Bear Down Wildcats

Ben and Tubelis are quite a duo. There's more talent on our 2021-22 roster than some may realize.

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:43 am Ben and Tubelis are quite a duo. There's more talent on our 2021-22 roster than some may realize.

Who exactly doesn’t realize Mathurin and Tubelis are very talented? Feels like you’d have to have spent last season in a snow cave with no Internet/TV to not realize that. If they weren’t extremely talented I doubt CSM would have recruited them.

In my mind the question isn’t talent. It’s how do all the players’ individual talents complement each other and are we missing any critical skills amongst that talent pool which could make this season a difficult one. So while it’s great that Maturin and Tubelis are doing well in the games going on now, I don’t know how you can extrapolate that success and make predictions about the upcoming season.

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:43 am Ben and Tubelis are quite a duo. There's more talent on our 2021-22 roster than some may realize.

Keeping as many of the team as possible was the most important recruiting targets for Tommy Boy Loyd.

I know I said "just roll the ball out / no one year rentals" but I need to hear that Dawson Garcia is not coming to Arizona or I won't be able to stop thinking of how massive an upgrade Garcia would be over whatever "big" is supposed to join Tubelis (e.g. small-ball Mathurin / Koloko / Ballo).

Chicat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 12:23 pm

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:43 am Ben and Tubelis are quite a duo. There's more talent on our 2021-22 roster than some may realize.

Who exactly doesn’t realize Mathurin and Tubelis are very talented? Feels like you’d have to have spent last season in a snow cave with no Internet/TV to not realize that. If they weren’t extremely talented I doubt CSM would have recruited them.

In my mind the question isn’t talent. It’s how do all the players’ individual talents complement each other and are we missing any critical skills amongst that talent pool which could make this season a difficult one. So while it’s great that Maturin and Tubelis are doing well in the games going on now, I don’t know how you can extrapolate that success and make predictions about the upcoming season.

Hear me out, Chi. Certainly WE (ie: those who discuss AZ hoops on a message board) realize how talented these guys are. I was speaking more of national media and college hoops fans who probably know next to nothing about Lloyd or about our 2021-22 roster.

If you're more comfortable making finer distinctions between simply having talent and how that talent fits together, not a problem.

As for making predictions about the coming season, your guess is as good as mine. It's year one of a new coach. I love our roster, but I have no illusions about what's realistic to expect from this team. If Lloyd's first year in Tucson is more successful than Miller's last, I'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Garcia news isn't so surprising, right?

I was hoping we would get Garcia. But didn’t feel great about our chances. Just didn’t seam like he was coming West.

I have hopes of getting Obanor. he won’t be AS impactful as Garcia, but he won’t be a slouch either. Can rebound and step outside and hit 3’s when needed, so able to spread floor for driving lanes for others.

Not sure about his defense, someone please jump in and speak to this as I don’t do the film thing and only remember him going off in the tourney on offense.

Also Katz posted a new Power 36 and we are not in the 36, nor are we one of the other 25 under consideration…so therefore he doesn’t think of us as a top 61 team for next year. Can’t wait for this team to prove many in his field wrong.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-me ... withdrawal

Kerr, Pelle, Benn, and Tubelis are going to be fun to watch in CTL’s system. Koloko, Dalen, Kier, And Nowell will be great in their roles too. Bal could be our wild card depending on speed of his development.

IndianaZonaFan wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:50 am I was hoping we would get Garcia. But didn’t feel great about our chances. Just didn’t seam like he was coming West.

I have hopes of getting Obanor. he won’t be AS impactful as Garcia, but he won’t be a slouch either. Can rebound and step outside and hit 3’s when needed, so able to spread floor for driving lanes for others.

Not sure about his defense, someone please jump in and speak to this as I don’t do the film thing and only remember him going off in the tourney on offense.

Obanor would be an absurdly useful late pick-up. Efficient three level scorer, quick release on his jumper, a menace in the pick and roll (hit nearly 50% of his pick and pop threes). Great footwork and body control, nice strength and athleticism. Had three double doubles in the NCAA tournament so clearly his game translates against high majors.

