Allonzo Trier will return for sophomore year at Arizona

Arizona freshman Allonzo Trier announced he will return to the Wildcats for the 2016-17 season after considering entering the 2016 NBA Draft.

For the first time, underclassmen are allowed to enter the draft and go through an evaluation process without losing their eligibility, but Trier did not even go deep into testing the waters.

“I am ecstatic about Allonzo’s decision to return to school for his sophomore year,” said head coach Sean Miller in a press release. “I believe he will become one of college basketball’s elite players next season. During our conversations, Allonzo shared his desire to be a leader on a championship team and to improve his overall game. By doing so, he puts himself in the best position possible for a very successful NBA future. I have not been around a player that works harder at the game or loves it more than he does. It’s this passion to be great that has all of us excited about our future together.”

Trier will join a loaded incoming class that includes three 5-star players: power forward Lauri Markkanen, shooting guard Rawle Alkins and point guard Kobi Simmons. He will also be joined by freshman small forward Ray Smith, who missed last season after tearing his ACL.

“After talking to Coach Miller and my family, I have decided to return to school for my sophomore season,” Trier said in a UA release. “I am really excited about the quest to become a more complete player. I am also excited to develop as a leader and to lock arms with my teammates while competing for championships. I love being at the University of Arizona and can’t wait for next season to begin.”

Arizona is still in the mix to land several top recruits, including McDonald’s All-Americans Josh Jackson and Terrance Ferguson.

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