Watch: 7 best things Arizona Wildcats said in Wednesday's press conference

Finals week, Rawle Alkins back in practice and ASU's impressive season

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

For some, it's the most wonderful time of the year. For the Arizona Wildcats, it's the most stressful time of the year.

Just like every other student in college, the Wildcats are in the midst of finals week so finding the balance between focusing on the season and squeezing out the last batch of exams before the holiday break is a challenge. 

Fortunately for the Cats, they have an entire week to finish the semester when in the past, there was always a game in the middle of the week. This week, Arizona travels to New Mexico on Saturday and will have sophomore Rawle Alkins available for his first road game. Alkins was out for 10 weeks with a broken foot injury he suffered in September. 

Against Alabama last Saturday, Alkins played 22 minutes and contributed seven points. Wasn't a career night for Alkins and rightfully so considering he hasn't played full contact basketball in months.  

Now with another week of practice under his belt, Alkins may return to the starting lineup against the Lobos, however Sean Miller said it's still up in the air. 

Miller and freshman forward Ira Lee held a press conference Wednesday, find out what they had to say:

Evaluating Arizona since Bahamas trip

Sean Miller on looking back on the last four wins: pic.twitter.com/FememWZN3H

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017

Rawle "The Process" Alkins

Sean Miller says Rawle Alkins’ returning to the starting lineup is “a process” and hasn’t made a decision to start him Saturday against New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/QzEUNAcfXO

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017

Alkins' return adds a spark to the Cats

Sean Miller says Rawle Alkins back will be a huge part of Arizona’s success, but he’s only at 60% of his old self. pic.twitter.com/arJk2uH9S3

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017

Alkins adds confidence to the supporting cast

Ira Lee on Rawle Alkins back in practice and what he contributes to the Wildcats: pic.twitter.com/qle8GvZvGU

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017

Allonzo Trier needs more credit for win against Alabama

Sean Miller says Allonzo Trier (@ISO_ZO) didn’t get enough credit for Arizona’s win over Alabama. pic.twitter.com/5LiAFWMl2D

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017

ASU being No. 5 is what's best for the Pac-12

Sean Miller talks about ASU being No. 5 in the latest AP poll and says Bobby Hurley is a strong candidate for national coach of the year. pic.twitter.com/OOTVE5DXJQ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017

Arizona returns to UNM for first time since clock malfunctions in 1998

Sean Miller on the last time Arizona played at New Mexico under Lute Olson and the shot clock malfunction: pic.twitter.com/iHdPolRFBI

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 13, 2017