Bear Down Wildcats

Chicat wrote:

Beachcat97 wrote:Any idea on when Rabb, Comanche, and Zimmerman are gonna make their decisions?

Rabb and Zimmerman in the spring. Comanche will be fairly soon. I'm thinking definitely before the season starts.

If we add Comanche and Rabb, things are ideal. One makes for a great situation if Ristic/Victor stay.

I would never bet against Sean Miller.

Who are our biggest competitors for Comanche? Any indication that he's an AZ lean?

Beachcat97 wrote:Who are our biggest competitors for Comanche? Any indication that he's an AZ lean?

UCLA, Oregon, Georgetown, UConn.

Definitely an Arizona lean, in my opinion. But who isn't?

Chicat wrote:

Beachcat97 wrote:Any idea on when Rabb, Comanche, and Zimmerman are gonna make their decisions?

Rabb and Zimmerman in the spring. Comanche will be fairly soon. I'm thinking definitely before the season starts.

Pretty sure Zimm is signing in the fall.

Jeter to Duke..........No surprise.

http://runrebs.com/2014/08/04/chase-jeter-chooses-duke/

I am watching Adidas nations and the commentators are slobbering all over Alford's dick!

Amazing to me that Briscoe has us in his final 5. I mean, he is a great player, but a bit of a duplicate with Trier. Not that I wouldn't gladly take them both...I just thought maybe the news of Trier's commit so closely proximate to Briscoe's cut would see us with a "thanks, but no thanks" elimination.

Further testament to the power of Miller. Kids can't quit him. Hopefully Briscoe sees the very real chance of a 3 guard lineup if the best of the best are PG/SG/SG, and is willing to come where he actually wants to go and either fight for a position or to add a position.

I don't think we get him...but I still think it is quite a statement that we are still in his mix.

Then full court press to get Thornton, Jr. in 2016 and let's be Point Guard U a different way...just have all the point guards

No offense to Briscoe. He's a great player and seems like a good kid, but I don't want him now. We already have three 5-star perimeter players in this class. Need to save some spots for the bigs.

Love that he's still interested in Tucson. Miller's magic at work.

Nice endorsement for Book!

Puerco wrote:No offense to Briscoe. He's a great player and seems like a good kid, but I don't want him now. We already have three 5-star perimeter players in this class. Need to save some spots for the bigs.

This. There's a limit to how many guards you can bring in, especially when you theoretically have PJC, York, Allen and Pitts all returning. Right now, we might be able to go 7 deep in the backcourt. Ray is probably more a 3, but that still leaves 6.

Locking down Rabb is the big, big deal.

84Cat wrote:Nice endorsement for Book!

This is great, but is there anyone who really thinks this guy will be a Wildcat? Seems like a longshot.

Beachcat97 wrote:

84Cat wrote:Nice endorsement for Book!

This is great, but is there anyone who really thinks this guy will be a Wildcat? Seems like a longshot.

There are positives even if there's little chance (and there seems to be little chance). Positive feedback from top recruits who probably aren't even going here just solidifies Arizona as a mandatory consideration for top recruits. The buzz around our program is all positive.

Beachcat97 wrote:

84Cat wrote:Nice endorsement for Book!

This is great, but is there anyone who really thinks this guy will be a Wildcat? Seems like a longshot.

What does Ace say?

Merkin wrote:

Beachcat97 wrote:

84Cat wrote:Nice endorsement for Book!

This is great, but is there anyone who really thinks this guy will be a Wildcat? Seems like a longshot.

What does Ace say?

That his premium forum had ZimmerMom saying this a month ago.

Is the general feeling that Zimmerman is a one and done player? Seems like a tough call right now.

Big man would make UA's 2015 class elite


9 hours ago • By Bruce Pascoe


Arizona busted out of the recruiting gate this summer to grab arguably the top class of 2015 basketball players in the country so far.

If they land a highly rated big man, the Wildcats might also finish with the top class.


Arizona “could have the best recruiting class in the country if it got Allonzo Trier, Ray Smith and Justin Simon and one or two other guys,” said Clark Francis, publisher of the Hoop Scoop recruiting service. “If they get Ivan Rabb, that’s a top one, two or three recruiting class.”



