P12 USC Arizona Basketball

Arizona's Deandre Ayton (13) celebrates after the team won an NCAA college basketball game against Southern California in the Pac-12 men's tournament championship Saturday, March 10, 2018, in Las Vegas. Arizona won 75-61.Β 

Arizona freshman Deandre Ayton became the Wildcats' first consensus first-team all-American in 20 years when he was named aΒ first-team all-American by the Associated Press on Tuesday, while Allonzo Trier was among those given AP all-American honorable mention honors.

Ayton became the Wildcats' third first-team all-American of the Sean Miller era, and their first first-team all-American since Nick Johnson was given several first-team honors in 2013-14.

But the Wildcats have not had an AP first-team pick since Jason Terry made it in 1998-99 and have not had a consensus pick since since Mike Bibby was one in 1997-98.

The NCAA defines a consensus pick as one chosen by the AP, NABCΒ (coaches), USBWA (writers) and Sporting News, and Ayton has now been named a first-team all-American by all four of those organizations.

Johnson was a first team pick by NABC, Sporting News, USBWA and Wooden in 2013-14 while Derrick Williams earned first-team honors by Sports Illustrated and Wooden.

Other UA first-team all-Americans include Salim Stoudamire (Wooden, 2004-05), Jason Gardner (Wooden, 2002-03), Miles Simon (AP, Wooden, Sporting News, NABC in 1997-98), Bibby (consensus, 1997-98), Damon Stoudamire (consensus, 1994-95), Khalid Reeves (Wooden, 1993-94), Sean Elliott (consensus, 1988-89 and 1987-88) and Bob Elliott (Helm's Foundation, Citizen's Savings, 1976-77).

Counting honorable mention selections, Arizona now has 31 all-Americans in program history, including four consensus first-teamers in Ayton, Bibby, Stoudamire and Sean Elliott.

Ayton is not eligible to have his jersey recognized unless he wins a major player of the year award.


McDonalds All-American forward Jordan Brown told Rivals' Eric Bossi that UA has picked up its recruiting of him after being "on and off" before.

Brown also said he has not discussed the investigation situation with UA coaches but "if we continue to explore that option, that will have to be something that will come up."


Sean Miller and Mark Phelps paid a visit to guard James Akinjo, the former UConn commit.


Rawle Alkins posted his official notice that he's leaving for the NBA.


UCLA's Thomas Welsh and USC's Jordan McLaughlin will play in the seniors-onlyΒ NABC all-star game on Friday.Β 


Jeff Capel is headed to PittΒ and Chris Mack is headed to Louisville.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.