Arizona's Ayton, Trier declare for NBA draft following upset loss to Buffalo

Arizona's opening-round game against Buffalo in the NCAA tournament was not all the program lost Thursday night, as star players Deandre Ayton and Allonzo Trier both declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, according to Edward Aschoff of ESPN.

The departures were somewhat expected, with Ayton the popular favorite to be selected first overall in this year's draft and Trier likely to hear his name called as well. However, their absences loom larger given the program's outlook. The Wildcats currently do not have a single recruit signed for next season, and will also lose the likes of Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Dusan Ristic as their senior seasons end.

This season, Ayton averaged 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Trier averaged 18.4 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while nailing 39.1 percent of his 3-point attempts.