2024-25 Arizona Basketball

[PHXCATS]

I'm going to believe he's coming back until he says otherwise.

Didn’t he go through the Senior Day ceremony with everyone else? Doesn’t that kinda signify the end of a player’s college career?

Paige Bueckers announced she was coming back during her senior day ceremony

Many football players do it twice

[Merkin]

I have 0 expectations any of the 3 eligible seniors are coming back. BC97 is right, never seen anyone come back after senior day ceremonies like that for Arizona.

Just wishful thinking on our part. A very good college center with no NBA chances will probably do better with UA NIL than in many countries as a pro. Appreciate all that Larsson and Love has done for Arizona, but I am done with that era.

Too bad Keshad can't come back. Biggest need is a big strong PF like him. Bigs just seems really soft outside of him and Ballo.

[Beachcat97]

I have 0 expectations any of the 3 eligible seniors are coming back. BC97 is right, never seen anyone come back after senior day ceremonies like that for Arizona.

Just wishful thinking on our part. A very good college center with no NBA chances will probably do better with UA NIL than in many countries as a pro. Appreciate all that Larsson and Love has done for Arizona, but I am done with that era.

Too bad Keshad can't come back. Biggest need is a big strong PF like him. Bigs just seems really soft outside of him and Ballo.

We'd all love another year of Ballo. Just not holding my breath.

Ready for the Krivas era to begin in earnest.

[pc in NM]

I have 0 expectations any of the 3 eligible seniors are coming back. BC97 is right, never seen anyone come back after senior day ceremonies like that for Arizona.

Just wishful thinking on our part. A very good college center with no NBA chances will probably do better with UA NIL than in many countries as a pro. Appreciate all that Larsson and Love has done for Arizona, but I am done with that era.

Too bad Keshad can't come back. Biggest need is a big strong PF like him. Bigs just seems really soft outside of him and Ballo.

We'd all love another year of Ballo. Just not holding my breath.

Ready for the Krivas era to begin in earnest.

Good potential discussion topic: Cost/benefit for Ballo to Return

Possible benefits:

• improve draft status - Edey and Clingan appear to have done just that this season

• Have the best NCAA Tourney appearance of his career

• Bigs peak at higher ages

Possible costs:

• Lower income - I have no good information on how these would compare

• See less of the world

[WildcatStunner]

I like Ballo and feel he was a crucial part in helping Lloyd establish himself. However, I hope he goes onto a pro league to make some $$$.
Often times we would get PnR'd to death in an effort to exploit Ballo's lateral movement. This often forced us to go small and Ballo would have to be on the bench. He was also a liability against any bigs that could shoot.

That said, his offense was solid and his rebounding was exceptional and will be hard to replace.

[TheCat]

I don't find a lot of downside to a guy that just had 14 out of 15 double doubles in a row. If it is in his best interest financially and goal wise I would love for him to come back. More than any player he maxed his ability, was a great representative for Arizona and just a joyful kid.

[Merkin]

His S&C between the last 2 seasons was amazing. He did make that jump. Another year of elite conditioning would make him a star.

He's going to be a good player someplace, as long as he stays away from sugar.

[Beachcat97]

I can’t think of a roster development as significant as Ballo returning, were it to happen.

[dmjcat]

I can’t think of a roster development as significant as Ballo returning, were it to happen.

If Ballo returns I think he should give serious consideration to switching his free throw technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=290z6yjdrRo

[MrKyle]

I can’t think of a roster development as significant as Ballo returning, were it to happen.

I like the idea of Ballo coming back, but I think that would create quite a log jam at the 5 and lead to Anderson/Veesar transferring though?

Guess it depends if we think we'd only get a year more out of either of those two

[Beachcat97]

I can’t think of a roster development as significant as Ballo returning, were it to happen.

I like the idea of Ballo coming back, but I think that would create quite a log jam at the 5 and lead to Anderson/Veesar transferring though?

Guess it depends if we think we'd only get a year more out of either of those two

I still think an extra year of Ballo is an excellent "problem" to have. That log jam will work itself out. We need a back up center who can give at least 15 mpg.

[Beachcat97]

I can’t think of a roster development as significant as Ballo returning, were it to happen.

If Ballo returns I think he should give serious consideration to switching his free throw technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=290z6yjdrRo

I have confidence the coaches can work with him on that over the summer.

[Merkin]

Free throws are mental and using muscle memory. Ballo was a 70% FT shooter his first season at Arizona.

