UA Basketball 2015-2016 Discussion Thread

[Frybry02]

No

i am trying to figure out how all of SJs and McConnells shots will be distributed to the team this year. I don't see PJC and Simon coming even close to 400 combined FGA. York seems like the most obvious to have a few more opportunities than last year. Obviously Trier and Allen are going to take shots and probably plenty of shots. Anderson will take Ashley's and I'm guessing RHJs plus a few more end up with tollefson It will be interesting to see how the rotation pans out at the guard positions.

[Merkin]

Nope. This is the year of the bigs, so get them the ball.

[rgdeuce]

That's how I see it. Think this is another balanced scoring team, with guys taking turns having the high scoring game. I think Gabes gonna have to step up and be more assertive at times, but I don't want him taking the number of shots needed to be a 14ppg guy throughout the season in this offense. Think Tarcs going to play a much bigger role this year on offense, and I see the floor spacing a lot better on the interior as well. I'm excited to see Anderson, think he's gonna be our top scorer, and I think Tollefson is going to be a really nice offensive weapon

[Olsondogg]

That's how I see it. Think this is another balanced scoring team, with guys taking turns having the high scoring game. I think Gabes gonna have to step up and be more assertive at times, but I don't want him taking the number of shots needed to be a 14ppg guy throughout the season in this offense. Think Tarcs going to play a much bigger role this year on offense, and I see the floor spacing a lot better on the interior as well. I'm excited to see Anderson, think he's gonna be our top scorer, and I think Tollefson is going to be a really nice offensive weapon

Good points, I still think York may be leading scorer. 14ppg seems high with all the players wanting shots on this team.

I can see RA being the leading scorer as well. I know he owns the gold jersey in practice, which means that he seems to be assertive on the other end of the floor as well.

[Jefe]

I need Kadeem to avg 7 or I owe someone a lot of money

[Beachcat97]

I need Kadeem to avg 7 or I owe someone a lot of money

If Kadeem averages 7 or better, I think we'll all be happy. I'm curious to see how large his role will be.

[Beachcat97]

That's how I see it. Think this is another balanced scoring team, with guys taking turns having the high scoring game. I think Gabes gonna have to step up and be more assertive at times, but I don't want him taking the number of shots needed to be a 14ppg guy throughout the season in this offense. Think Tarcs going to play a much bigger role this year on offense, and I see the floor spacing a lot better on the interior as well. I'm excited to see Anderson, think he's gonna be our top scorer, and I think Tollefson is going to be a really nice offensive weapon

Good points, I still think York may be leading scorer. 14ppg seems high with all the players wanting shots on this team.

I can see RA being the leading scorer as well. I know he owns the gold jersey in practice, which means that he seems to be assertive on the other end of the floor as well.

I expect RA to be the leading scorer.

[Olsondogg]

Whomever the leading scorer is, he will average under 14 ppg.

I mean there is alot of guys wanting shots on this years team...but those that play work both ends of the floor. Who can defend? That's the answer for who gets playing time.

[Chicat]

[Olsondogg]

^^^^^
Wonder who said that earlier?

[Merkin]

I need Kadeem to avg 7 or I owe someone a lot of money

If Kadeem averages 7 or better, I think we'll all be happy. I'm curious to see how large his role will be.

I don't see it. Dude only hit 30% of his 3 point shots playing at the JC level. Seems more of a Mark Lyons type scorer, but Lyons didn't have anyone ahead of him on the depth chart and played out of position at the 1. Allen is a 2, and needs to be able to hit the open 3. York can, and hopefully Pitts can get his confidence back.

Where does Trier fit in? Just a lot of bodies at the 2. So who can play defense, not make mistakes with the ball, and hit the open 3?

Haven't really heard that much buzz about Allen. Would be great to hear if he was a gym rat who shot 10,000 3 point shots over the summer.

[HiCat]

I need Kadeem to avg 7 or I owe someone a lot of money

If Kadeem averages 7 or better, I think we'll all be happy. I'm curious to see how large his role will be.