“We definitely have two top classes at this stage,” Gershon said.

Of their final targets, UA appears to be in better shape with Comanche than Zimmerman, but both of them have set official visits to Arizona this fall. In addition, Gershon said, Rabb told him he would probably visit UA for the Oct. 18 Red-Blue Game.

“My belief is that they probably lead for Comanche,” Gershon said. “I think heading into (Zimmerman’s) visit, I wouldn’t guess that Arizona is the team to beat by any means. But that being said, whenever you get a kid on campus, you have a shot.”


“I think the focus is on Rabb and Comanche,” Meyer said. “They might be able to work it out where they could take both. I think Rabb is the No. 1, maybe 1A and Comanche is 1B. (Arizona) really likes Comanche’s upside, and he’ll be there more than one year. Rabb is a one-and-done anyway.


http://tucson.com/sports/big-man-would- ... 36c9a.html

Considering all three of Trier, Simon and Smith should be in Tucson for at least two years, I'm really hopeful Rabb decides to come. Having all thsoe returners makes losing a a one and done much easier to absorb. Even at one year he instantly makes us a title contender with the talent that surrounds him. If we were to get Comanche instead, we'd still be super strong, but it seems the sum of the parts would have to be a little bit greater than what we're looking at on paper with Rabb. Then you throw in Zimmerman... crazy options here. Worst case scenario? None of them come and we take a 4 star PF or C to mix with Victor, Anderson and Ristic. Definitely a good WCS to be looking at.

Sonora919 wrote:Considering all three of Trier, Simon and Smith should be in Tucson for at least two years, I'm really hopeful Rabb decides to come. Having all thsoe returners makes losing a a one and done much easier to absorb. Even at one year he instantly makes us a title contender with the talent that surrounds him. If we were to get Comanche instead, we'd still be super strong, but it seems the sum of the parts would have to be a little bit greater than what we're looking at on paper with Rabb. Then you throw in Zimmerman... crazy options here. Worst case scenario? None of them come and we take a 4 star PF or C to mix with Victor, Anderson and Ristic. Definitely a good WCS to be looking at.

Probably 2-3 out of Simon Smith trier and rabb are 1 and drones.

You realize just how few players are actually one and dones? No way. Absolutely no way Smith or Simon leave after a year unless they're disgruntled. Rabb probably, but the NBA would be drafting on potential there, because he's way too slender for the League right now, and he doesn't have a frame like AG or Stanley. Trier? Who knows? He's an explosive scorer in high school, but how often does that translate directly to a freshman in D1?

Keep in mind that people are saying the 2015 class is pretty weak at the top. I saw somewhere, that outside of Ben Simmons, none of the top guys, Rabb included, would make the top 10-15 of the year before or after. I have no idea if that's truth or exaggeration, but if it's even remotely true, then the chances of one and done drop even further.

Puerco wrote:You realize just how few players are actually one and dones? No way. Absolutely no way Smith or Simon leave after a year unless they're disgruntled. Rabb probably, but the NBA would be drafting on potential there, because he's way too slender for the League right now, and he doesn't have a frame like AG or Stanley. Trier? Who knows? He's an explosive scorer in high school, but how often does that translate directly to a freshman in D1?

Keep in mind that people are saying the 2015 class is pretty weak at the top. I saw somewhere, that outside of Ben Simmons, none of the top guys, Rabb included, would make the top 10-15 of the year before or after. I have no idea if that's truth or exaggeration, but if it's even remotely true, then the chances of one and done drop even further.

completely agree. There is literally 0 chance Smith, coming off of an ACL tear, and Simon (probably won't even crack our rotation as a freshman) will sniff the NBA right away. Smith should make the league if he continues to develop the way he has over the last year and comes back fully healthy, but let's not assume that a 5* next to a guy's name is a connotation for soon to be in the NBA.

I'm hoping Simon can be a big impact Junior and Senior, anything else would be gravy IMO.

Besides Silver wants to raise the NBA draft age, which most college coaches support. If they get the buyoff with the players union then one and dones are a thing of the past.

