Why TJ McConnell should be in the McKale ring of honor

Just as former Wildcat Deandre Ayton was inducted into the ring of honor the other evening, that got us thinking so should TJ McConnell.

Those that were watching the nail-biter between Arizona-Utah on Saturday, likely heard former Wildcat Richard Jefferson talk about the ‘Ring of Honor’ and made the case for fan favorite TJ McConnell.

We all saw Deandre Ayton get that distinction at halftime on Thursday night as the Wildcats beat the Colorado Buffaloes. However, Jefferson’s comments got us thinking about TJ. Why isn’t he up there?

Arizona Wildcats

Well, we can understand why Ayton is. Regardless of him being at the University of Arizona for only a year, he averaged a double-double, with 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, he was the Pac-12 Player and Freshman of the year and became the first No. 1 pick for Arizona in the NBA Draft.

His accolades speak for itself! Plus, here are the basic requirements by the school in order for a former player to be added to the ‘Ring of Honor’.

• First Team All-America recognition by one or more of the major national organizations or media
• Major national “player of distinction”, e.g. Heisman, Wooden, etc.; and/or national championship Most Valuable or Outstanding Player distinction
• Pac-10/12 Player of the Year or Pac-10/12 Freshman of the Year; and Pac-10/12 Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year
• Arizona Career leader in 3 or more major positive “career” categories at the conclusion of their collegiate career, must hold the career record for a minimum of 5 years (e.g., does not include single game record(s), minutes played, etc.)
• 10+ years in the United States Major Professional Leagues of the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB and/or been selected as an All-Star/All Pro by the official league
• Olympic Medalist

Granted, from looking at those requirements, technically, McConnell doesn’t meet them. He’s only been in the NBA for now his fourth season, he was never the Pac-12 Freshman, Player, Offensive or Defensive player of the year.

However, here is what the tough and gritty Wildcat did. He came to Arizona against all odds, transferring from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA to start at Arizona.

McConnell played, and started in all 76 games at Arizona from 2013-15, logging over 2,300 minutes, scoring 716 points (9.4 average) and dishing out 440 assists (5.8 average).

In his time with the Wildcats, he was a part of the;

• NCAA Tournament West Region All-Tournament Team (2015)
• District IX All-District Team USBWA (2015)
• Pac-12 Tournament All-Tournament Team (2015)
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2015)
• Second-team All-Pac-12 (2014)
• 2x Pac-12 All-Defensive Team (2014, 2015)

More importantly, he helped guide Arizona to a 67-9 record, back-to-back Pac-12 regular season championships, two Elite Eights, and a Pac-12 conference championship.

At Zona Zealots, we feel TJ has defied all the odds and continues to do so, meanwhile truly embodying the Arizona way. It’s time for him to be recognized as well and the school should allow for one of their greatest champions of their University and program be honored forever. Bear Down, Arizona!