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Once again, the NBA Finals will feature Former Wildcats

By Eric Townsend

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Andre Iguodala #28 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 25, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Andre Iguodala #28 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 25, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The NBA Finals and Former Wildcats are becoming synonymous with each other, as once again this years’ Finals will feature numerous Cats!

Another year, and we have another NBA Finals upon us that will feature Former Wildcats, as once again A Players Program is further cementing its prestige as a program that produces great alumni at the professional level.

For the past few years, we saw the dominance of the Golden State Warriors, coached by former Wildcat great Steve Kerr. Those great Warriors teams also featured former Wildcats like; Luke Walton, Bruce Fraser and Andre Iguodala.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

And that’s not including the reign of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the past few years as well, where the Cavaliers saw some success with former Wildcats Channing Frye, Richard Jefferson and assistant coach Bret Brielmaier.

However in 2019-20, things have looked vastly different in the NBA, and that isn’t considering the Covid Pandemic that disrupted the season for three months, and shifted play into an NBA Bubble in Orlando, FL.

No, what I am referring to is the numerous changes that have been happening to rosters and coaching staffs. Andre is no longer with the Warriors, Frye and Jefferson are long retired, and the Warriors are no longer atop the Western Conference.

Despite all the changes that have been happening, one thing has remained consistent. And that is the Arizona Basketball program will have numerous ties to the NBA Finals yet again!

On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a spot in their 31st Finals appearance. Now granted the team gets a lot of notoriety because of NBA Super Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and rightfully so.

But what shouldn’t be lost is the fact that the Lakers also have former Wildcat star Miles Simon and former Wildcat walk-on Quinton Crawford on their coaching staff.

However, that’s not to be outdone by the Miami Heat!

Just a day after the Lakers clinched the Finals, the Heat knocked off the Boston Celtics, clinching the NBA Finals yet again. However, what makes this a special group is that Miami features former Wildcats Iguodala (making his sixth-straight finals), and Solomon Hill.

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The streak is alive and well for A Players Program and continues to show the great tradition and prestige of the program. At Zona Zealots, we’re proud to see our Cats continue to find success and look forward to seeing a few of our Cats on time still! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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