While Russ Pennell’s Sweet 16 run will become a lasting memory in the McKale Center rafters, Garland Judkins has already put the 2008-09 season to rest.
Judkins, a guard from Humble, Texas, will rejoin the Wildcats next season after serving three suspensions from ex-interim head coach Pennell.
Judkins, who will be a sophomore next season, recently sat down with newly-hired UA head coach Sean Miller and agreed to put his past behind him.
“”We’re just worried about what happens next year, not what happened in the past,”” Judkins said in a phone interview with the Daily Wildcat on Wednesday. “”We’re putting away last year and looking forward to the season.””
Judkins received his first suspension on Dec. 5 for the Texas A&M game. He was held out of the contest despite it being the Wildcats’ only trip to his home state.
On Jan. 10, Judkins again did not dress in uniform for the Oregon State game. Finally, he served an indefinite suspension before the Feb. 22 game against ASU, which lasted the remainder of the season.
Judkins, who was in attendance at Miller’s inaugural press conference April 7, said it was extremely difficult watching his teammates play on television. Judkins maintained close ties and friendships despite the suspensions, and looks forward to renewing his commitment to the Wildcats.
Like many of his teammates, Judkins said he will spend the summer in Tucson.
Judkins played in 18 games last season but only started in four, averaging 12.6 minutes and 2.4 points per game.
“”I’m real close with all the players on the team, so it’s not like I lost touch with them or been away from anything,”” Judkins said.
“”So far we love (Miller). He’s not coming in here trying to cause any problems; he’s coming in here just trying to win,”” Judkins added. “”Being athletes and competitors, I’m sure everybody on our team understands that.
‘Different’ without Big Three
With the departures of Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger to the NBA pre-Draft camps, Judkins said it’s different without the Wildcats’ biggest presences.
Hill and Budinger declared for the draft and are projected to be lottery picks, according to multiple mock draft Web sites.
“”They have huge personalities in our locker room,”” Judkins said. “”Losing those voices is going to be a little different.””
But it’s UA point guard Nic Wise who draws the most attention with his decision to test the NBA Draft waters this summer.
While Judkins and Wise are close friends – they knew each other before coming to Tucson from their home state of Texas – Judkins doesn’t know what Wise’s decision will be.
“”We actually don’t know what Nic is going to do,”” he said. “”We’re hopeful he comes back, but at the end of the day the decision is his.””
