Busting Brackets
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Pac-12 Basketball: Top 10 returning players for the 2017-2018 season

By Connor Hope

Feb 23, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) dribbles the ball as Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) dribbles the ball as Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) is defended by Colorado Buffaloes guard George King (24) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Arizona won 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) is defended by Colorado Buffaloes guard George King (24) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Arizona won 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

6) Rawle Alkins (Arizona)

Alkins, one of the more underrated guards in the conference last season, will be one of the top players on a NCAA Championship contender.

Averaging 10.9 points, 4.9 points, and 2.1 assists, Alkins did not suffer from the same ups-and-downs that much of the Arizona roster experienced last year. Alkins can score from anywhere, shooting 37% from three-point range, while also having the ability to finish at the rim.

With Kadeem Allen gone, Alkins will also be expected to increase his defensive efficiency, to fill the void left by last season’s top perimeter defender. The defense he showed last season was promising, and he was able to record 0.5 blocks and 0.9 steals while using his 6’5” height to contest shots.

With DeAndre Ayton and Allonzo Trier on the roster, it would be easy to sleep on Alkins — but that would be a huge mistake. He can be expected to once again be a consistent force for the Wildcat offense.

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