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Freshman Rawle Alkins Declares for 2017 NBA Draft, with NO Agent

By Eric Townsend

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) drives the ball against the Xavier Musketeers during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) drives the ball against the Xavier Musketeers during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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In what has been a busy off-season already for the Arizona Basketball team, things now get a little more interesting with Freshman Rawle Alkins declaring for the NBA Draft.

Oh, the joys of being a college basketball coach in the 21st century. Players seemingly come and go much quicker these days, and once again Sean Miller may have to look to replace a large group of talented players leaving, especially now with freshman Rawle Alkins being the latest departure for the NBA Draft.

On Wednesday morning, Alkins announced via social media that he would be testing the NBA Waters and will pursue his dreams in playing in the NBA. He did note that he will not be signing an agent (perhaps a glimmer of hope he can still come back). The cut off to withdraw is May 24th.

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After a stellar freshman season, the New York native feels it is perhaps time to move on, just like teammates, Lauri Markkanen, Kobi Simmons and Chance Comanche had announced as well.

Maybe a bit perplexing, even with the successful season, Alkins seemed to shine the brightest towards the end of the year with much to improve upon. I know we were at least hopeful he’d be back for a potentially strong 2017-18 season and that may just happen. Our arms are open wide for that possibility as this is a hard one to swallow. Just think of how great the team would be next season if Chance and Rawle come back!

Of course with him not signing an agent, he leaves the door open in possibly coming back. Just from the tone of his statement, it seems to me like he is gone.

https://twitter.com/Iam_RawleAlkins/status/852203720519626753

*Wipes away tears.

In his freshman season with the Wildcats, Alkins dazzled fans with his superior athleticism, heart and savage-like mentality in just leaving it all on the court every time he stepped foot on the hardwood.

His stats certainly seemed to prove that:

Per Game Table
SeasonSchoolConfGMPFGFGAFG%2P2PA2P%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%TRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2016-17ArizonaPac-123728.03.98.4.4632.75.1.5211.23.2.3702.02.7.7334.92.10.90.51.82.210.9
CareerArizona3728.03.98.4.4632.75.1.5211.23.2.3702.02.7.7334.92.10.90.51.82.210.9

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table

As it stands, he is not projected to be picked in the mock drafts by DraftExpress, or NBADraft.net, but that could ultimately change, as Alkins continues through the process, and works out for scouts.

If he does indeed stay in the NBA Draft, we will certainly miss plays like this from him next year…

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At Zona Zealots, regardless of what happens, we thank Rawle immensely for coming here, and giving it everything he had! The savage life mentality you brought made watching you and the Cats fun, and we wish you all the best with whatever you do! Bear Down always, you are a Wildcat for life!

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