Let's talk '23

[CardiacCats97]

So are those Creighton whiners going to apologize for calling Tommy a cheater?

[WildcatStunner]

We will find out what tommy boy is made of now that he doesn't have Miller's recruits to fall back on.

[RondaeShimmy]

We will find out what tommy boy is made of now that he doesn't have Miller's recruits to fall back on.

He only had 2 Miller players this past year

Kerr and Tubelis

[Postmaster]

How does Baker still have eligibility left?

Who came in that prompted him to leave?

[dovecanyoncat]

We will find out what tommy boy is made of now that he doesn't have Miller's recruits to fall back on.

He only had 2 Miller players this past year

Kerr and Tubelis

And we ran them off!

[VegasCatFan]

I’m not sure what all the angst is about losing RN. Nembhard is a good, not great, point guard, who happens to be relatively undersized. He’s definitely not a program changer, and if we were thinking that, we are in much worse shape as a program than any of us wants to admit. We would have been running a guard combo with an average height of 6’1”. Neither of whom is Steph Curry from the 3-point line. Nembhard can drive a bit, but he also plays a little out of control at times. He really isn’t what this team needs next year, unless you considered the ability to take back up minutes, when Boswell needs a rest. We need a 6’4” - 6’6” guard that can post up and open up shooting opportunities for Boswell on the perimeter.

This is my thought too. If Nembhard is looking out for what's best for him, then Gonzaga is the better choice, in my opinion. I don't think he'd want to transfer somewhere that he's going to share PG duties with someone that might be better than him. And which one of Nembhard and Boswell would end up guarding a 6'3"-6'5" guard. If it's Nembhard, there's a good chance he might get exposed defensively. He's going to get the chance to be the lead PG and pretty much get to do what he wants with everybody that the Zags lost.

I wanted him too, but maybe he decided playing PG for 30+ minutes a game is what he wanted. That, plus whatever he got NIL related.

[pc in NM]

I’m not sure what all the angst is about losing RN. Nembhard is a good, not great, point guard, who happens to be relatively undersized. He’s definitely not a program changer, and if we were thinking that, we are in much worse shape as a program than any of us wants to admit. We would have been running a guard combo with an average height of 6’1”. Neither of whom is Steph Curry from the 3-point line. Nembhard can drive a bit, but he also plays a little out of control at times. He really isn’t what this team needs next year, unless you considered the ability to take back up minutes, when Boswell needs a rest. We need a 6’4” - 6’6” guard that can post up and open up shooting opportunities for Boswell on the perimeter.

This is my thought too. If Nembhard is looking out for what's best for him, then Gonzaga is the better choice, in my opinion. I don't think he'd want to transfer somewhere that he's going to share PG duties with someone that might be better than him. And which one of Nembhard and Boswell would end up guarding a 6'3"-6'5" guard. If it's Nembhard, there's a good chance he might get exposed defensively. He's going to get the chance to be the lead PG and pretty much get to do what he wants with everybody that the Zags lost.

I wanted him too, but maybe he decided playing PG for 30+ minutes a game is what he wanted. That, plus whatever he got NIL related.

Seriously, IMNSHO, only a fucking idiot would communicate anything like "come and be our backup PG" to Nembhard - he was, beyond any reasonable doubt, being recruited as a starter. Jeesh!!!

[TucsonCat]

RN was the #2 transfer out there and we missed? Who is out there at 6’5 that would fit what we are looking for? There are typically no pro’s in the portal but RN might have been the closest. I am going to stay on that ledge for awhile longer

He definitely has the best stats, but again fit is important, and I’m not sure he would have fit. There is a reason that Boswell and Kerr didn’t play much together last year.

At a quick glance at the portal, the following guys would fit our need nicely:

Tre White - 6’6” SG - USC - 9/5.1/1 (pts/reb/ast)
RaeQuan Battle - 6’5” SF - Montana St - 17.7/3.6/1.8
Quincy Guerrier - 6’7” SG - Oregon - 9/4.6/1
Rivaldo Soares - 6’6” SG - Oregon - 7.2/3.6/1.8
Keonte Kennedy - 6’5” SG - Memphis- 9.2/2.6/0.8
Anthony Thomas - 6’6” SF - KSU - 11/4.6/1.2
Jaden Bradley - 6’4” PG - Alabama - 6.4/2.6/3.1
Ali Ali - 6’8” SG - Butler - 6.5/2.7/1.6
CJ Frederick - 6’4” SG - Kentucky - 6/0.8/1.5
Jordan Davis - 6’4” SG - Wisconsin - 5.1/3.5/0.4
Hunter Sallis - 6’5” CG - Gonzaga - 4.5/2.2/1.4
Dominick Harris - 6’4” PG - Gonzaga - 1.5/0.6/0.5 (was injured for two years but is fully healthy and was a higher rated guard than Nembhard coming out of high school)

