Arizona Basketball: When Rawle Alkins gets back in the lineup, it will fill a giant hole

As fans and coaches along with the players dissect the Arizona Basketball teams last three games, one thing is glaringly clear, the team is sorely missing guard Rawle Alkins.

The silver lining for Rawle Alkins getting hurt may only be to his benefit, but there is a huge opportunity for when the King returns. It’s so clear that Rawle’s defensive skills, his never give up on a play mentality and his playmaking abilities would have made a huge difference against both NC State, SMU and Purdue. His experience along with his play-making ability has left a whole in the Wildcats lineup.

The team will be winning when Rawle comes back and if head coach Sean Miller can break out some unpredictability. Mark my words.

Anyone remember when the team was down in the 2017 tournament against St. Mary’s Gaels in round two after Alkins dislocated his finger? Rawle came running back into the game from the locker room and brought the momentum back to the Wildcats. They ended up winning and moving on to the Sweet 16. He felt he just had to get back onto the court to help his team win and he did just that!

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

There were several games where Alkins was the difference maker in a Wildcats win. A huge one-handed slam dunk, a key jumper, second chance points, or an extra attempt and successful rebound, anything to win a game.

The team is playing hard, I don’t buy that they aren’t. But they may be missing that Savage Life mentality that Alkins brings to the team. His intensity combined with calm coolness mixed with winning at almost all costs is unmatched on the team. Alkins has keen ball awareness, he always seems to know where the ball is at all times.

NBA scouts still talk about his intensity since Alkins NBA Combine performance. During a recent South Bay Lakers G-League game, one scout told me that not having Alkins was one of the keys to the struggles the Cats faced in the Bahamas. “Alkins is intense! He is a great disruptor, he can change the course of a game,” said the 6-foot-9 NBA scout sitting to the left of me.

Counrty music star and American Idol winner from season ten, Scotty McCreery can take wait for King Rawle’s return as well!

Sitting on the bench this season, you can see how much he wants to get on the court to help his team. He cheers them on and makes sure they know he has their back when the players get back to the bench. For someone who hates losing as much as his coach, Alkins must be really dying to get back. We are in week nine going into week ten of his recovery, but you know Miller won’t bring back Alkins until he feels he is ready. It’s not smart to push him, it is still early in the season. The good thing is that Alkins is most probably practicing with the team and hopefully his return is imminent.

Alkins return to the lineup has got to help the team. The Cats were ranked No. 2 with Alkins in mind, not on the bench.

Here is a little throwback to the 2016 tournament for old times sake.

Must Read: More on Rawle Alkins from ZZ....

Experience counts. Rawle has a lot of experience in the NCAA considering five players in the current rotation have six games under their belt in the 2017 season. Arizona lost to three teams who do not traditionally attract one-and-done players, they have seasoned sophomores, juniors, and seniors who were hungry to beat a No. 2 team. King Rawle is just as hungry and we all cannot wait for his return. This is a huge opportunity and a silver lining for Alkins, he can show the NBA his absence was felt and how much he can change the game. Bear Down Arizona!