Arizona's Trier returning for junior season
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier will return to school for his junior season, he informed ESPN's Jeff Goodman on Thursday.
It's a surprising development for a player who seemed likely to turn pro after his freshman season, and even more likely to leave college after his sophomore campaign, which was shortened significantly by a drug-related suspension.
Trier averaged 17.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game upon his reinstatement this past season, helping Sean Miller's program capture the Pac-12 championship. The Wildcats once again fell flat in the NCAA tournament, though, crashing out in the Sweet 16 to underdog Xavier.
Also, Trier's mother says he's all in and committed to bringing home a national championship to Arizona...
— Bruce Pascoe (@BrucePascoe) April 13, 2017
Trier's return should make the Wildcats a prime contender for the national title again next season, even though they'll still lose the likes of Kadeem Allen, Lauri Markkanen, and Kobi Simmons.
Trier is the second big name to hold off on turning pro this week, as Michigan State's Miles Bridges is expected to formally announce his return for a sophomore campaign Thursday evening.