I don't see it. Dude only hit 30% of his 3 point shots playing at the JC level. Seems more of a Mark Lyons type scorer, but Lyons didn't have anyone ahead of him on the depth chart and played out of position at the 1. Allen is a 2, and needs to be able to hit the open 3. York can, and hopefully Pitts can get his confidence back.

Where does Trier fit in? Just a lot of bodies at the 2. So who can play defense, not make mistakes with the ball, and hit the open 3?

Haven't really heard that much buzz about Allen. Would be great to hear if he was a gym rat who shot 10,000 3 point shots over the summer.

Hey Merk, can you post the link for his stats. I was interested in his shooting numbers. I'm thinking he can be a scoring threat, but not shooting 3's.

[rgdeuce]

Rich people problems.

I think the wild card and deciding factor in all of this is how Tollefson is utilized. If the starting lineup looks like this..

PG - PCJ
SG - York
SF - Tollefsen
PF- Anderson
C- Tarc

You lose size on the bench and maybe allowing Pitts to slide in at the 3 when you need outside shooting or if Smith can fit in at the 4. Then again, when the bigs need air, Ristic replaces Tarc, Tollefsen and Anderson can take turns playing the 4 while the other rests. I think Allen is a little less buried in this lineup, though Trier is going to be getting his minutes off the bench. Maybe Simon doesn't get as many minutes off the bench and Allen works in as a combo guard at point.

Should Tollefsen be one of the first guys off the bench, he spells Anderson, Ristic spells Tarc, Smith is going to be the 3, Trier the 2 with Allen and Pitts both buried behind him. Again, maybe some time as a combo for Allen if Simon isn't getting it.

Like mentioned above, it's all going to come down to defense and game by game situations I think. People are cautious about Allen having not seen him, but we have heard some good things. If some people are saying he's competing for a starting spot (though acknowledging it's York's), that's saying something. Hes got a nice body (pause) and a 6'9 wingspan? His knock is the three point shot but he still looks like a guy who will put the ball in the basket to me, despite that. If he can defend he will get minutes at the expense of someone else. If PCJ (39%), Tollefsen (38%) and York (40%) can knock down the three at those rates or better, and if Trier comes in halfway respectable as an outside shooter, I think Pitts is at the end of the bench unless he comes in and shoots like a mid 40s guy. Who knows. Maybe Trier comes in, doesn't defend and takes a little bit of time to adjust to the college game. One, maybe two good players are going to be looking at very little minutes this year no matter how you slice it.

[catgrad97]

I think it also comes down to experience. Kadeem's had a whole year practicing against our guys.

Despite all the Ray Smith buzz, while all of the incoming freshmen are highly-rated, none of them strike me as having a Gordon- or Johnson-level game that can garner significant minutes, much less start, right away over our upperclassmen. Recruits are going to need at least a year's worth of patience and not go all Craig Victor during winter break.

Plus, the starting spot Allen's competing for could be Tollefsen's and not York's. He can play either position--though I agree there are going to be games this season he won't contribute minutes if he can't play defense.

As for Pitts, his time is going to fade out on this team IMHO unless he is one of the top three spot-up shooters on this team or he's developed some solid PG skills. He has to become the methodical player for this team, and from where I sit, it doesn't seem very likely right now, particularly with his relatively low defensive wingspan compared to the competition at his positions.

The position most open right now IMHO is point guard. If Simon shows some advanced skills at that position (don't think Trier can), PJC's minutes could be in jeopardy. Love the kid, but teams are going to shoot over him and dare him to do the same. He's going to have the hardest time earning starter minutes.

BTW, getting Jackson, Lightfoot and Markkanen into the program will ensure no drop-off at all in '16. I can't wait to see Josh and Lauri play right away, or even start, with Ristic, PJC and Allen next season--and we haven't even gotten to this one yet!

[Merkin]

I need Kadeem to avg 7 or I owe someone a lot of money

If Kadeem averages 7 or better, I think we'll all be happy. I'm curious to see how large his role will be.

