Arizona Basketball: Six great Wildcats leave behind memorable careers

Rawle Alkins

Savage life! One of the most beloved Wildcat players since T.J. McConnell, Alkins brought intensity, passion and the desire to do whatever it took to help his team win. That’s why Coach Miller and Wildcat fans loved this guy!

Personally, he is one of my favorite Wildcat players of all time. How Alkins carried himself on and off the court can’t be taught. Whether it’s on the court, in the locker room, or wherever Alkins may find himself, he was always smiling. How can you not love this guy!!

Since his freshman season, the maturity level and understanding the process in which Coach Miller instills, Alkins just got it from day one. As a freshman, he was asked to play a big role for the Wildcats, and Alkins stepped up to the challenge. He started in all, but one game last season and had one the most memorable moments for the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament.

Late in the first half against Saint Mary’s he had dislocated his right index finger. But Alkins living up to his favorite saying, savage life, he ended up coming back later in the half with his finger bandaged up and helped his team come back to win 69-60. What a warrior! That moment defined what it meant to Alkins to play at Arizona and what it meant to Bear Down.

Wait, it gets better! After the season ended, Alkins declared for the NBA Draft, but without an agent. He was invited to the NBA Combine, where he impressed a lot of scouts.

There were several things he was told he would need to work on, including cutting down his body fat. After everything was said and down, Alkins decided to play one more year for Coach Miller and the Wildcats.

In his junior season, Alkins faced adversity early on when he had broken his right foot and had to miss nine games. When he came back to play against Alabama at home, Wildcat fans showed their support and love for The King:

For his career, Alkins averaged 11.8 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game and 2.2 assists per game. He was part of the 2016-17 All-Freshman Pac-12 team. If there were stats for hustle, Alkins would earn a 100%.  He even showed he has “mic” skills. This guy can do it all!