Maybe they did try and correct his technique making it worse. IIRC Ballo had line drive FTs then but they went in.

[RawleArenas]

This is where I split with the fan base on Ballo. Love his contributions as a player, but don't think he can be the leader we need him to be in the Big 12. I have a soft spot for 90's centers who didn't fall down at the slightest contact.

[Postmaster]

Can all of the seniors enter portal and go somewhere else?

Not Johnson, of corse.

[Merkin]

Seniors all heading to pro careers. From what I have read, only Larsson is getting a sniff from the NBA and probably early 2nd round.

[Beachcat97]

This is where I split with the fan base on Ballo. Love his contributions as a player, but don't think he can be the leader we need him to be in the Big 12. I have a soft spot for 90's centers who didn't fall down at the slightest contact.

He'd be a 5th (6th??) year senior starter. Say what you will about his leadership shortcomings, but it's just unusual to have a three year starter in our lineup. And imo, Ballo's upside greatly outweighs any downside.

If he wants to return, he'll be met with open arms.

[LuteIsGod]

This is where I split with the fan base on Ballo. Love his contributions as a player, but don't think he can be the leader we need him to be in the Big 12. I have a soft spot for 90's centers who didn't fall down at the slightest contact.

I thought that Ballo played with intensity and displayed the physicality we will need in the Big 12 the last 10 games of the season.

I think that he can and will be an excellent leader, if he returns.

[Irish27]

Cats ranked 18th in preseason poll for next year. Three Big-12 teams ranked ahead of them and none of those schools is Kansas.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-ba ... f35185995e

[Beachcat97]

Cats ranked 18th in preseason poll for next year. Three Big-12 teams ranked ahead of them and none of those schools is Kansas.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-ba ... f35185995e

ucla at 16

The rankings lost all credibility at that point.

[pc in NM]

Cats ranked 18th in preseason poll for next year. Three Big-12 teams ranked ahead of them and none of those schools is Kansas.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-ba ... f35185995e

What's the latest 2025 Bracketology look like????

I'm craving absolutely useless details to fill my off-season brain!!!

(Maybe I should resume being a baseball fan - there's a great source of unnecessary stats!)

[Merkin]

Cats ranked 18th in preseason poll for next year. Three Big-12 teams ranked ahead of them and none of those schools is Kansas.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-ba ... f35185995e

Guess they have a lot of time to do such things, but why invest any effort into this when the portal is still open and lineups will change dramatically?

As it looks now, Cats went with a S16 lineup of 4 starting seniors to a brand new starting lineup, with no scholarship seniors on the team.

So 18th? Cue the overrated chants.

[Postmaster]

Cats ranked 18th in preseason poll for next year. Three Big-12 teams ranked ahead of them and none of those schools is Kansas.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-ba ... f35185995e

ucla at 16

The rankings lost all credibility at that point.

In the Big 10, right?

[Beachcat97]

Cats ranked 18th in preseason poll for next year. Three Big-12 teams ranked ahead of them and none of those schools is Kansas.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-ba ... f35185995e

ucla at 16

The rankings lost all credibility at that point.

In the Big 10, right?

Yeah. And they’re coming off a season where they had a loaded roster and had their progress stunted by an incompetent coach. Expect more of the same in 2024-25. I’ll be surprised if they finish top 5 in that league.

[Postmaster]

I’d like Ballo and Love back, but it seems like that creates problems for coaches. They had to recruit assuming those guys were leaving .

[Beachcat97]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -25-season

This is more legit than those rankings posted upthread. And I think we could rise higher once the dust settles from the transfer portal.

[Winger]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -25-season

This is more legit than those rankings posted upthread. And I think we could rise higher once the dust settles from the transfer portal.

Interesting how they do it this early and I wonder how accurate that starting 5 for Arizona will end up being.

I don’t know anything but declaring for the portal doesn’t always mean one is gone. It can be used as leverage for NIL fund raising.

I don’t read Scheer and Luke anymore but I wonder if their “Love may come back” news is based on the recent rumor that someone(s) has pledged significant $$$ to his NIL.

Often in the past when that site in the early off season posted “Joe may come back” is has been homer and wrong and sometimes directly opposed to what I was hearing (Terry and Koloko being the most recent examples).

I don’t think I’d bet $5 on any starting 5 for Arizona at this point.

[pc in NM]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -25-season

This is more legit than those rankings posted upthread. And I think we could rise higher once the dust settles from the transfer portal.

"more legit" - ROTFLMAO!!!