All of these guys would thrive in CTL’s system, and their numbers would likely increase. Plus there are a number of guys who have their name in the draft, that will likely withdraw in the coming days, which will open up a whole new batch of options. In other words, the cupboard isn’t bare just because we out lost out on a guard who may not have been a great fit because he was a ball dominant point guard, which would have taken the ball out of Boswell’s hands. I see this as a win for team chemistry, in the long run.

[CardiacCats97]

Good info! Thank you for putting that together.

In a world of PHXCATs, be a TucsonCat.

[AZCatGirl]

We will find out what tommy boy is made of now that he doesn't have Miller's recruits to fall back on.

He only had 2 Miller players this past year

Kerr and Tubelis

And we ran them off!

Tubelis leaving when his draft stock wouldn't be any higher is running him off?

And I must be the only one here not surprised Nembhard chose Gonzaga. Not sure why so many on Twitter are freaking out like this was a shock. It wasn't.

[CardiacCats97]

I think Dove was being snarky regarding the reaction amongst some people here.

[Beachcat97]

And I must be the only one here not surprised Nembhard chose Gonzaga. Not sure why so many on Twitter are freaking out like this was a shock. It wasn't.

Shock is a strong word. But I was surprised Tommy didn't close the deal, given what was being reported the last few weeks. I wasn't seeing too many "Nembhard to Gonzaga" rumors. I think Few bided his time, knew he could get him, and then pounced when the moment came. Tommy never had a chance.

[PHXCATS]

And I must be the only one here not surprised Nembhard chose Gonzaga. Not sure why so many on Twitter are freaking out like this was a shock. It wasn't.

Shock is a strong word. But I was surprised Tommy didn't close the deal, given what was being reported the last few weeks. I wasn't seeing too many "Nembhard to Gonzaga" rumors. I think Few bided his time, knew he could get him, and then pounced when the moment came. Tommy never had a chance.

I would call you out that nothing you said can be proved but I forgot for a moment that you were a parody account. So carry on

[Beachcat97]

And I must be the only one here not surprised Nembhard chose Gonzaga. Not sure why so many on Twitter are freaking out like this was a shock. It wasn't.

Shock is a strong word. But I was surprised Tommy didn't close the deal, given what was being reported the last few weeks. I wasn't seeing too many "Nembhard to Gonzaga" rumors. I think Few bided his time, knew he could get him, and then pounced when the moment came. Tommy never had a chance.

I would call you out that nothing you said can be proved but I forgot for a moment that you were a parody account. So carry on

Will do! And please, for the good of the order, refrain from acts of violence in public places. K, thanks!

[Postmaster]

I don’t most are freaking out about losing RN, per se. it’s more about losing out on a top available player that all of the insiders said was a loc

The only reason the GU thing surprised me is that it was reported that he didn’t want to be in his brother’s shadow.

[dovecanyoncat]

I think Dove was being snarky regarding the reaction amongst some people here.

Moi? Snarky? Never!?

[TucsonCat]

I don’t most are freaking out about losing RN, per se. it’s more about losing out on a top available player that all of the insiders said was a loc

The only reason the GU thing surprised me is that it was reported that he didn’t want to be in his brother’s shadow.

I totally get this take. It was the lock status that has everyone freaked. But my understanding is that Gonzaga essentially flipped the NIL deal that Timme was getting to Nembhard, and the Casino up here backed up the dump truck full of cash. Not sure how the other players in the tan are going to respond to that. It’s one thing when a player started at a school and reaped the NIL awards because of it. Totally another thing when someone from the outside garners that money before those who are already here, and waiting. Not to mention, Gonzaga already has a starting point guard. Not sure how Hickman is going to feel knowing that Nembhard is coming in to take his spot. (And Hickman is only going to be a Sophmore.) I see some rocky waters in the future of a Gonzaga program that was supposed to be built on being a family…

It still doesn’t take away from the fact that AZ is honestly better off constructing a team without two ball dominant point guards.

