For the first time this season, Arizona sophomore wing Rawle Alkins will start Saturday against the New Mexico Lobos.
Alkins returned to the Wildcats in last week's 88-82 win over Alabama, but came off the bench and played 22 minutes, scoring 7 points with 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Alkins was out for 10 weeks after suffering a broken foot injury in September.
UA head coach Sean Miller said earlier this week that he was uncertain if Alkins was fully ready to return to the starting lineup, but it was a strong possibility.
What does Alkins bring for the Cats? His 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame provides depth and a defensive presence on the perimeter. He also provides confidence to the Wildcats when he's on the court, which is a trait that Miller values.
“No doubt some guys just have that confidence and you know they believe,” Miller said. “When you have a group like ours, it’s really healthy when you have somebody who has that confidence, that look in their eye. It’s just how he’s wired.
As a starter last season, Alkins averaged 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 28 minutes per game.
Wildcats will play the Lobos in Albuquerque at 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