And, BTW, what's rarer around here that a compliment for ESPin???

[azgreg]

I'm going to believe he's coming back until he says otherwise.

[VegasCatFan]

With a brand new starting 5 next year, pending Love's decision, I could see Bradley at PG, KJ at a wing, and Krivas in the middle. If we get the wing from TCU, good defender, bad shooter, and an athletic PF, with Sanon, Carter, Martinez, and Stephen off the bench, could we look a little like Houston next year? A potentially really strong defense with average overall shooting.

Still a bit early to really know what's going on, but the season is over so time to speculate.

[TheCat]

If you have Bradley and KJ starting we will struggle to score. Bradley's shooting came on at the end of the year but I think that is because teams were daring him to shoot. Love KJ's defense but will need to develop a more reliable shot to be effective. Love KJ's ability and confidence to take it to the hole.

[Beachcat97]

Bradley, KJ, Bryant, transfer 4 and Krivas

If KJ actually leaves, just means the freshmen guards get a shot earlier.

[IndianaZonaFan]

Right now Give me:

Bradley
Love
Lewis
Bryant
Krivas

Sanon
Phillips
Veesaar
Martinez
Stephen

Obviously we need a transfer 4 who can defend outside and stretch the defense a bit.

[pc in NM]

Right now Give me:

Bradley
Love
Lewis
Bryant
Krivas

Sanon
Phillips
Veesaar
Martinez
Stephen

Obviously we need a transfer 4 who can defend outside and stretch the defense a bit.

I like this.

I think KJ is especially significant because he is a great defender.

Hope these highly-rated frosh are nearly as good on D - too often a deficit on the AAU circuit...

[Beachcat97]

Right now Give me:

Bradley
Love
Lewis
Bryant
Krivas

Sanon
Phillips
Veesaar
Martinez
Stephen

Obviously we need a transfer 4 who can defend outside and stretch the defense a bit.

I'm assuming Love won't be back. If he is, then yes, love this lineup.

[Paperplanes]

I bet Sanon gets the most minutes of all the freshman and Carter plays the same or less minutes than Krivas did this year.

[SunnyAZ]

I bet Sanon gets the most minutes of all the freshman and Carter plays the same or less minutes than Krivas did this year.

I think Carter plays a lot. He is just big. Team has a lot of 6'3 dudes on it and he is 6'8. Can play either SF or PF.
Sanon is bigger than the other guards on the team so he has that, can play SF. Will most likely play most of his minutes at SF tbh.

Jamari and Carter are extreme bucket getters but they aren't gonna be allowed to play like that this year (isos, midpost post ups, shooting fadeaways etc). Sanon molds into that Pelle roll pretty nicely, I see his game as easily translatable.

But the problem with having a great recruiting class is playing 19 YOs v 22/23 YOs. Prob not a great idea.

[Djcat]

UConn’s Castle played like a senior. We can pray and hope

[LuteIsGod]

UConn’s Castle played like a senior. We can pray and hope

Is there any doubt that Dan "Turd Nugget" Hurley is the best coach in the country? He adjusted his offense to maximize his players' strengths. It kills me to see another successful Hurley!!!! Calgon, take me away!!!!

[UAEebs86]

UConn’s Castle played like a senior. We can pray and hope

Is there any doubt that Dan "Turd Nugget" Hurley is the best coach in the country? He adjusted his offense to maximize his players' strengths. It kills me to see another successful Hurley!!!! Calgon, take me away!!!!

Hope you meant the bath powder and not this one:

[TheCat]

I bet Sanon gets the most minutes of all the freshman and Carter plays the same or less minutes than Krivas did this year.

I think he will get the least. Bryant has size and can shoot. Phillips tape (haven't seen him in person) is Salim part 2.

[LuteIsGod]

UConn’s Castle played like a senior. We can pray and hope

Is there any doubt that Dan "Turd Nugget" Hurley is the best coach in the country? He adjusted his offense to maximize his players' strengths. It kills me to see another successful Hurley!!!! Calgon, take me away!!!!

Hope you meant the bath powder and not this one:

HAHA!

[dovecanyoncat]

UConn’s Castle played like a senior. We can pray and hope

Is there any doubt that Dan "Turd Nugget" Hurley is the best coach in the country? He adjusted his offense to maximize his players' strengths. It kills me to see another successful Hurley!!!! Calgon, take me away!!!!

Hope you meant the bath powder and not this one:

That one is as old as He promised her the world, but Brillo set her free! And while I'm hijacking the thread: It's Kenner, it's fun .... Aaawwk!