[PHXCATS]

I will wait for the final roster to make any judgments. Lloyd has done so well so far that the calls for his job and the fuck face loser daily podcast guys can fuck right off

[KillerKlown]

I will wait for the final roster to make any judgments. Lloyd has done so well so far that the calls for his job and the fuck face loser daily podcast guys can fuck right off

Who's saying this?
Also, whos podcasts?

[dovecanyoncat]

We will find out what tommy boy is made of now that he doesn't have Miller's recruits to fall back on.

He only had 2 Miller players this past year

Kerr and Tubelis

And we ran them off!

Tubelis leaving when his draft stock wouldn't be any higher is running him off?

DAMN RIGHT! As a collective of bad fans we mercilessly hounded players on the only website in the digital universe that they follow, and we slut-shamed the NIL funding entities that control coaching decisions and recruiting to the point that all UofA basketball is doomed to mediocrity and ridicule. I've yet to hear your apology after which, if you have the humility to admit your mistake, we'll promptly win the National Championship.

I'm waiting ........


/s

[Bordercat]

TucsonCat... I'm really appreciating your perspective. Seems like you're spot on to me.

[Beachcat97]

I will wait for the final roster to make any judgments. Lloyd has done so well so far that the calls for his job and the fuck face loser daily podcast guys can fuck right off

Who's saying this?
Also, whos podcasts?

Does it even matter, KK?

If PHX says they're bad, that must mean they ARE!

[TucsonCat]

TucsonCat... I'm really appreciating your perspective. Seems like you're spot on to me.

I appreciate that. Thanks.

[PHXCATS]

I will wait for the final roster to make any judgments. Lloyd has done so well so far that the calls for his job and the fuck face loser daily podcast guys can fuck right off

Who's saying this?
Also, whos podcasts?

Does it even matter, KK?

If PHX says they're bad, that must mean they ARE!

There are plenty of people on twitter calling for Tommy to be gone

The issue is expectations, not Lloyd. As TucsonCat has said, there are great options still available and no one should worry until the roster is finalized.

But we have the fuck face daily podcats mentioning Nembhard everyday and 247 people who clearly dont know a fucking thing about transfers. That made people get expectations out of line. And that is a huge detriment to the team, the players, the coaches, the athletic program and the fans.

[pc in NM]

[GlobalCat]

There are plenty of people on twitter calling for Tommy to be gone

[youtube]https://youtu.be/KHJbSvidohg[/youtube]

[Beachcat97]

It's all shits and giggles, but at the end of the day, there are gaping holes in our 2023-24 roster, and we've been whiffing on recruits/transfers. A commitment from Carter Bryant would arguably be the biggest recruiting win of Tommy's young tenure.

[Merkin]

There are plenty of people on twitter calling for Tommy to be gone

[youtube]https://youtu.be/KHJbSvidohg[/youtube]

[CardiacCats97]

A lot of “people are saying” posts and not a lot of seeing people actually saying those things.

2023 internet is the best internet

[KillerKlown]

Cool. A random guy on twitter generalizing a fanbase because of a few random tweeters. And?

That's like saying this board is full of stupid people all because you read one PHXCAT rant.

Now I'm not gonna name names, but people ignoring facts with stats to back it and excepting and pushing their low standards on to others is the nature of the internet.

Anyway. Criticizing CTL's recruting as of now is a legit complaint.

[arizonawildcats]

I understand the frustration. It has been far too long since we've hung a banner and we hear about it all the time. I really like CTL but his recruiting strategy is questionable.

[Beachcat97]

Anyway. Criticizing CTL's recruting as of now is a legit complaint.

That's all I'm saying. I'd actually be curious to see people's lists of CTL's top 5 recruiting "wins" at AZ. Have there even been that many? By his third summer at AZ, things should be picking up.

[KillerKlown]

This year has sucked so far. Bad baseball, softball, early exits, everything just bad.
I do believe football will make a '23 bowl and beat asu though.

[TheCat]

We as a fan base have no idea about where we are in recruiting from the portal or overseas. People are up in arms because some other folks who have no idea where we are with players in the portal said someone was a lock. People say CTL only had one recruit in Boswell. How did Ballo get here? Pelle? Those were pretty good portal pickups.

I think there is still skepticism on CTL from some players. I think there is equal/greater skepticism on where the PAC stands. We will see when everything shakes out and if we should have worried or if this is the normal free floating anxiety that has been surrounding this program since ESPN's hit piece.

