Former Wildcats littered across NBA landscape

For many of the 12 former Arizona Wildcats players starting the season in the NBA, theres something to prove this year.

For rookie Aaron Gordon, whose Orlando Magic kicks off the season at the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 5, its about showing the potential that made him a surprise No. 4 pick. For fellow rookie Nick Johnson, its carving out a role with the Houston Rockets and staying out of the D-League.

Then theres Derrick Williams, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, trying to find a more solid role with Sacramento before his lucrative rookie-scale contract runs out after the season.

Theres Solomon Hill, getting a chance to play regularly with the Pacers after a rookie year firmly on the outside of the rotation. Theres Chase Budinger, finally healthy in Minnesota after years of knee issues. And journeyman Jerryd Bayless, trying to find a home in Milwaukee.

Theres also two veterans in Richard Jefferson (Dallas) and Jason Terry (Houston) trying to show what they have left.

Overall, UAs 12 representatives counting Oklahoma Citys Grant Jerrett, who is out with an ankle injury are three more than the Wildcats had last season. Thats because Jerrett moved up from the D-League, while Johnson and Gordon joined the league in their first pro years.

Heres a look at each of the UA players in the league:

Years at UA (age): 2007-08 (26)

Last year: 9.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.7 apg

Whats new: After playing just his freshman season at UA during the Kevin ONeill interim season Bayless has wandered through the NBA. He split last season between Memphis and Boston, starting 14 of 41 games for the Celtics because of an injury to Rajon Rondo. Then he signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Bucks, his sixth NBA team over seven seasons.

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Former Wildcats littered across NBA landscape