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Former Wildcat Jerryd Bayless to be Inducted in Ring of Honor

By Eric Townsend

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Jerryd Bayless #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with head coach Brett Brown in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Jerryd Bayless #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with head coach Brett Brown in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Basketball’s strong reputation continues as former Wildcat Jerryd Bayless will be inducted into the Arizona ‘Ring of Honor’!

It’s always great to see any former Wildcat thrive beyond their career at the University of Arizona, it’s even better to see any former Wildcat be recognized for all their accomplishments!

Next weekend, the Arizona Basketball program will induct former guard, Jerryd Bayless to the elusive ‘Ring of Honor’ inside McKale Center during the annual ‘Red-Blue’ game.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

A prolific scorer and dynamic athlete, Bayless will finally join a prestigious and elite group of former Wildcats greats, despite playing just one season in Tucson!

As some of you may recall, Bayless was highly touted coming out of high school, attending St. Mary’s, a once prestigious program in Phoenix. Unfortunately, Bayless never had the opportunity to play under former head coach, Lute Olson despite being recruited by him.

In his lone season at Arizona, he played alongside former Wildcats; Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill and Nic Wise among numerous others as that team was led by then interim head coach, Kevin O’Neill. Despite the turmoil, Bayless went on to average 19.7 points and four assists per game during that 19-15 season.

Following the open-round tournament loss that year, Bayless would declare for the 2008 NBA Draft, ultimately being selected by the Indiana Pacers before being traded to Portland as the No. 11 overall pick!

Since then, he has established himself as being a reliable contributor, never having really reached the upper echelons of the NBA elite. Now entering his 11th season, third with the Philadelphia 76ers, Bayless looks to have a significant role again.

Throughout his career and despite having bounced around a bit, he has averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game. Not worldly by any means, but he has done enough to have a long, illustrious career.

For that, the University is finally recognizing his success and he will now be enshrined forever in the rafters of McKale! Of course, there are prerequisites in fulfilling the distinction, and those qualifications are:

  • First team all-American.
  • A major national honor such as Player of the Year or Freshman of the Year. (These awards also qualify UA players to have their jerseys retired.)
  • Pac-12 Player/Defender/Freshman of the Year.
  • Career leader in three or more statistical categories.
  • Olympic medalist
  • 10 years in the NBA.

https://twitter.com/APlayersProgram/status/1047581184157310976

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The honor is well-deserved and we are happy for Jerryd in his amazing career! We cannot wait to see the school honor a player that was truly remarkable! Bear Down, Arizona!

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