With Arizona head coach Sean Miller announcing on Senior Day early this month that Rawle Alkins, Deandre Ayton and Allonzo Trier would turn pro, it’s been known for quite some time that the Pac-12 regular season and tournament champions will have to replace their entire starting five in 2018-19.
Tuesday afternoon Alkins made the news official via his Twitter account, announcing that he will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility and enter the 2018 NBA Draft.
I have decided to enter the NBA draft with intent to hire an agent. Although I am leaving UofA but my heart will always be here I love you guys!! You have not seen the last of me...and as always #SAVAGELIFE!!! pic.twitter.com/urt4RgEFJg
— Rawle Alkins (@Iam_RawleAlkins) March 27, 2018
Alkins, who did not make his 2017-18 debut until December 9 against Alabama due to a broken foot, averaged 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as a sophomore. Playing 31.4 minutes per game, Alkins shot 43.2 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three-point range.
In 17 games against Pac-12 competition, the 6-foot-5 Alkins averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 40.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three.