Arizona Wildcats: Deandre Ayton, Nick Folk, Aaron Gordon news and more
There have been quite a few former Arizona Wildcats in the news lately, and in case you missed, I thought we could help catch you up to what’s happening.
I always think it’s fun to get a rundown of what former Arizona Wildcats are up to in their careers beyond the University of Arizona, and as I bring you the latest updates, please let us know if we missed anyone or anything.
Deandre Ayton
Not only did Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton recently make news in his personal life, by getting a huge tattoo on his back, he also has been staying busy with his communal and philanthropic work, working with Puma off the court.
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We all know Ayton is a star and it’s only a matter of time before the Suns get the right players around him and Devin Booker to make a playoff run, but we will have to wait until next season to see what’s possible.
However, these past several months, Ayton has been continuing to make a name for himself, recently teaming up with the Suns, Puma Hoops and Muzik Connect to create a rest and rejuvenation room for frontline healthcare workers at Banner Health.
An wonderful gesture to be given, especially given the current climate of things, the room includes positive affirmations on the walls such as “You are Important” and “Be the reason someone smiles today.” There are massage chairs, relaxing music, headphones, socks and more. Everything that is going to show appreciation of the work frontline healthcare workers do day-to-day.
“I thought it was important to create the room because leisure time is important especially if you’re having a long stressful day — This is something for them to really relax and take some stress off.”
What a do-gooder, we love to see this humanity. Ayton even put together a music playlist for the staff who are extremely grateful for Deandre and the Suns’ efforts. “They need it more than anybody right now…I just want to give a huge thank you,” explained Ayton.
Aaron Gordon
Kevin O’Connor has reported through Hoop Central that the Orlando Magic are looking into possibly trading Aaron Gordon. First thinking that Steve Kerr may be interested, you know he keeps up with his Wildcats, and Aaron has been playing consistently well.
Just 24 years old, Gordon still has a lot of upside in his career, and given the right teammates and coach, he could really flourish.
In his six seasons with the Orlando Magic, he has put together a solid career, and this is what he has done thus far.
| Season ▲ | Age | G | FG | FG% | 3P | 3P% | 2P | 2P% | eFG% | FT | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 19 | 47 | 2.0 | .447 | 0.3 | .271 | 1.7 | .500 | .478 | 0.9 | .721 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 5.2 |
| 2015-16 | 20 | 78 | 3.5 | .473 | 0.5 | .296 | 3.0 | .531 | .509 | 1.7 | .668 | 6.5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 9.2 |
| 2016-17 | 21 | 80 | 4.9 | .454 | 1.0 | .288 | 4.0 | .528 | .499 | 2.0 | .719 | 5.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 12.7 |
| 2017-18 | 22 | 58 | 6.5 | .434 | 2.0 | .336 | 4.5 | .497 | .500 | 2.7 | .698 | 7.9 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 17.6 |
| 2018-19 | 23 | 78 | 6.0 | .449 | 1.6 | .349 | 4.5 | .499 | .507 | 2.4 | .731 | 7.4 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 16.0 |
| 2019-20 | 24 | 62 | 5.4 | .437 | 1.2 | .308 | 4.2 | .494 | .484 | 2.4 | .674 | 7.7 | 3.7 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 14.4 |
| Career | 403 | 4.8 | .448 | 1.1 | .319 | 3.7 | .509 | .499 | 2.0 | .701 | 6.4 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 12.8 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/10/2020.
Site Expert Eric Townsend chimed in on possible teams that could be great fits for Gordon, however, we will see how that plays out.
“The Phoenix Suns would be an interesting fit, however, that means getting rid of Frank Kaminsky, and it also it means Kelly Oubre has to split time with Gordon, which I just don’t see happening. Nonetheless, he would be a great addition to the front court, and would give Ayton a lot of help in the defensively.”
“Outside of that, I could see the Clippers being a good fit, the Brooklyn Nets, the San Antonio Spurs, or even the Minnesota Timberwolves as well.”
Jace Whittaker
Former Arizona DB Jace Whittaker is making a splash in Phoenix these days, playing for the Arizona Cardinals, and just this past weekend he was acknowledged for two key tackles.
Site Expert Eric Townsend wrote about how Jace is getting some valuable playing time after being pulled up from the Cards practice squad last week, and even in the Cardinals’ 34-31 loss, Jace had a great opportunity to play.
Nick Folk
In case you missed it, former Arizona Wildcat, and current New England Patriot kicker Nick Folk was the hero on Monday night for his team. With 00:00 left on the clock, Folk kicked the winning field goal, to beat the New York Jets 30-27 in a come from behind win.
https://twitter.com/CatCountryAZ/status/1326015065670078464?s=20
Dane Cruikshank
Former Wildcat Dane Cruikshank continues to impress in the NFL, and ended 2019 with the fifth highest special teams grade among players with 300+ snaps. Also in the 2019 playoffs, Dane sealed a game with this interception.
Once again, the Tennessee Titan is coming up strong for his team, getting a big interception in the opponents’ end zone at the end of the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger on October 25th, 2020. He tried to keep the play alive by tossing it back to a teammate, but the play ended the half by saving the touchdown. Valiant try!
Here’s every defensive snap played by Dane Cruikshank so far in 2020:@Dane2Smoove has an interception on 100% of his defensive snaps this year, a truly historic rate #Titans pic.twitter.com/yc2Y77SEY3
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) October 26, 2020
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