[TucsonClip]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -25-season

This is more legit than those rankings posted upthread. And I think we could rise higher once the dust settles from the transfer portal.

Interesting how they do it this early and I wonder how accurate that starting 5 for Arizona will end up being.

I don’t know anything but declaring for the portal doesn’t always mean one is gone. It can be used as leverage for NIL fund raising.

I don’t read Scheer and Luke anymore but I wonder if their “Love may come back” news is based on the recent rumor that someone(s) has pledged significant $$$ to his NIL.

Often in the past when that site in the early off season posted “Joe may come back” is has been homer and wrong and sometimes directly opposed to what I was hearing (Terry and Koloko being the most recent examples).

I don’t think I’d bet $5 on any starting 5 for Arizona at this point.

Whoa, Winger is here!?

Also, wanted to chime in and say I heard something similar as well. Not sure if it's a full pledge to his NIL or a donation to the hoops NIL/program with an earmark for Love.

[Winger]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -25-season

This is more legit than those rankings posted upthread. And I think we could rise higher once the dust settles from the transfer portal.

Interesting how they do it this early and I wonder how accurate that starting 5 for Arizona will end up being.

I don’t know anything but declaring for the portal doesn’t always mean one is gone. It can be used as leverage for NIL fund raising.

I don’t read Scheer and Luke anymore but I wonder if their “Love may come back” news is based on the recent rumor that someone(s) has pledged significant $$$ to his NIL.

Often in the past when that site in the early off season posted “Joe may come back” is has been homer and wrong and sometimes directly opposed to what I was hearing (Terry and Koloko being the most recent examples).

I don’t think I’d bet $5 on any starting 5 for Arizona at this point.

Whoa, Winger is here!?

Also, wanted to chime in and say I heard something similar as well. Not sure if it's a full pledge to his NIL or a donation to the hoops NIL/program with an earmark for Love.

No clue if its true, but I heard it was more than twice what Johnson received and for Love specifically. Question I have is: would Lloyd allow him to come back? That is a difficult question imo. Everything taken in to account it seems unlikely but who knows now a days. Also heard that if Love comes back Sanon doesn’t sign.

[TucsonClip]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... -25-season

This is more legit than those rankings posted upthread. And I think we could rise higher once the dust settles from the transfer portal.

Interesting how they do it this early and I wonder how accurate that starting 5 for Arizona will end up being.

I don’t know anything but declaring for the portal doesn’t always mean one is gone. It can be used as leverage for NIL fund raising.

I don’t read Scheer and Luke anymore but I wonder if their “Love may come back” news is based on the recent rumor that someone(s) has pledged significant $$$ to his NIL.

Often in the past when that site in the early off season posted “Joe may come back” is has been homer and wrong and sometimes directly opposed to what I was hearing (Terry and Koloko being the most recent examples).

I don’t think I’d bet $5 on any starting 5 for Arizona at this point.

Whoa, Winger is here!?

Also, wanted to chime in and say I heard something similar as well. Not sure if it's a full pledge to his NIL or a donation to the hoops NIL/program with an earmark for Love.

No clue if its true, but I heard it was more than twice what Johnson received and for Love specifically. Question I have is: would Lloyd allow him to come back? That is a difficult question imo. Everything taken in to account it seems unlikely but who knows now a days. Also heard that if Love comes back Sanon doesn’t sign.

Id be interested to see who Lloyd recruits at G if Love isn't back. We need someone else who can run point in that scenario, plus we are severely lacking in shooting and scoring. I'd also worry that taking a starting guard in the portal also scares off Sanon.

I'm not against Love coming back, but the entire Sanon commitment seems so out of left field. He clearly wasn't scared of Bos and/or knew he was leaving. I don't see any 4s in the portal who could take over the type of scoring load we need, which is really the issue here without Love.

[IndianaZonaFan]

Please Tommy!!!

[tweet]https://x.com/paulbiancardi/status/1778582175488606675[/tweet]

[84Cat]

Please Tommy!!!

[tweet] https://x.com/paulbiancardi/status/1778582175488606675[/tweet]

[IndianaZonaFan]

Please Tommy!!!

[tweet] https://x.com/paulbiancardi/status/1778582175488606675[/tweet]

Thanks 84

I can never get the embed feature to work. I pasted the address for the tweet and then deleted the ? And everything after.

[IndianaZonaFan]

Also I think McNeely is Kansas bound unless Furphy comes back.