Never did understand the resistance from the player's union. Having a smaller draft pool means that some old dues paying vet gets to keep his job for another year.

Smith is the best athlete, but injured
Simon the most intriguing size for skills, but is least athletic
Trier is most skilled, but only average explosion

My guess:

1 year: Rabb
2 year: Trier
3 year: Smith
4 year: Simon/Comanche

Josh likened Simon in level of skill and athleticism to Solomon Hill. He could leave after 2/3 just cause, but of them, Simon probably has the most work to do skills-wise. Needs to improve shooting, tendency to over-penetrate, and spacial recognition against ever quickening defenders. Lots to do and adjust to.

Smith was being mentioned as a likely top-10 prospect prior to setback. If his ACL is fully healed, his jumper was already average, and his athleticism was NBA quality. I could see him go as a sophomore, but I think Pitts claims starting SF role in 2015, with Smith as primary 15-20 mpg backup as underclassman and then start as a Junior.

Trier likely will look after year 1, and if the draft isn't strong, he'll likely go if a 1st. But he has a good head on his shoulder and a strong support system, so I could see him returning for a second year.

Rabb will be 1/done short of a new rule, regardless of how skinny.

Comanche will be a three year player minimum, likely 4 year.

Top NBA prospects in Class of 2015

I just got home from attending most of the big events in the July recruiting period -- a time where the top high school players have a chance to be seen for a dozen days in the month by all the college coaches.

NBA guys were also allowed to get a look at some of the top high school players at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Las Vegas early in the month.

We talked to some NBA guys in attendance, college coaches and also used what I saw throughout the month to come up with 12 players who have high NBA potential in the Class of 2015 (eligible for the 2016 NBA draft).


10. Ray Smith, 6-7, 185, SF, Las Vegas High
College: Arizona Wildcats

He tore his ACL early in July, so few got a chance to really see him. However, those that have seen him ooze at his potential. He’s long, athletic and is a more than capable shooter. One observer said he is a more advanced DeMarre Carroll at the same stage in terms of how he scores. Smith also considered UConn, but opted to commit to Arizona just days after suffering the knee injury that could put him on the shelf for most, if not all of his senior season.

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-go ... st?id=3936

Ray comes back healthy we're not going to have him long

Arizona has been in with Rabb as top priority in this class before any other school. Any other program is going to have to prove why he should go there before Tucson.

That's how I see it and that's why I'm not worried about the competition. Miller will get his man, and Comanche. Question to me is, does Rabb bolt after one year regardless of Arizona's finish?

I think how Ristic handles his time behind Zeus and/or Korcheck this season will speak volumes as to how this program can accommodate multiple four-star bigs. If anybody can stack 'em and keep 'em happy, it's Miller.

JMarkJohns wrote:Smith is the best athlete, but injured
Simon the most intriguing size for skills, but is least athletic
Trier is most skilled, but only average explosion

My guess:

1 year: Rabb
2 year: Trier
3 year: Smith
4 year: Simon/Comanche

Josh likened Simon in level of skill and athleticism to Solomon Hill. He could leave after 2/3 just cause, but of them, Simon probably has the most work to do skills-wise. Needs to improve shooting, tendency to over-penetrate, and spacial recognition against ever quickening defenders. Lots to do and adjust to.

Smith was being mentioned as a likely top-10 prospect prior to setback. If his ACL is fully healed, his jumper was already average, and his athleticism was NBA quality. I could see him go as a sophomore, but I think Pitts claims starting SF role in 2015, with Smith as primary 15-20 mpg backup as underclassman and then start as a Junior.

Trier likely will look after year 1, and if the draft isn't strong, he'll likely go if a 1st. But he has a good head on his shoulder and a strong support system, so I could see him returning for a second year.

Rabb will be 1/done short of a new rule, regardless of how skinny.

Comanche will be a three year player minimum, likely 4 year.

You really think Pitts is a future starter at the 3 spot for Arizona? Pending on a Smith full recovery there's just no way I can see that happening.

Pitts is a shooting guard for the rest of his career whose only time at the 3 will be if TJ and Stanley/York are the other two guards.

Hopefully part of all that hard work he put in this summer was on his ballhandling, because he's pretty much tied to his position unless he starts showing more as a point guard down the road.

