commitment from superstar recruit DeAndre Ayton, who played for the Wildcats during the 2017-18 season.

The viability of that account is unclear, though.

Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated received information from a source that stated the FBI wiretaps didn't begin until 2017, and Ayton committed to the Wildcats in September 2016. In addition, the source told SI there were no discussions between Miller and Christian Dawkins, the other individual involved in the alleged call, about Ayton.

In early March, Miller maintained he didn't commit any illegal acts.

"Let me be very very clear: I have never discussed with Christian Dawkins paying Deandre Ayton to attend the University of Arizona," Miller told reporters. "In fact, I never even met or spoke to Christian Dawkins until after Deandre publicly announced he was coming to our school. Any reporting to the contrary is inaccurate, false and defamatory."

The Wildcats' season came to an end with an 89-68 upset loss to Buffalo in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Ayton has since declared for the 2018 NBA draft.

This is the time of year in the NBA where teams fall into two categories: those that are looking forward to battling their way towards championship glory in the playoffs and those that have to watch their peers play on television while counting down the days until May 15.

What's so special about the middle of May?

That's easy—the Draft Lottery. Teams that have losing records (read: teams that shamelessly tanked) get the opportunity to reverse their fortunes by literally winning the right to draft a presumed generational player in the lottery.

Of course, it's all a gamble, especially when it comes to deciding what player or players will actually pan out to be a perennial All-Star or future Hall of Famer, but then, that's also what makes the process so exciting.

Or gut-wrenching.

Can you say, Anthony Bennett?

It's possible that the Cleveland Cavaliers would prefer that nobody ever did.

As it stands, though, the Phoenix Suns have the best chance of landing that prized No. 1 overall pick thanks to their abysmal, league-worst record of 20-59.

There's no rhyme or reason when it comes to the odds and probabilities that go into choosing what team will actually have the pingpong ball bounce their way, but drafts must be mocked, so here is one of many to come.

     

NBA Draft 2018: Projected Top 10

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona

2. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, SG/SF, Slovenia

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke

4. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas

5. Dallas Mavericks: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State

6. Sacramento Kings: Michael Porter, SF, Missouri

7. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Brooklyn): Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma

8. Chicago Bulls: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama

9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke

10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova

      

Prediction

DeAndre Ayton stays in Arizona

Let's face it, while there are a number of talented players in the draft this year, only two have separated themselves enough from the pack to be in contention for top billing.

Arizona's Deandre Ayton and Real Madrid's Luka Doncic are virtual locks for the first two picks, and either could go No. 1 and no one would raise an eyebrow.

That being said, it's Ayton's name that will leave Adam Silver's lips to start the festivities off on June 21.

Why?

Because the 7'1", 250-pound big man is a physical specimen, explosive and athletic, a virtual man among boys. He can get you buckets like it's a bodily function with his scorching inside-out game, and he can clean the glass like Windex.

Scouts have cleaned Ayton's clock for his suspect defense, but that, thankfully, is something that can be taught and improved upon.

Of course, he's hoping that GM's aren't singing Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" considering his last game as a college athlete.

The fact that he only logged 14 points and 13 rebounds in an 89-68 first-round beatdown by Buffalo doesn't look stellar on the old CV.

But he averaged 20.1 points on 61.2 percent shooting, pulled down 11.6 rebounds and blocked 1.9 shots per game this year, so no sensible front office will hold that one game against him.

Phoenix is a bit of a soup sandwich right now, so Ayton will impress but won't turn things around immediately. It'll take a while.

But make no mistake about it, if he works hard and builds on his natural talent, he'll get an All-Star nod or two.

        

The other possible No. 1 pick

Allow Luka Doncic to reintroduce himself, because this kid is the real deal.

He's an international prospect with proven skills as a professional with three years of experience on possibly the best basketball team in Europe under his belt.

Oh, and he balled out with Goran Dragic last year to win the FIBA EuroBasket championship.

He just turned 19, but he's already putting grown men on skates with his impressive ball-handling and passing instincts.

At 6'8", he's taller than most point guards in the Association, and he's already got that winning mentality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CEuQhqNzz4,1387

"He's a born winner," Dragic said after winning EuroBasket last year, per adamisTV. "No, I'm not kidding, he already has a lot of trophies, and medals. I'm happy for him. Mark my words, he's going to be one of the best in the whole world."

If Dragic's co-sign isn't enough, Doncic brings a level of confidence that's unheard of at his age. He's game-ready and is a wizard in the pick-and-roll.

If he's paired with young gunner Devin Booker, who knows how much damage that backcourt could cause?

The Arizona Board of Regents will vote on amended contract language for head basketball coach Sean Miller this week that could result in a $1 million penalty if he is found guilty of a major NCAA infraction or charged with a crime, according to the Arizona Republic's Anne Ryman. 

Miller's contract already included language that allows the University of Arizona to recoup bonuses and up to $300,000 if he's found guilty of commiting "major or repetitive" NCAA violations. The head coach has provisionally agreed to the potential penalty.

"With this contract addition, Coach Miller has demonstrated his commitment to a program that follows the rules and the university has made it clear that it expects no less," school spokesman Tony Proudfoot told Ryman. 

The proposed amendment follows a turbulent season that saw the Wildcats get enveloped in controversies as part of the FBI's years-long investigation into corruption and bribery in college basketball. 

