Report: Arizona’s Allonzo Trier failed PED test
By Chris Stone
We now know why Allonzo Trier hasn’t been playing for Arizona.
Allonzo Trier’s absence from the Arizona Wildcats has been one of the more perplexing mysteries of the college basketball season. Now, we know why.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, the sophomore failed a test for a performance-enhancing drug:
Just filed: Arizona's Trier failed test for performance-enhancing drug, sources told ESPN. Was cleared by NCAA,... https://t.co/mLKvgHQqPy
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 19, 2017
Trier’s saga started back in October when he was pulled from Pac-12 media day at the last minute. Head coach Sean Miller offered no comment on his absence. His eligibility remained in question throughout the non-conference schedule as he was allowed to travel with the team, but not dress for games.
The timing of Trier’s absence makes sense. According to Goodman’s report, Trier failed a random drug test in September before getting the results in early October. He was then suspended. Although the sophomore won an appeal of the NCAA’s decision, he has to wait until the drug has entirely cleared his system, which means it’s unclear if Trier will even return this season.
Trier averaged 14.8 points per game for the Wildcats last season and was the team’s leading returning scorer. He figured to play a major offensive role for the program this season, especially after Ray Smith tore his ACL.
Arizona has survived without the 6-foot-5 guard, though, relying on its youth to jump out to a 16-2 start and a 5-0 record in Pac-12 play. Freshman Lauri Markkanen has led the way for the Wildcats, picking up much of the scoring that has been left by Trier’s absence.
With its biggest tests ahead of it, including an away game at UCLA on Saturday, Arizona could certainly use Trier’s talent, but it’s unclear whether or not the sophomore will even get on the floor this season.