Puerco wrote:You realize just how few players are actually one and dones? No way. Absolutely no way Smith or Simon leave after a year unless they're disgruntled. Rabb probably, but the NBA would be drafting on potential there, because he's way too slender for the League right now, and he doesn't have a frame like AG or Stanley. Trier? Who knows? He's an explosive scorer in high school, but how often does that translate directly to a freshman in D1?

Keep in mind that people are saying the 2015 class is pretty weak at the top. I saw somewhere, that outside of Ben Simmons, none of the top guys, Rabb included, would make the top 10-15 of the year before or after. I have no idea if that's truth or exaggeration, but if it's even remotely true, then the chances of one and done drop even further.

This. I love Rabb's potential, but he is really the only one I could think would pose a risk. Smith has the most upside, but coming off the injury, it would be way early to consider him a potential one and done.

I don't think there's any real chance one and done goes away until the next NBA CBA too. Expecting that to help us out is probably fools gold BC the NBA almost never makes a dramatic change prior to the point the CBA forces a renegotiation.

I desperately want to make a Wildcat out of Ivan Rabb.

The precentage keeps falling and peoples predictions keep changing!

http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/ ... redictions

dcZONAfan wrote:

Puerco wrote:You realize just how few players are actually one and dones? No way. Absolutely no way Smith or Simon leave after a year unless they're disgruntled. Rabb probably, but the NBA would be drafting on potential there, because he's way too slender for the League right now, and he doesn't have a frame like AG or Stanley. Trier? Who knows? He's an explosive scorer in high school, but how often does that translate directly to a freshman in D1?

Keep in mind that people are saying the 2015 class is pretty weak at the top. I saw somewhere, that outside of Ben Simmons, none of the top guys, Rabb included, would make the top 10-15 of the year before or after. I have no idea if that's truth or exaggeration, but if it's even remotely true, then the chances of one and done drop even further.

completely agree. There is literally 0 chance Smith, coming off of an ACL tear, and Simon (probably won't even crack our rotation as a freshman) will sniff the NBA right away. Smith should make the league if he continues to develop the way he has over the last year and comes back fully healthy, but let's not assume that a 5* next to a guy's name is a connotation for soon to be in the NBA.

I'm hoping Simon can be a big impact Junior and Senior, anything else would be gravy IMO.

Simon will potentially be a starter his first year as I see it. Considering we'll be losing McConnell, Johnson and possibly one of York or Pitts or Allen. Numbers dictate that Simon will quite possibly start next year (along with 2-3 of the other freshmen).

Lets hope this guy isn't the next Daniel Dillon:

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports. ... roundup-3/

ASUHATER! wrote:

dcZONAfan wrote:

Puerco wrote:You realize just how few players are actually one and dones? No way. Absolutely no way Smith or Simon leave after a year unless they're disgruntled. Rabb probably, but the NBA would be drafting on potential there, because he's way too slender for the League right now, and he doesn't have a frame like AG or Stanley. Trier? Who knows? He's an explosive scorer in high school, but how often does that translate directly to a freshman in D1?

Keep in mind that people are saying the 2015 class is pretty weak at the top. I saw somewhere, that outside of Ben Simmons, none of the top guys, Rabb included, would make the top 10-15 of the year before or after. I have no idea if that's truth or exaggeration, but if it's even remotely true, then the chances of one and done drop even further.

completely agree. There is literally 0 chance Smith, coming off of an ACL tear, and Simon (probably won't even crack our rotation as a freshman) will sniff the NBA right away. Smith should make the league if he continues to develop the way he has over the last year and comes back fully healthy, but let's not assume that a 5* next to a guy's name is a connotation for soon to be in the NBA.

I'm hoping Simon can be a big impact Junior and Senior, anything else would be gravy IMO.

Simon will potentially be a starter his first year as I see it. Considering we'll be losing McConnell, Johnson and possibly one of York or Pitts or Allen. Numbers dictate that Simon will quite possibly start next year (along with 2-3 of the other freshmen).

sorry but you're looking at the 5* next to his name. Everything I've heard is that he isn't even CLOSE to being ready to contribute in college

dmjcat wrote:Lets hope this guy isn't the next Daniel Dillon:

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports. ... roundup-3/

Lute had another Australian before Dillon, some big. Forgot his name, something like Bartlenoo. I think he transferred and disappeared.