In September, former Arizona assistant coach Emmanuel "Book" Richardson was among those charged in the first wave of FBI arrests. He has since since been indicted on conspiracy to commit bribery, solicitation of bribes and gratuities by an agent of a federally funded organization, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, wire fraud and Travel Act conspiracy. 

According to Ryman, the federal indictment alleges Richardson accepted bribes from Christian Dawkins, an associate of sports agent Andy Miller, to steer players at Arizona to specific agents and financial managers. 

Five months later, ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach reported Miller was overheard on an FBI wiretap discussing a possible $100,000 payment with Dawkins that would "ensure" Deandre Ayton's commitment to the Wildcats. 

Miller has since denied any wrongdoing. 

"I have never knowingly violated NCAA rules while serving as head coach of this great program," Miller said, per USA Today's Tom Schad. "I have never paid a recruit or prospect or their family or representative to come to Arizona. I never have and I never will. I have never arranged or directed payment or any improper benefits to a recruit or a prospect or their family or representative, and I never will."

According to Craig Meyer of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Arizona coach Sean Miller and Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke have discussed the Panthers' vacant head coaching position."

Meyer added that Miller "is interested in the job."

Miller has denied the report, however:

From #APlayersProgram head coach Sean Miller:

“I am not a candidate for the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball head coaching vacancy. I wish them well in their search for a new coach.”

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) March 21, 2018

Were Miller to bolt Arizona, he'd be doing so amidst a number of legal issues circling the basketball program. His former assistant, Emanuel "Book" Richardson, was arrested on various charges of bribery in the FBI's sweeping investigation of college basketball programs and recruiting.

And FBI wiretaps reportedly "intercepted telephone conversations between Arizona coach Sean Miller and Christian Dawkins, a key figure in the FBI's investigation into college basketball corruption, in which Miller discussed paying $100,000 to ensure star freshman Deandre Ayton signed with the Wildcats," per Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com.

Suffice to say, Miller is engulfed in controversy.

On the court, he's remained a solid coach, leading Arizona to a 247-74 record in his nine seasons at the school. The Wildcats have earned seven NCAA tournament berths and five Pac-12 regular-season titles under his watch, though Buffalo upset them in the first round of this year's tournament.

Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier declared for the 2018 NBA draft on Thursday night following Arizona's shocking 89-68 loss to the Buffalo Bulls in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

According to ESPN.com's Edward Aschoff, Trier said the following regarding his decision to enter the draft: "I'm not worried about [jumping to the NBA] right now, but I'm closing the book on this chapter and looking forward to the next one in my life. It's a pleasure to be coached by [Sean Miller] and be a part of him and this program for three years."

Freshman center Deandre Ayton also announced after the game that he will leave Arizona to enter the 2018 NBA draft.

As a junior in 2017-18, Trier registered career highs with 18.1 points and 3.2 assists per game. He also pulled down 3.0 rebounds per contest, and shot 49.9 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from three-point range.

Trier was suspended for 19 games in the 2016-17 season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, and he missed two games in 2017-18 after a January drug screening "revealed the reappearance of a trace amount of a banned substance."

Per Aschoff, Trier said he never knowingly took the substance.

Trier struggled during Thursday's loss to Buffalo. He made just four of his 15 attempts from the field and finished the game with 10 points, two assists and one rebound.

Aran Smith of NBADraft.net ranks Trier as the No. 58 overall player in the 2018 draft class. In NBADraft.net's latest mock draft, Trier went No. 55 overall in the second round to the Indiana Pacers.

With Trier and Ayton out of the picture, Arizona will be without its top five scorers next season, and it has no recruiting commitments due to controversy surrounding its involvement in an FBI probe into corruption in college basketball.

One of the country's top college basketball players is headed to the 2018 NBA draft, as Arizona center Deandre Ayton announced his intentions to go pro after the Wildcats' stunning NCAA men's tournament upset loss to Buffalo on Thursday, per Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

Ayton was dominant during his freshman season, averaging 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. According to Sports Reference, he finished the year ranked second in the country in total win shares with 5.4.

He was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year as well as Freshman of the Year, also earning a spot on the conference's All-Defensive team.

While the 7'1", 250-pound big man was a force inside, he also showcased his versatility with a face-up game and a jump shot. According to Hoop-Math, only 48.2 percent of his shots were at the rim, and he knocked down 43.8 percent of his two-point jumpers and 36.4 percent of attempts from behind the arc.

This skill set is why he is ranked the No. 2 prospect in the class behind only Slovenian prospect Luka Doncic, according to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.

There are question marks about Ayton's defense and consistency, but he fits perfectly in the current NBA, which features talented centers who can score inside and out. With his size and agility, he has as much upside as anyone in the class and could make an immediate impact regardless of where he lands.

There's plenty of pressure already on Arizona Wildcats freshman Deandre Ayton, but Hall of Famer Charles Barkley just took it to another level.

Sir Charles was recently asked about the 2018 NCAA tournament. When asked who he thought would be the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft, the Inside the NBA analyst not only named Ayton, but he gave some incredibly high praise:

"He's a monster," Barkley said, via TMZ. "He's the best college player I've seen in the last 20 years. He's unbelievable."

The best college player in the last two decades. That's quite the compliment, given that stars such as Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Stephen Curry have all taken the college basketball world by storm during that period of time.

Ayton led Arizona to both the Pac-12's regular-season and conference tournament titles, averaging 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks as a freshman. With the 7'1" Wildcat in the mix for the top overall pick this June, his game will be under a microscope during March Madness.