Cat’s Simmons Showing Versatility In Multiple Roles

The Arizona Wildcats basketball team has a versatile backcourt. With Kadeem Allen, Kobi Simmons, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Rawle Alkins, each Wildcat guard brings a little something different to the court.

The addition of Allonzo Trier, who was out for 19 games after testing positive for a banned substance, provides even more depth and another option for the ‘Cats. Since the sophomore guard’s return, he is averaging 13.7 points per game, second best on the team behind forward Lauri Markkanen.

It’s a huge addition for the Wildcats, but Trier’s 28 minutes per game had to come from somewhere. As Sean Miller works out the rotation while the Wildcats set their sights on the Pac-12 Tournament, adjustments will be made.

In the case of Kobi Simmons, that meant going from the starting lineup to coming off the bench.

“It’s the same mindset coming in,” Simmons, who led the Wildcats with 13 points in their win over Cal Saturday night, said. “Do your job, everyone do their job collectively and get that W.”

Simmons, who averages 11.3 points per game, has reacted to his transition by putting the team first according to Miller.

“His attitude has been great,” Miller said. “When you take a young guy like him and ask him now to come off the bench after he started for almost 19 games, you hope it works. You hope he takes it well, but it doesn’t always happen. But his attitude has been great. He waits for his opportunity, and (Saturday night) he was probably the player of the game on our end.”

Wildcats Moving Forward:

Arizona travels to the Washington schools this week, as well as hosting USC and UCLA, which could be a Pac-12 Tournament final preview, the following week and a game against Arizona State.

On Saturday, the Division I men’s basketball committee revealed the nation’s top 16 seeds. The Arizona Wildcats came in at #9, joining #8 Oregon and #15 UCLA as the Pac-12’s selections.

Kobi Simmons

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