Merkin wrote:

dmjcat wrote:Lets hope this guy isn't the next Daniel Dillon:

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports. ... roundup-3/

Lute had another Australian before Dillon, some big. Forgot his name, something like Bartlenoo. I think he transferred and disappeared.

Marty Barmentloo

UAEebs86 wrote:

Merkin wrote:

dmjcat wrote:Lets hope this guy isn't the next Daniel Dillon:

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports. ... roundup-3/

Lute had another Australian before Dillon, some big. Forgot his name, something like Bartlenoo. I think he transferred and disappeared.

Marty Barmentloo

Thanks 86, would give you rep if I could!

You can buy his game jersey for $25 plus shipping: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-ARIZONA-BA ... 43cd7a9e33

About his time at Arizona:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/col ... 2843ca1df1

Barmentloo, pigeon-holed as a "training body" mainly dealt with Arziona's assistant coaches and not legendary head coach Lute Olson.

"The only time I went into his office was to tell him I was leaving," Barmentloo said.

"He was personable but it was clear to me my role was as a training body.

"It (college) didn't harm me but it also didn't progress my career basketball-wise."

Met Marty in Cochise Hall. Friend was a resident assistant when I was a sophomore there. Talked him up.

He seemed honestly clueless about Lute and a lot of salient aspects of the program. Now I know why.

I don't understand why anyone would go all the way to Australia to recruit a "training body" when Andy Brown was contemporary evidence to prove the Pima pipeline was good enough. And hey, there was always walk-on bigs. Why Oz?

I'd love to hear Herb's pitch of why Comanche should pick ASU over us.

AZCatGirl wrote:

I'd love to hear Herb's pitch of why Comanche should pick ASU over us.

Only there to get a paid vacation and party!

AZCatGirl wrote:

I'd love to hear Herb's pitch of why Comanche should pick ASU over us.

The chance to play with Kodi Justice. Just play that highlight video again.

AZCatGirl wrote:

AZCatGirl wrote:

I'd love to hear Herb's pitch of why Comanche should pick ASU over us.

You don't "hear" Herb's pitch. You EXPERIENCE it... in the form of a 1/2 hour long coma-inducing PowerPoint presentation.

Chicat wrote:

AZCatGirl wrote:

I'd love to hear Herb's pitch of why Comanche should pick ASU over us.

You don't "hear" Herb's pitch. You EXPERIENCE it... in the form of a 1/2 hour long coma-inducing PowerPoint presentation.

This is the big closer:

I thought Herb played the kids polka music...

[youtube]FWP1pFYr4Iw[/youtube]

Chicat wrote:

AZCatGirl wrote:

I'd love to hear Herb's pitch of why Comanche should pick ASU over us.

You don't "hear" Herb's pitch. You EXPERIENCE it... in the form of a 1/2 hour long coma-inducing PowerPoint presentation.

Do you think the pitch will take place in the "all purpose" room. Anybody got that picture? It most certainly deserves a place here on this new site.

Anyone heard any news on Zimmerman? I'm assuming he won't commit till the spring.

I've assumed we're not at or near the top of his list, but 24/7 seems to think otherwise; not sure how credible that site is.

I wonder which way he's leaning.

Regarding Zimmerman a Kentucky writer thinks AZ still leads:

http://wildcatbluenation.com/2014/08/15 ... -matthews/

Miller getting Zimmerman's last visit was huge. I wouldn't bet against him.

Beachcat97 wrote:Anyone heard any news on Zimmerman? I'm assuming he won't commit till the spring.

I've assumed we're not at or near the top of his list, but 24/7 seems to think otherwise; not sure how credible that site is.

I wonder which way he's leaning.

As far as a commitment date, Zimmerman recently told SNY.tv, "Just whenever I feel comfortable. If I feel really comfortable with a school tomorrow, I'll commit."

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball ... rman-visit


Sounds like Miller's right where Arizona needs to be?