CTL has earned the benefit of the doubt as he has taken his first team to a PAC and Conference title by 3 games after being picked in the middle of the PAC behind a heavily favored UCLA team. Last year he won the conference title after losing 3 players to the NBA and there were fears then that the drop would be huge.

[TucsonCat]

A couple of additional thoughts on this topic. If you peruse the message boards of other teams (other than Arkansas, which always seems to get a boatload of immediate recruits from the portal), every fanbase has this same complaint about their coaches. The sky is falling every time a transfer picks someone else. It’s actually kind of hilarious to read. UCLA, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas… everyone. Until this week, there were numerous Gonzaga fans posting about it being time for Few to hang it up and move on because they weren’t picking anyone up in the portal (except the kids from EWU). Seriously, they were calling for his head. A coach who has led his team to two NC games in the last 5 years. Today… totally different story. Reactions are all based on recency bias. Honestly, we are in no worse shape than we were last year. Lat April we literally lost four of our top five scorers and seemed to be missing out on all our targets. His did we end up? By picking up two solid transfers, and getting Boswell to come in a year early. Not to mention securing Lewis (who I think is vastly underrated), and rounded out the year by getting a commitment from possibly one of the best shooters in the country for 2024. Patience is key. I’m certain that we will field a team that can, and will compete at a high level next year. And finally, remember that not all “highly rated” transfers pan out, and some under the radar guys end up making a much greater contribution than expected. Maybe we don’t pick up a high-end scorer, like Nembhard, but perhaps we end up with a shut-down defender. Either way, we’ll find folks that will contribute. I’m still just as excited for our upcoming season as I have been for every one since the early 80’s. And thank God I was born a Cat fan, instead of a fan of that other trash school up north!

[azcat49]

I worry about Lewis offensive efficiency. I wouldn’t label him a great shooter. Hoping for a 2 who can shoot at least 40% from three and a wu g who can slash and dash

[TucsonCat]

I worry about Lewis offensive efficiency. I wouldn’t label him a great shooter. Hoping for a 2 who can shoot at least 40% from three and a wu g who can slash and dash

He’s not a great shooter yet, but he’s strong as a bull, and super athletic. He needs to tighten up his handle (he’ll definitely improve on this in college), but he is quick, and has a nose for the ball. He’ll be our best rebounding wing the minute he steps on the floor. And he has the tools to be a lockdown defender. His shot will improve with repetition. Another player that came in known for his athleticism, with a developing shot, was Mathurin. Not saying that they will have the same development arc, but it wouldn’t shock me either.

[dmjcat]

[dmjcat]

Scheers not doing so well with his Crystal Balls

[Postmaster]

Maybe I’m delusional but I feel like Fullerton, Montana and such are not the places Arizona should be poaching.

[PHXCATS]

If you can ball you can ball anywhere

[Bordercat]

Scheers not doing so well with his Crystal Balls

this why people are pissed. Lloyd didn't do any homework because he was sure he had the ace in the hole with Nembhardt. And now we are scrambling and behind the 8 ball. Love Lloyd. But come on man do your homework. This fundamental shit.

[PHXCATS]

Scheers not doing so well with his Crystal Balls

this why people are pissed. Lloyd didn't do any homework because he was sure he had the ace in the hole with Nembhardt. And now we are scrambling and behind the 8 ball. Love Lloyd. But come on man do your homework. This fundamental shit.

You have zero clue that Lloyd was that confident in Nembhard. All you have is the awful daily podcaster, Scheer and 247 "crystal balls" none of which have direct quotes or conversations with Lloyd

[Dave]

It is pretty obvious our so called recruiting experts have very limited information.

[arizonawildcats]

[Bordercat]

Scheers not doing so well with his Crystal Balls

this why people are pissed. Lloyd didn't do any homework because he was sure he had the ace in the hole with Nembhardt. And now we are scrambling and behind the 8 ball. Love Lloyd. But come on man do your homework. This fundamental shit.

You have zero clue that Lloyd was that confident in Nembhard. All you have is the awful daily podcaster, Scheer and 247 "crystal balls" none of which have direct quotes or conversations with Lloyd

while what you say is true the fact remains we have seven? scholarship players on roster for next year. Seems like Lloyd was more focused on lining up a strong schedule than getting a strong roster together.

[arizonawildcats]

[arizonawildcats]

[Merkin]

I would be surprised if Ariz had a million in NIL money for anyone and if they did there would be better players at that price.

Yep.

[arizonawildcats]

6'8'' forward from Lithuania. Scheer said we're looking at a couple big men from Europe.

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/p ... -murauskas