I don't see it. Dude only hit 30% of his 3 point shots playing at the JC level. Seems more of a Mark Lyons type scorer, but Lyons didn't have anyone ahead of him on the depth chart and played out of position at the 1. Allen is a 2, and needs to be able to hit the open 3. York can, and hopefully Pitts can get his confidence back.

Where does Trier fit in? Just a lot of bodies at the 2. So who can play defense, not make mistakes with the ball, and hit the open 3?

Haven't really heard that much buzz about Allen. Would be great to hear if he was a gym rat who shot 10,000 3 point shots over the summer.

Hey Merk, can you post the link for his stats. I was interested in his shooting numbers. I'm thinking he can be a scoring threat, but not shooting 3's.

http://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2013-1 ... mallenx4s0" target="_blank

[Beachcat97]

As for Pitts, his time is going to fade out on this team IMHO unless he is one of the top three spot-up shooters on this team or he's developed some solid PG skills. He has to become the methodical player for this team, and from where I sit, it doesn't seem very likely right now, particularly with his relatively low defensive wingspan compared to the competition at his positions.

This. Pitts is lost in the shuffle occasionally, but his experience and maturity are things Miller values greatly. If he can make shots consistently and really defend well, he'll get minutes.

[Olsondogg]

Pitts is not going to fade out on this team. He is a solid defender, and a reliable shooter...two things valued for any roleplayer on a team. He's not a starter, but a valuable person off the bench.

[catgrad97]

I can't quantify Pitts' defense last year, but statistically, his shot, and his confidence in it, faded badly down the stretch last season.

He hasn't shot more than four field goals in a game since a Jan. 14 win over Colorado, a 14-point victory in which he had 12 of them. Since that peak, he had two 3-4 nights from the field Feb. 13 at Washington and March 7 against Stanford.

However, in that same 20-game stretch (not even counting Wisky, in which he didn't shoot anything at all in 17 minutes), he had four 0-fers and 10 one-for-three (or worse) nights from the field.

He also went 16 of those games never attempting a free throw on a team that was one of the NCAA leaders in getting to the line.

The lowlight was that one-for-five performance, with zero FTs, in 17 minutes against woeful Texas Southern--a game in which a player like Pitts should've been making bank. Maybe a reason why he had single-digit minutes in three of his final nine games.

So yes, as good judgment as he normally exercises, the jury's still out on how "solid" and "reliable" Elliott Pitts really is.

[dcZONAfan]

The position most open right now IMHO is point guard. If Simon shows some advanced skills at that position (don't think Trier can), PJC's minutes could be in jeopardy. Love the kid, but teams are going to shoot over him and dare him to do the same. He's going to have the hardest time earning starter minutes.

Couldn't disagree more. Everything I've ever heard is that Simon isn't even close to being ready to play. He is the most raw recruit by FAR. PJC is going to have a stranglehold on the PG spot.

Also, why is there such a concern over people shooting over him. He's a PG! He's not defending people in the post, and his wingspan (Yes, he has a long-ass wingspan for someone so short) will help him at least keep a taller PG honest at the 3 pt line.

Maybe I just don't remember, but was PJC consistently killed on defense last year because I don't seem to think he was.

[Coop Cat]

[HiCat]

I need Kadeem to avg 7 or I owe someone a lot of money

If Kadeem averages 7 or better, I think we'll all be happy. I'm curious to see how large his role will be.

I don't see it. Dude only hit 30% of his 3 point shots playing at the JC level. Seems more of a Mark Lyons type scorer, but Lyons didn't have anyone ahead of him on the depth chart and played out of position at the 1. Allen is a 2, and needs to be able to hit the open 3. York can, and hopefully Pitts can get his confidence back.

Where does Trier fit in? Just a lot of bodies at the 2. So who can play defense, not make mistakes with the ball, and hit the open 3?

Haven't really heard that much buzz about Allen. Would be great to hear if he was a gym rat who shot 10,000 3 point shots over the summer.

Hey Merk, can you post the link for his stats. I was interested in his shooting numbers. I'm thinking he can be a scoring threat, but not shooting 3's.

http://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2013-1 ... mallenx4s0" target="_blank

Thanks for the nos.

