Zona Zealots
Fansided

Arizona Basketball: All-time Top 5 one-and-done players from Arizona

By David Rosen

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 17: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot during the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated defeated the Mavericks 121-100. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 17: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot during the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated defeated the Mavericks 121-100. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Arizona Basketball program has seen a lot of players move onto the NBA, including one-and-dones. Find out how the Top 5 rank out.

There have been many former Arizona Basketball players that have gone onto the NBA and made a name for themselves. Some played a couple years at Arizona and some even stayed all four years, but there are a select few that have left after their freshman year and done well in the NBA. We call those the one-and-doners!

It ‘s becoming more and more common for players to leave after their first year at college. Per current NBA Draft eligibility rules, the player has to have played at least one year of college basketball. The G-League has recently taking that one step further and has started to allow players this summer to enter as long as they are 18 years of age and considered to be elite talent.

Since the one-and-done rule was implemented in 2006, there has been a select few of former Arizona basketball players, under Lute Olson and current head coach Sean Miller, that took advantage of this rule to showcase their talent in the NBA. These players had the skill set to make an immediate impact at the next level. Was not a surprise to many that they decided to go pro after just their freshman season.

More from Cats in the Pros

Based on their overall skill set, the impact they had their first year in the NBA and their NBA upside, these are how the All-time Top 5 one-and-done former Wildcats rank:

  1. Dendre Ayton
  2. Lauri Markkanen
  3. Aaron Gordon
  4. Stanley Johnson
  5. Jerryd Bayless

In just his first year in the NBA with Phoenix, the former NBA No.1 Draft pick, Deandre Ayton, finished the season averaging a double double, 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. It took him a little while to adjust to the style of play in the NBA, but soon he found his form. Hopefully soon he will get some help and take Phoenix into the postseason.

This upcoming season there are two that will more than likely go one-and-done, Nico Mannion and Josh Green, that could very well move into the Top 5. They are that good. As hard as it is to see these players leave Arizona from a fan standpoint, they deserve the opportunity to play in the NBA and be financially rewarded.

As basketball players continue to evolve, the number of one-and-dones will increase as well. The Arizona basketball program will look to continue to recruit these players, develop them and prepare them for the NBA. There is a reason why Arizona is callled the Players Program.

Must Read. Arizona Basketball: Does Sean Miller have what it takes to win a national championship?. light

At Zona Zealots, let us know what you think of the All-time Top 5 one-and-done former Wildcats. This is the type of the list that will change over time, that’s a fact! Bear Down, Arizona!

Home/Cats in the Pros