Caleb Love, the standout guard for the Arizona Wildcats, has decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return for his final season of eligibility. The announcement came via a social media video where Caleb Love expressed his gratitude towards Wildcat Nation and his excitement for another season. Love’s return is significant for Arizona, as he was a key player last season, averaging 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His performance earned him the Pac-12 Player of the Year and third-team AP All-America honors.
Impact on Arizona’s Prospects
Love’s decision to stay at Arizona boosts the Wildcats’ chances of being a top-10 team in the upcoming season. His leadership and scoring ability will be critical for Arizona, especially after a disappointing Sweet 16 exit in March. With Love at the helm, the Wildcats aim to compete for a national championship, leveraging his experience and talent to lead the team.
Joson Sanon Switches Commitment
However, Love’s return has led to a significant shift in recruitment dynamics. Top-25 wing Joson Sanon, initially committed to Arizona, has decommitted and switched his commitment to Arizona State. Sanon’s decision, influenced by the redundancy of his high-volume scoring skillset with Love’s presence, means Arizona loses a top-ranked prospect from their incoming class.
Sanon Joins Arizona State
Sanon announced that he is re-committing to Arizona State on social media. He added “add STATE to it” alongside an image of Arizona’s logo in flames. Sanon, who is ranked as the 25th player and the No. 8 small forward in his class, will be joining Rivals’ No. 8 prospect Jayden Quaintance at Arizona State. This move significantly strengthens the Sun Devils’ roster, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming season.
Future Big 12 Rivals
The competition between Arizona and Arizona State will escalate as both teams move to the Big 12 after the Pac-12 dissolves. Sanon’s transfer adds an interesting twist to the rivalry, with the potential for him to play against Arizona twice a year. Both the Wildcats and the Sun Devils will seek to establish dominance in their new conference, and Sanon’s presence at Arizona State adds an extra layer of competition.
Caleb Love’s return to Arizona is a significant boost for the Wildcats, improving their prospects for the upcoming season. However, the loss of Joson Sanon to rival Arizona State presents new challenges. As both teams get ready to compete in the Big 12, the changing dynamics promise an exciting season ahead, with high-stakes matchups and intense rivalries shaping the college basketball landscape.
Caleb Love will withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Arizona for a final year 🚨👀 pic.twitter.com/Ymsbb53ePG
— SLAM University (@slam_university) May 29, 2024
Comments