45% shooting 74% FT not bad. I expect it'll improve.

[rgdeuce]

Pitts' will and basketball IQ had him as a pretty decent defender last year. He still had brain farts last year, but for the most part he was solid. He is going to be head and shoulders above any of the incoming freshman defensively, dont see any AG's or RHJ's here. But who is to say that Allen won't be the same, with a better body, athleticism and wingspan? Especially with a redshirt year under Miller. I don't see Pitts taking minutes from a Smith or Trier unless they are really bad. Fine balance between keeping competent and athletic freshmen happy with some PT and giving them in-game experience for March and whatever time they spend at Arizona thereafter, and letting them rot on the bench in favor of a guy with a low ceiling who will never be more than a role player at best. Think this is merely a case of Allen vs Pitts for the most part, may the best man win.

I agree that his shot faded down the stretch. I view him as an inconsistent shooter as is, and I remember at one point in the tournament I was somewhat keeping track of his three-point shooting slump. If I recall correctly, it was probably under 20 percent for the NCAA's, the Pac 12 tourny, and maybe a few weeks before that. Without seeing the team, I honestly seem him as a rarely used specialist who wont kill us defensively when he's on the floor. A lot can change in a year though, he is a guy who can be a sharpshooter for us.

As for PJC's starting point job being in jeopardy, I couldnt disagree more. He was a very solid player last year as a freshman. There were times when he ran the offense and things picked up. He can shoot, evidenced by his numbers, and doesn't hesitate like TJ did at times, especially early in the season. Ive said this more than once, but if you run their numbers and adjust for minutes, PJCs and TJ's almost mirrored each other across the board. Granted, you have to account for scrub minutes and not always matching up with the other team's starting point, but it shows you he was a good player, especially by freshman standards. We run a packline D, we have size inside, PCJ can afford to get in dude's faces. How many tall superstar level scoring point guards are in our conference, or in the country period? The guys who are gonna abuse PJC are the same guys who are going to abuse a 6'2 guy. He's 5'11 (probably adds an inch or two, like every other athlete), not muggsy bogues.

[catgrad97]

Another great post rgdeuce, especially about PJC's willingness to take the shot and keep defenses honest.

I hope my post ends up being wrong about him. My impression of him as a freshman was largely a raw player great in spot duty but unable to really run the team for starter minutes, at least yet.

No idea of his wingspan, but if it is comparable to the wings, that would bode better defensively. Given our height inside the arc, opposing offenses are going to attack him first IMHO, so hopefully he's ready to move his feet and force the first pass or we're going to need a capable backup at the 1.

[rgdeuce]

Couple places have him at a 6'1.5" wingspan as a high school player. Yes, it's a big role to jump into for him or any other 2nd year point who isn't a Mike Bibby-, Jason Gardner-, etc-like talent. But he's got veterans all around him, plenty of scoring weapons, and is in a great defensive system. A year under Miller and TJ too? May be some growing pains at times, but basically, show up, play defense, help move the ball, keep teams honest if they sag off or leave you open and knock down the shots you showed you can knock down last year, and stay out of foul trouble because the guy behind you is a raw freshman. We can't expect a TJ, or a guy who is going to be creating for others off dribble penetration, or a guy who is going to create his own shot, or a guy who is going to eat teams alive with the pick and roll and pick and pop (though I think we will be really good here this year). Just be steady, play within yourself, and things will fall into place. He showed both of those last year more times than not, thats the type of player he is.

[Merkin]

45% shooting 74% FT not bad. I expect it'll improve.

I dunno, TJ McConnell certainly had some issues shooting once he started playing against upper Div I teams. Even TJ's FTs suffered.

Watching Allen's highlight reels at Hutchinson once he signed on at Arizona it looked like he was playing against some And-One teams due to their lack of defense.

[KaibabKat]

Allen = JC transfer out of Kansas = 45.6 FG%; 68.9 FT%; 8.4 ppg; 1.4 apg; 1.9 rpg.

That was Ron Allen 1972-1974. Terrific person.

Hope that Kadeem is nearly as good.

