The Boston Celtics select Kadeem Allen from the University of Arizona

The University of Arizona senior guard Kadeem Allen was drafted No. 53 in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics.

University of Arizona power forward Lauri Markkanen was selected No. 7 by the Minnesota Timberwolves and was traded to the Chicago Bulls. A Players Program fans had to wait for another 46 picks to hear another Wildcats name announced at the podium at the 2017 NBA Draft, but it did happen! Kadeem Allen, the 71st NBA Draft pick out of the University of Arizona basketball program, will get a new coach when he moves to Boston.

More from Cats in the Pros

• From Arizona Wildcat to New York Yankee, Austin Wells gets called up
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s FIBA World Cup performance is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s
• Rawle Alkins a star in the Drew League this summer
• Former Wildcat Scooby Wright wins Second USFL Title
• The Edmonton Elks have re-signed former Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate

Time to celebrate!

Brad Stevens, just a few years away from being a college coach, is one of the most successful coaches in the NBA leading his team into the playoffs early on in his NBA career. He and his GM Danny Ainge have built a young and vibrant team including former Washington Husky Isaiah Thomas who worked with Kobe Bryant, and scored 53 points in a playoff game.

So, Allen did not get drafted to a team in a total rebuilding mode. He got drafted onto a team whose city loves their Celtics sometimes more than anything else in their lives. Die hard fans, who hate the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics won their last NBA Championship in 2008 under head coach Doc Rivers. A storied program for sure.

Allen is a fantastic perimeter defender and has mad defense skills. You can count on Allen to get the game turned around or attempting to make the winning shot. Sean Miller felt so strongly about Allen being the leader of his team, he basically shouted it from the rooftops.

Wildcats fans enjoyed his baseline to baseline layups with three men on. Somehow the basketball got into the basket more often than not. Seemed like a miracle at times.

Here are some highlights from last season from Jonathan Givony of Draft Express:

Must Read: More Arizona Basketball from ZZ.....

Allen will join Jayson Tatum as the Celtics rookies, not too shabby and we are all so proud of him and happy for him! After his long journey through JUCO and sitting out a season, to becoming a dad, to being drafted into the NBA, he has earned this! Bear Down Kadeem!!!