Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Best Dunks of the 2016-2017 Season, so far

The Arizona Wildcats Basketball 2016-2017 season has definitely had its ups and downs, but we can all agree on one thing – there have been some spectacular dunks!

Who doesn’t like a good dunk to get you out of your seat? This year the Wildcats have provided some impressive mastery above the rim.

Everyone from Rawle Alkins, Chance Comanche, Lauri Markkanen, Dusan Ristic, Kobi Simmons, Allonzo Trier to even Keanu Pinder has joined the “slamming” highlight reel. Either during a crucial time in the game or when the Wildcats are making a run – these dunks have made an impact!

With the season not quite over yet for the Wildcats, there will surely be more to come. For now, here are the best dunks so far this season. Enjoy!

Rawle Alkins Red-Blue Game Dunk

What a way to kick things off for the 2016-2017 Arizona Wildcats basketball season! During the dunk contest of the Red-Blue Game, Alkins went over Coach Sean Miller’s head. Talk about putting faith and trust into your player’s hand!

That dunk was received extremely well by the fans, players, and judges – including former Wildcat players of the 1997 National Championship team, Mike Bibby and Miles Simon (who were on hand to judge the dunk contest and to celebrate the retiring of Simon’s jersey).

If the dunk looks familiar, this was the same dunk used by this seasons Slam Dunk NBA champion, Glen Robinson III (Pacers). He just added a couple more people in front.

Now you are probably thinking, why would coach Miller agree to something like this?

Several weeks leading up to the dunk contest, Alkins asked Miller a few times about it. They made an agreement: “As long as he lets me make him play defense, I will let him do the dunk,”  said by Coach Miller after the dunk. What a smart coach!

Alkins has certainly lived up to his end of the bargain becoming one of the top defensive players in the Pac-12 and country.

Lauri Markkanen Coast to Coast for the slam

It was only the second game into the regular season, and Markkanen wasted no time showing off his abilities! Against Cal State Bakersfield at home, he dribbled the ball coast to coast for the slam.

This guy from Finland can apparently do it all! He has even earned the nickname ‘The Finnisher.’ At 7’0 he is a force to be reckoned with and is a late season award nominee. Since that dunk, there have been many more highlight reel moments, but this is a great example of his all-around athleticism.

Rawle Alkins One Hand Throw Down against Arizona State

Nothing is sweeter than getting that opportunity to “slam it down” against your rivals. That’s what Alkins was able to do against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Kadeem Allen was able to connect with him on alley-oop pass – which Alkins “hammered” down with one hand.

This dunk demonstrated his strength and as a freshman at that! Each game this year, Alkins brings that focus, intensity, and willingness to give it 100 percent no matter what the situation is. The true meaning of Bear Down!

Kobi Simmons One Hand Alley-Oop Dunk

Against the Oregon State Beavers, Simmons was able to show off his dunking abilities. He received an alley-oop pass from Parker Jackson-Cartwright – one handed! This earned him a SportsCenter top-10 nomination.

Everyone knew the potential of Kobi Simmons – he had a 45-inch vertical jump!

https://twitter.com/JordanKobi/status/781653780198600705

Every time there is a fast break opportunity you can see how eager Simmons gets. Who blames him? Having that natural ability to fly through the air, he wants that ESPN Top 10 moment every time!

Kobi Simmons Acrobatic Baseline Dunk

Simmons was at it again, this time against the Huskies at home. He received the ball in the corner from Trier and put on an acrobatic performance along the baseline. This dunk even earned him Pac-12 play of the week!

Maneuvering himself and getting that dunk off was “insane.” Arizona Wildcat fans have been spoiled over the years with amazing plays above the rim from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to Aaron Gordon. It is safe to say that Simmons is definitely in that category of elite Wildcat dunkers.

Chance Comanche Throws it Down

What a season Comanche has had! Many would say he is the most improved Wildcat player. With plays like this one against the Huskies from a feed down low by Allen, who could disagree?!

Dusan Ristic Stare Down Dunk

The highly anticipated game of the year between the Wildcats and Oregon Ducks in Eugene got out of control. That didn’t stop Ristic! Down by 30 points late in the second half, he gave his opponent the stare down after this big dunk.

Honorable mention No. 1

Nothing like a little teamwork to provide some “dunk magic.” Wildcats Trier, Markkanen, and Simmons work together in this three part dunk.

https://twitter.com/JMIXTAPEProduct/status/807069004959535104

Honorable mention No. 2

Pinder provides fans with a little “posterization” action against Sacred Heart.

Must Read: Three reasons No. 5 Arizona Wildcats defeated Washington 76-68

We are sure we left out a dunk that you will never forget, let us know which one and we can include it! Bear Down Arizona, keep on dunking!