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Arizona Basketball: Allonzo Trier failed PED test, won appeal vs NCAA

By Carmine Carcieri

Jan 12, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) sits on the bench during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 91-75. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) sits on the bench during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 91-75. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona basketball star Allonzo Trier can play this season, but not until the PED has cleared his system.

After three months, we finally know the reason why Arizona Wildcats star Allonzo Trier has missed the entire season thus far.

Related Story: When will Allonzo Trier return?

On Wednesday evening, ESPN reported that Trier failed a drug test for an unknown PED back in October. He appealed to the NCAA and was ultimately cleared, however, Trier cannot play again until the PED has completely cleared his system.

From ESPN:

"The NCAA performed a random drug test on Trier in September, sources said, and the school was informed in early October that he had failed it.Trier was suspended but appealed the decision. He won the appeal, but the NCAA prohibited him from playing until the drug was completely out of his system. He has been allowed to practice and travel with the team.Trier has been tested since September, sources said, and while the level of the drug in his system has decreased, it has remained there as of the last test, which was taken within the past two weeks."

After the news broke last night, Trier released a statement on the matter.

"“I have never knowingly taken a banned substance,” he said in the statement. “After finding out that I was given a banned substance by a well-intentioned, but misguided person not associated with the University after an injury, I presented this information to the NCAA. The NCAA agreed that I had no knowledge of receiving the substance and my eligibility was restored. Although I can practice and travel with the team, I am not allowed to resume playing in games until the substance completely leaves my body even at a trace amount. Unfortunately, I am unsure of when that time will be, but I hope it is soon.”"

Arizona head coach Sean Miller has called this a “unique situation” from day one, and he sure is right. Trier can return this year, but the Wildcats have only 13 regular season games remaining. Will the drug be out of his system by then? Will Trier be able to jump right back into game action in the postseason?

The Wildcats are 16-2 overall and 5-0 in the Pac 12 without Trier. Their two losses have come against Gonzaga and Butler, and they are one of the top three teams in their conference. But do we really expect the Wildcats to make the Final Four or win a National Championship without their top player?

Arizona has terrific freshman, an elite defense and Miller as their head coach, but it will be more difficult to succeed without their best offensive creator in March.

Trier averaged 14.8 points per game in his freshman season, but only added 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He apparently has become a more well-rounded player though, and is showing flashes of brilliance during practice (he can practice and travel with the team).

If the Wildcats do get Trier back this will take a significant amount of pressure off of Rawle Alkins, Kobi Simmons and Lauri Markkanen. It will also give the Wildcats another outlet that they can go to late in a game or shot clock. That would be highly beneficial.

Next: Five best midseason resumes

But the Wildcats cannot control the situation. All they can do is wait, and wait, and wait, and hope that their best player returns in time for March.

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