We continue our recruit and return series with the Arizona Wildcats, whose season ended Thursday with a loss to Wichita State in the first round. A look at what the 2016-17 season could hold:
Possible 2016-17 starting five (statistics reflect regular-season average)
G: Kobi Simmons (freshman)
G: Kadeem Allen (8.0 PPG, 3.6 APG)
G: Allonzo Trier (14.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG)
F: Lauri Markkanen (freshman)
C: Dusan Ristic (7.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG)
Who is lost: Sean Miller will lose his top two scorers from this past season, with Ryan Anderson and Gabe York running out of eligibility. Anderson played only one season in Tucson, transferring there after his junior season at Boston College and sitting out 2014-15. He immediately became of the best players in the Pac-12, carrying the Wildcats on the offensive end this past season. He also improved his rebounding, becoming a double-double threat every night out. York was a streaky shooter late in the season, but he was one of the best perimeter gunners in the Pac-12 and was the perfect backcourt balance to Anderson. Kaleb Tarczewski seems like he has been at Arizona forever, but while he never became a dominant scorer, he had his best defensive and rebounding season as a senior. Former San Francisco graduate transfer Mark Tollefsen is also gone after his one season with the Wildcats.
Who is added: Miller had reeled in a top-seven class in five straight seasons heading into 2016 -- and he reached that threshold again when Rawle Alkins committed to the Wildcats earlier this month. Alkins is a five-star wing who is one of the more powerful perimeter scorers in the class. He has an aggressive mindset and will give Arizona a consistent option on the wing. Miller already had two five-star prospects in the fold. ESPN 100 guard Kobi Simmons has a combination of athleticism and length that few can match in the 2016 class; he can play on or off the ball but is difficult to contain in transition or off the bounce. Finland native Lauri Markkanen committed last fall, and scouts who have seen him play think he would be a top-20 player in the United States. Even with Alkins in the fold, Arizona is also still in pursuit of two more five-star wings: Josh Jackson and Terrance Ferguson. Miller likely won’t back off either player, especially Jackson. Getting another elite wing would provide the Wildcats with a significant perimeter boost.
What it means for next season: Although four seniors -- including three starters -- are leaving, Arizona will still return a host of key pieces. Allonzo Trier was one of the best freshman scorers in the country, despite missing seven games in the middle of Pac-12 play with a broken hand. Trier is a decent outside shooter, but he also has a very good mid-range game and is adept with the pull-up jumper. He’ll be the go-to-guy from Day 1 next season. Who will his backcourt partner be? Simmons will push for a starting job, but Kadeem Allen and Parker Jackson-Cartwright won’t give it up easily. Allen brings size to the position and is a very good defender. Jackson-Cartwright is a bit undersized, but he’s a pass-first point guard and distributes well. Former ESPN 100 prospect Justin Simon is also back, and touted freshman Ray Smith will finally get a chance to contribute after missing the entire season with a knee injury. Arizona’s post rotation takes a big hit, but Dusan Ristic should take advantage. He’s a talented big man from Serbia who has continued to progress in Tucson. Chance Comanche will have an expanded role next season.
Trending: Up. Only a few programs can finish third in the league, lose four seniors -- and potentially improve. Arizona is in that group, though. The Wildcats have a ton of young talent, and if healthy, will have all the pieces to win the Pac-12. Moreover, Miller is still involved for more talented prospects at the high school and transfer levels. There are still some questions to be answered, but Arizona likely isn’t finishing third again next season.