[HiCat]

I seem to recall someone (a few months ago) saying during practice that KA was the best player on the court. But boomer memory..so grain of salt advisory.

Kadeem Allen is somewhat of an enigma. As Kadeem redshirted last year, teammates and commentators raved about his talent and potential, yet early previews of Arizona in 2015-16 occasionally forget about him. As the 2014 NJCAA Player of the Year, it's clear that he is very, very good at basketball, but it can be difficult to project just how good a junior college transfer will be at the next level.

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball ... in-2015-16" target="_blank

[gumby]

Bill Walton said it. I took it with a grain of peyote.

[PieceOfMeat]

Bill Walton said it. I took it with a grain of peyote.

Was that peyote the greatest peyote in the history of mankind?

[Main Event]

[Merkin]

[Beachcat97]

Watch out for Cal.

[DkuruptCAT]

I find it funny that there is more guys in suits then there is guys in jerseys in this pic...

[gumby]

Bill Walton said it. I took it with a grain of peyote.

Was that peyote the greatest peyote in the history of mankind?

If that peyote were in a conference, it would be the Conference of Champions.

[HiCat]

Eagles 1972

...on peyote.
Henry Diltz - Eagles 1972

http://www.walnutst.com/cart/product_de ... hp?id=2210" target="_blank

[dirtbags]

so psyched to see the new guys play, outside of youtube videos, esp the new upperclassmen. also eager to see the fruits of having coach phelps on board. go 'cats.

[Puerco]

Another great post rgdeuce, especially about PJC's willingness to take the shot and keep defenses honest.

I hope my post ends up being wrong about him. My impression of him as a freshman was largely a raw player great in spot duty but unable to really run the team for starter minutes, at least yet.

No idea of his wingspan, but if it is comparable to the wings, that would bode better defensively. Given our height inside the arc, opposing offenses are going to attack him first IMHO, so hopefully he's ready to move his feet and force the first pass or we're going to need a capable backup at the 1.

For interest, PJC's defensive rating (per 100 possesions) was 92.2, which puts him at 7th on last year's roster. That's ahead of players like Tarc, Bash, York and Pitts, and obviously behind TJMC, Stanley, and RHJ.

[Jefe]

March Madness presale is on!

http://www.ncaa.com/tickets/basketball-men/d1" target="_blank

Code: NCAAMBKB

I picked up a couple mid court seats for Anaheim. Cant find anything other than single tickets down low though

[enfuego]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... l/25336675" target="_blank

Cal at 14
UA at 15

[Beachcat97]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... l/25336675

Cal at 14
UA at 15

I'm fine with that to start the season. Cal can have their hype. It doesn't mean sh*t until they win some big games.

[rgdeuce]

Parrish is being awfully nice to the Pac 12. I think our ranking is fair, but four teams in the top 25? Guess we will see.

[Beachcat97]

Parrish is being awfully nice to the Pac 12. I think our ranking is fair, but four teams in the top 25? Guess we will see.

AZ, Cal, Oregon...solid top 25 teams. Next candidates would be Utah and UCLA.

All eyes on Cuonzo this year.

[gumby]

Always baffled by Oregon, but Altman seems to get it done.

[Beachcat97]

Always baffled by Oregon, but Altman seems to get it done.

Altman can coach. He's been over-achieving for years.

[KaibabKat]

What exactly has Altman done? He has been a D! coach for 25 years making the NCAA Tournament 10 times and getting to the Sweet Sixteen exactly once. He has won only three conference championships. Not my idea of an elite level coach.

[Puerco]

No, but his teams always seem to do better than they should with the talent hey have. He's hardly elite.

[Olsondogg]

What exactly has Altman done? He has been a D! coach for 25 years making the NCAA Tournament 10 times and getting to the Sweet Sixteen exactly once. He has won only three conference championships. Not my idea of an elite level coach.

He's hidden rape allegations in order to secure a bonus for himself and his staff and advance in the NCAA tourney. So there's that...

[Olsondogg]

#10

[ASUHATER!]

#10

Context?

[A1RZONA]

#10

Context?

coaches poll