Three months after the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats’ starting five walked off the court together for the last time in Boise, Idaho, life couldn’t be more different.
Deandre Ayton is living it up in New York City, hanging out with Knicks legend Walt Frazier, making public appearances and getting ready to make UA basketball history if, as expected, he becomes the first pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Rawle Alkins and Allonzo Trier have been criss-crossing the country trying to secure second-round draft picks, with Alkins holding an outside hope at the first round. Center Dusan Ristic has been trying out for selected NBA teams knowing that there’s a lucrative ticket home to Europe tucked away in his back pocket.
Then there’s point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, working out at home in Los Angeles, tending to leg injuries and hoping to get fully cleared in time to possibly catch on with an NBA Summer League team.
Different places, all. But the same mindset.
“I have a goal to be in the NBA,†Jackson-Cartwright said this week. “I think all of our guys have good chances, especially Rawle, Zo and Deandre. All of us will have an opportunity whether we’re drafted or go to the summer league. We’ve set ourselves up to be in a good position.â€
Of course, Ayton is in the best position, widely expected to be taken first overall by the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, Alkins and Trier have the most compelling storylines, their potential uncertain but intriguing.
“Rawle and Allonzo both have great chances,†UA coach Sean Miller said late last month. “I believe Rawle and Allonzo in their own respective ways make their way toward success in the NBA. They do too many things well.â€
Miller said it’s hard to judge the players by where they get picked in the draft, indicating Trier and Alkins both have games that should translate well to an NBA style after they spent last season playing for a team with two traditional big men and a lot of zone defense to face as a result.
“As the court opens up, in some ways the NBA game will be easier for them,†Miller said. “I also believe their best days are ahead of them.â€
Ayton appears to already have started his best days. But, for now, this is how it looks for the other departed ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ starters: