Arizona Basketball has had a rich tradition in producing world class athletes, many of which have become fan favorites, at Zona Zealots we highlight our choices.
There is a long list of Arizona Basketball players that have developed a strong, fan following. Whether it was because of their offense, defense, being a great representation off the court, or just because of their personality, regardless of the reason, this is why we have come up with an all-time favorites list.
At Zona Zealots, we have had numerous favorites over the years that have played under Lute Olson, Sean Miller and even before, but because it’s such a difficult to compromise a list to just a few players, nonetheless, we wanted to share our choices with you.
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Now do keep in mind each member of the Zona Zealots staff could only chose one, as hard as that was and define why those players are deemed favorites. With that said, let us know what you think and who your favorite players of all-time are, thanks!
These are in no particular order. Let’s start with me!
David Rosen – Deandre Ayton
"I know this is an obvious choice, but he was so dominate in his only season at Arizona. Ayton set many records and was a double-double machine! What he was able to do as a seven-footer was incredible.He didn’t quite develop his outside three-point shot while at Arizona, but did have a nice in the paint jumper. Most of the time all his teammates had to do was throw the ball inside to him and he would find a way to finish.I was lucky enough to watch him in person, both at the Red and Blue game and in Phoenix, and wow is he impressive."
Eric Townsend – Jason Gardner
"This was a really tough choice, but Jason was arguably my favorite Arizona player of all-time. He was a 4-year stud and an absolute bulldog at point guard for the Wildcats, and over his career, he was nothing but grit and toughness.He is and was a quintessential point guard for Arizona that any college program should and would covet then, as well as today.He was incredibly crafty, smart and fiesty as a player, and while he was not necessarily the best shooter, he was however a dog when he played.Jason was a HUGE reason why Arizona made the Final Four in 2001.*If it matters, my other two choices would be Khalid Reeves and Salim Stoudamire."
Shereen Rayan – Rawle Alkins
"My favorite Arizona Basketball player of all time, hmm, well I’ve been a fan for a decade or more, so to be real I’m choosing from the last decade.There have been a number of one and dones that I’ve enjoyed. I have been able to congratulate Aaron Gordon on the ESPYs red carpet and interview Stanley Johnson at the Drew League. I’ve interviewed Ira Lee and Brandon Randolph at the Ballislife All-American game, and more. They were all great and fun to watch and cheer for.Derrick Williams was my first favorite, then came TJ McConnell who in my book was tied with Kaleb Tarczewski in their era.But the one player that I met and interviewed and got to know before he got to Arizona and then thoroughly enjoyed every minute he played was the King of Tucson, Rawle Alkins.Alkins represents the type of player I admire, he does everything. He’s the glue guy on the team, the player that closes out a game with ice in his veins, that loves the fans ad they feed off his energy. The type of explosion he brings into his offense, the sheer athleticism, the desire to play to win for the team and to play as much as possible is what I enjoy and have written about.Many in the National media backed up my analysis in that without Alkins coming back from injury, his last season could have been a disaster. He proved he is a difference maker. Someone who can change the game, a winner who never gives up on a play or his team.Long live King Rawle and the Savage Life."
Jordan Cuda – Lauri Markkanen
"Overall intelligence on the floor, ability as a big man to handle the ball and take it to the rim and his sweet looking stroke from behind the arc."
Mark Barrera – Andre Iguodala
"My favorite player is Andre Iguodala. My early memories of Arizona Basketball were Iggy and his explosiveness on both ends of the floor. When him and Hassan Adams were on the floor at the same time, I knew it was going to be a show. Over the years he’s been humble, tough, plays defense, gives it his all for every game. For what he does on and off the court, he became my favorite player to put on the Zona colors."
Jake Faigus – T.J. McConnell
"TJ- He embodied everything you want in a PG. He was a great leader and had great toughness. He embodied exactly what Sean Miller wanted for his players, on defense he was locked in and he was always looking for the extra pass to someone wide-open on offense."
At Zona Zealots, thanks for taking the time to read about each of our favorite players under Olson and Miller. This list will surely change as more and more talented players make their way to Tucson. Bear Down, Arizona!