Rawle Alkins lights up Thomas and Mack Center in second half for Raptors

Rawle Alkins finally got his name called in the second half of play for the Raptors and energized the team on both ends of the court.

It’s time for NBA Summer League in Las Vegas Nevada, time to see our Wildcats step it up a level and prove their worth. And that’s just what Rawle Alkins did today. Alkins is playing Summer League with the Toronto Raptors. Before the game the Canadian and United States National Anthems were played. This may be something Rawle has to get used too!

It was excruciating for me personally, I don’t know about you, or Rawle. Having to watch the first half of play with King Rawle on the bench. I was busy telling everyone around me that Rawle could help the Raptors out of the 24 or so point deficit they had gotten themselves into.

Still no No. 1.

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

After halftime, the starters came back out, but couldn’t get that spark they needed to make stuff happen. Alkins number was called, and the announcer didn’t announce him until I yelled “Yeah Rawle!” I was sitting behind the broadcasters.

Alkins missed a few layups, but they were contested and they hit the rim. Those will come in time, he’s not used to coming in cold like that. What got the Wildcat started was a three-point shot! His defense helped the team create turnovers, he had shut down their point guard forcing him to pass a lot more. By the way, I just saw Jake Dejardins and Dylan Smith walk by me as I am banging out this post on a trash can, near a plug where I am charging up my phone. Dedication, persistence and a love for the Arizona Wildcats comes in all forms folks!

The Raptors coaches, who I was bit Ticked off at still, kept Rawle in the game all if not most of the second half of play.

Then it happened, Alkins got a break away and went for one of his signature dunks and nailed it bringing most of everyone around me to their feet! I and was vindicated with all of them, “She was right, that lady told us about this guy!” Everyone wanted to know his name, “It’s not how you start it’s how you finish” as Rawle would say later in the post game press conference.

The dunk was the highlight of the game!

Alkins continued to contribute to the team and finished with 12 points shooting 36.6 % and made two out of three 3-pointers (67%) adding six rebounds and assist in 14 minutes. Not bad for playing only half of the game.

We all know King Rawle gives a very insightful and excellent interview, and it was no different today. In this post game press conference he answers a lot of questions I’m sure a lot of us had.

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The  Pelicans beat the Raptors 90-77. If they had just played Rawle earlier int he game they may have had a much better chance! Maybe now they will. I’m still shaking my head but with my chin held high, as should King Rawle who displayed his talent to never give up on a play and contributing to his team in many ways. Day one is in the books for the Raptors as they adjust and play again on Sunday.