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Arizona Basketball: NBA Playoffs has Wildcats paw prints all over them

By Jordan Cuda

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 16: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2 of Round 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 16, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 16: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2 of Round 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 16, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Basketball: NBA Playoffs has wildcat paw prints all over them.

You dream of it as a little kid while shooting in the backyard. You say to yourself 3-2-1 and mumble the sounds of the shot clock going off as the basketball tickles the twine and the dreams of making a game-winning shot dance in your head. In most cases, it is a playoff or championship game that as a kid we try to simulate as those games bring back to fondest memories of some our favorite players.

As Wildcat fans, the good news is that these memories haven’t stopped as many alumni of the Arizona Basketball Program chase the NBA championship here in 2018.

The first Wildcat and currently plays a key a role alongside the likes of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green goes by the nickname of “Iggy.” His name is Andre Iguodala.

Iguodala, currently going strong at 34 years young, is in his 14th season in the NBA. While minutes and points per a game might be reduced, he still adds crucial experience off the bench. This is critical for former fellow Wildcat and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr if they plan to repeat as NBA champions again this year.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/988976676720721920

Yet another Wildcat recently got sent home for summer vacation at the hands of the Boston Celtics. He goes by the nickname of “Jet” or “JT” for short and that is Jason Terry. While he might be getting up there in age according to basketball to standards, it has not hurt his jump shot one bit. Terry’s outside side jump shot was vital to the Bucks locking down the seven seed in the Eastern Conference. It is unknown how long “The Jet” will continue playing but one thing is for sure Wildcat fans will always have a soft spot in their heart for him.

This brings us to the man who could own his jewelry store if he wanted too but choosing a basketball career was a wise move. Currently playing for the 76ers Jarryd Bayless is also a native of Arizona. He attended St. Mary’s high school in Phoenix, Arizona where he immediately became a shining star and a top recruit for the Arizona Wildcats.

While young talent such as Markelle Fultz has taken away playing time from him, it does not mean that the advice and guidance that Jarryd bring to the team is not valuable. At the end of the season, a lot of players when asked can say “We went to Jarryd” in terms of advice while they await the chance to see if later on they can go to the store and pick up a championship ring.

Wildcats fans use to call him “Solo” and was famous for slashing to the rim and finding a way to finish at the bucket. Currently a forward for the NOLA Pelicans, Solomon Hill has made a nice living for himself in the NBA.

Even though injuries have held him back this year, Hill was a reliable option last year playing 71 games to a tune of 7 points per a game. He is currently pinned against a pair of fellow Arizona Basketball Alumni in Steve Kerr and Andre Iguodala in a western conference showdown. Even though the Wildcat connection always remains strong, there is no doubt a series win over the Warriors would be a little bit sweeter for Hill this time around.

Last but certainly not least is the player who might have one of the most iconic photos that captured him kissing the A at center court in McKale Center on Senior night, T.J McConnell. T.J. captured the hearts of the Arizona Wildcat faithful with his hustle and determination while orchestrating a team that was “Oh-So-Close” to leading Sean Miller to his first Final Four appearance.

The same hard work and determination he has shown in the past helped T.J, still underrated in the NBA, has kept him on the Sixers roster. It was hard for management and coaches affiliated with the organization to turn a blind eye to the love and passion that TJ showed out there on the court.

This has all eventually lead to a 76ers team that is on the brink of earning a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. T.J. had a mighty fine year to a tune of six points per a game and four assists.  He looks to follow that path of Nick Foles to help lead the city of Philadelphia to yet another Championship this year.

It is safe to say that the Arizona Wildcats paw prints are all over the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Their impact and legacy still are yet to fully play out as the NBA season comes to conclusion. The memories for Wildcat fans young and old will last a lifetime.

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