UA’s Allonzo Trier, Rawle Alkins conclude first NBA Summer League
Jul 15, 2018, 5:48 PM | Updated: Jul 16, 2018, 11:36 am
(AP Photos)
Arizona Wildcats guards Allonzo Trier and Rawle Alkins both made the decision to leave Tucson early and declare for the 2018 NBA Draft.
Projected as potential second-round picks, neither was drafted, forcing them to showcase their talent through undrafted free agency and the 2018 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Trier joined the New York Knicks on a two-way contract shortly after the draft, joining their Summer League roster.
Earlier this month, the guard told the New York Post that he was eager to prove he had what it takes to play at the next level.
“I definitely believe I belong in this league and I can play and I’m as good as all these guys who were drafted,” Trier said. “But that’s done and over with in the past. I’m looking forward to this opportunity here to take advantage of it.”
Trier quickly proved that ability in four games with the Knicks in Las Vegas.
The 6-foot-5 guard shot 45 percent from the field throughout the duration of Summer League, averaging 17 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
Trier started in all four games he played for New York, three of which at point guard and the other at shooting guard. He was held out of the fifth and final game for New York against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Alkins gradually earned playing time for the Toronto Raptors during Summer League.
After scoring single-digits in his first three games for the Raptors, Alkins caught fire in an overtime victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
The 6-foot-5 guard had a double-double in the overtime victory, recording 25 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
Though despite a strong performance against the Hornets, Alkins struggled two days later against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Alkins was 1-of-8 from the field with just three points in 32 minutes Sunday. He also added two rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors were eliminated from the Summer League tournament, as Alkins finished averaging 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
Also undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Alkins now awaits a possible contract to join an NBA roster for the upcoming season.