Solomon Hill strikes his 3-point pose late in the season. Photo by Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona Wildcats forward Solomon Hill, who could be one of four first-team All-Pac-12 players returning next season, was chosen the team’s most outstanding player, as announced by coach Sean Miller on Wednesday.
Hill, who mostly played out of position as a 6-6 power forward, averaged 12.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists while starting all 35 games. He led the team in rebounding and assists.
His 3-point shooting greatly improved over the second half of the season, and he finished shooting 38.9 percent from behind the arc (37 of 95).
With Washington underclassmen Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross declaring their intention for the NBA Draft — and Oregon State junior Jared Cunningham also likely gone — Hill will be among a small group of returning stars in a conference that seems headed for another down season.
Hill, Cal guard Allen Crabbe, Washington post Brock Motum and Colorado forward Andre Roberson figure to be the only players returning off the 10-member all-league team.
Arizona will be bringing in the nation’s top recruiting class and hopes to get a full year of health from wing Kevin Parrom, who has all-conference ability. That’s part of the reason why the Cats are showing up on some very early Top 25 forecasts for next season.
The full list of Arizona basketball awards:
Fred Enke Most Outstanding Player Award: Solomon Hill
Mo Udall Captains Award: Alex Jacobson
Best Defender Award: Kyle Fogg
Most Improved Player Award: Kyle Fogg
Best Teammate Award: Max Wiepking
Golden “A” Award (given for highest fall GPA): Kyryl Natyazhko