2017-18 Annual Preseason NBA Media Day for Former Wildcats

Former Arizona Wildcats took part in the 2017-18 NBA Media Day. They each had their opportunity to express their outlook on the season ahead.

NBA Media Day Time!  The NBA opened it’s doors for media all over the country to ask rookies and NBA veterans about their thoughts on what to expect this next season. Included in those media sessions were former Wildcats: Kadeem Allen, Brandon Ashley, Aaron Gordon, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Lauri Markkanen, TJ McConnell and Kobi Simmons – that’s quite the lineup!

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Playing on the big stage, wearing an NBA uniform and getting paid to do the one thing you love, basketball, is the ultimate dream and involves many responsibilities. One of those would be the interaction with the media before a game, during a game, after a game and of course taking part in the annual preseason NBA Media Day.

Some of the questions players are asked include thoughts about teammates, coaches, role on the team and anything related to the city the athlete plays in. NBA Media Day also brings the unexpected, whether it may be something random on the player’s mind such as a joke, displaying a new look or even share something fans may not know about themselves.

Here’s how it all when down in alphabetical order, starting with Kadeem Allen.

Kadeem Allen – Boston Celtics

Kadeem Allen was drafted in the second round at No. 53 in the 2017-18 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. His all-around consistent play for the Celtics during the NBA Summer League earned him a two-way contract. Allen will spend his time with both Boston and the G League affiliate Maine Red Claws.

When initially joining the Celtics, Isiah Thomas was part of the team as “the guy.” Now since he has left and joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, Allen’s ability to play the point and shooting guard position makes him a valuable asset.

When asked about Celtics head Coach Brad Stevens, this is what he had to say – it was meant to be:

Here is Allen’s NBA Media Day session (sorry for the low volume, would suggest to turn it up):

Brandon Ashley – Dallas Mavericks

Brandon Ashley had a solid NBA Summer league performance. He made quite an impression, even Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was quoted as saying Ashley has a “real shot” to make the team – he was right! On August 4th Ashley signed a deal with the Mavericks.

Ashley played in eight games and averaged almost 11 points, four rebounds in about 20 minutes per game! According to Kohl Rast of TheSmokingCuban.com, Ashley’s wingspan, jump shot and attacking style to the rim gives him a shot at possibly earning minutes in the backup forward position.

Enjoy the “Ashley Show” in this 21 point game he had against Markkanen and the Chicago Bulls:

At around 1:06:00 in the 2017 Mavs Media Day Video Ashley makes an appearance and gets to show off his ball-handling skills. Hopefully, he will get the opportunity to display his skill set during this upcoming NBA season.

https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/912415858793881600

Lauri Markkanen

The highest Wildcat draft in the 2017-18 NBA Draft, Lauri Markkanen, drafted No. 7 initially by the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the Chicago Bulls, showed off his smile, new haircut, and off-season strength conditioning during Media Day – wow!

Coming off a tremendous EuroBasket 2017 for his home country of Finland, Markkanen is looking continue that momentum into his NBA rookie season. During his media session, he was asked some of the following questions:

Media: What kind of pressure if any, knowing you were part of the trade of great player Jimmy Butler?

Markkanen: I don’t take any extra pressure. I feel like the pressure is always on the court.

Media: What have you learned about the city?

Markkanen: I learned how to get to the gym here at the United Center and get to the apartment after that.

Media: Any landmarks you are particular in seeing?

Markkanen: I am not sure for sightseeing, I am just trying to get ready for work tomorrow

See the full Markkanen interview, starting at 15:34 in the video below:

Kobi Simmons – Memphis Grizzlies

What a journey Kobi Simmons has been on! After just playing one year at Arizona, then going undrafted in the 2017-18 NBA Draft, Simmons then played for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League and then signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on July 1st. There were a lot of fans who thought he had made a bad decision – look who’s laughing now!

During NBA Media Day, Simmons was fully engaged including a live stream he did for the Memphis Grizzlies official twitter account:

Simmons also shared his goals for training camp this season:

Here are some other sights and sounds of other notable former Wildcats, now Veteran players

Aaron Gordon – Orlando Magic

High-flying Aaron Gordon is looking to continue to fly high this season with the Orlando Magic. Last season Gordon averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game in 80 games played. Entering his fourth season, expect more acrobatic maneuvers above the rim!

TJ McConnell – Philadelphia 76ers

With all the craziness happening in the world, there is one player who can bring a smile to your face – TJ McConnell. The addition of No.1 NBA Draft Pick Markelle Fultz to the team, McConnell will have some competition at the point guard position. We can’t wait to see what excitement No.12 brings to the city of Philadelphia!

Enjoy the full live interview of McConnell during Media Day:

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – Brooklyn Nets

No. 34 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of the Brooklyn Nets likes to have fun, and it showed during media day. Besides having fun, Jefferson is looking to improve his stats from last season. He averaged almost nine points and six rebounds per game. Also, he is looking to do his part to improve the Nets overall performance. Last year they were one of the worst teams in the NBA with a record of 21-61.

Must Read: More on Cats in the Pros

Zona Zealots is extremely excited for all four former Wildcats, now NBA Rookies, as they enter into the next chapter of their professional basketball careers.