Arizona announced the long-expected decision of freshman guard Kobi Simmons to leave the program Wednesday afternoon.
Simmons started in 19 games and was a major factor in two of UA's biggest wins last season -- against Michigan State in Hawaii and at UCLA -- but slipped almost completely out of the playing rotation over the final month of the season.
He wound up averaging 8.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game but is still projected as a second-round NBA Draft pick because of his size, athleticism and shooting skills.Β
βKobi Simmons, with the support of his family, has decided to declare for the 2017 NBA Draft,β UA coach Sean Miller said in a statement. βAll of us here at Arizona thank him for his freshman season and wish him continued success as he pursues his professional career.β
Simmons declined to speak much about his role or future during the NCAA Tournament but said in his statement that he enjoyed his time at Arizona.
βI would like to thank my teammates, coaches and our great fans for their support and effort in making my year truly a special one," he said. "Bear Down.β
UA didn't post the release to its website directly but linked its Instagram post on Simmons' departure, which received a string of negative comments.
Chance Comanche's reported decision to test the NBA Draft waters is part of the previous blog post.Β
UA announced that Luke Walton will host an awards banquet called "CATSYS" (in the spirit of the ESPYS) to be held on April 19 at McKale Center. Floor seats are for Wildcat Club members only but other seats will be free to anyone.
