The former Pac-12 Player of the Year, who is the only player in program history to be named a first-team All-Pac-12 and All-Big 12 selection, said the honor “means the world.”
“It’s a blessing,” Love told reporters leading up to No. 1 Arizona’s battle with 16th-ranked Texas Tech. “I thank the man above for getting me to this point. It’s been a long journey for me, the ups and downs and everything in between. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. The decision to come to Arizona is one of the best decisions I made.”
“I don’t think it’s really proving people wrong, I think it’s just proving myself right. And just believing in myself, continuing to put in the work and trusting my work.”
Love also credited Arizona’s coaching staff and their NBA-style offense for helping prepare him for the success he’s now experiencing with the Blazers.
After spending three seasons at North Carolina, Love transferred to Arizona where he played two seasons, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 boards, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals on 40.5% shooting (33% from deep on 7.7 attempts). Love is averaging 11.3 points in 22 minutes per game with the Blazers this season. While his minutes have fluctuated in recent games following the Blazers’ trading for Vit Krejci and the return of Scoot Henderson, Love had a 14-game streak of scoring in double digits between mid-December and mid-January when the Blazers needed people to step up.