Hangs his hat on the offensive end and but could probably focus on both ends of the floor more easily with lower usage (he was a better defender two seasons ago with lower usage). Doesn't have the length to be a force on that end of the floor (likely what kept him out of the draft) but he's clearly a net positive with his rebounding and scoring taken into consideration.

Ryan Anderson with Gabe York's three point shot. Yeah, I'd take him

He's from Houston, will get attention from anyone with an opening - I'd figure he stays relatively local to Texas. Very high character kid.

I'd also hope that we're looking at Texas State F Isiah Small - 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, led the conference in blocks and shot over 40% from three. Very nice two-way player, thin build but is quick on and off his feet. High character kid from a tough background.

https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/ ... overlooked

Haven't seen that we've reached out but I love his game.

YoDeFoe wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:29 pm I'd also hope that we're looking at Texas State F Isiah Small - 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, led the conference in blocks and shot over 40% from three. Very nice two-way player, thin build but is quick on and off his feet. High character kid from a tough background.

https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/ ... overlooked

Haven't seen that we've reached out but I love his game.

If we try to improve our roster that might hurt someone on the current rosters feelings per Coach Lloyd. So we will go into the season with 8 players and a Ballo.

gronk4heisman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:51 pm

YoDeFoe wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:29 pm I'd also hope that we're looking at Texas State F Isiah Small - 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, led the conference in blocks and shot over 40% from three. Very nice two-way player, thin build but is quick on and off his feet. High character kid from a tough background.

https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/ ... overlooked

Haven't seen that we've reached out but I love his game.

If we try to improve our roster that might hurt someone on the current rosters feelings per Coach Lloyd. So we will go into the season with 8 players and a Ballo.

Yeah it seems like the strategy is "too much change already this off-season...but we have some good talent remaining on the roster. Let's go with what we have and build for the future."

Would love another talented big right now but can live with that for one transition year I suppose.

The Garcia news really sucks. I am definitely not comfortable going into the season with our bigs.

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 1:26 pm

gronk4heisman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:51 pm

YoDeFoe wrote: ↑Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:29 pm I'd also hope that we're looking at Texas State F Isiah Small - 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, led the conference in blocks and shot over 40% from three. Very nice two-way player, thin build but is quick on and off his feet. High character kid from a tough background.

https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/ ... overlooked

Haven't seen that we've reached out but I love his game.

If we try to improve our roster that might hurt someone on the current rosters feelings per Coach Lloyd. So we will go into the season with 8 players and a Ballo.

Yeah it seems like the strategy is "too much change already this off-season...but we have some good talent remaining on the roster. Let's go with what we have and build for the future."

Would love another talented big right now but can live with that for one transition year I suppose.

We're offering players, don't hop off a bridge because of Lloyd's quote y'all. If Garcia had chosen Arizona - do you think Lloyd would have said "actually no, we're good - Omar Ballo's feelings might get in the way of your PT here."

Clearly we're still interested in adding to the frontcourt - if the Garcia offer wasn't enough to prove it, Lloyd commented in the same interview y'all are referencing that he'd prefer to play two bigs but could see us going small ball with the current roster.

With Tubelis, Koloko, and Ballo as our only bigs - and Tubelis as our only reasonable PF (without just playing a wing there) - adding a PF seems obvious.

I am being lazy but does anyone know when & where to watch this game?

84Cat wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 11:46 am I am being lazy but does anyone know when & where to watch this game?

ESPN+ on Sat at 7:50am

https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/ ... d282f84587

Might be able to catch it on the YouTube channel live as well if not an ESPN+ subscriber:

https://www.youtube.com/c/FIBA

I have been watching all the games on regular YouTube. They have live streams and full games.

I forget every year but whens the full schedule released? I have a flight credit and need to decide between the November Vegas tourney, P12 tourney or maybe a CA/OR/WA road game weekend

I'm excited for the coming season. Really looking forward to see the coaching/philosophy difference.

I’m just the opposite.
Self sanctioning and the process of stringing along Miller, then firing him, then getting Lloyd (a lifetime assistant) all has left me feeling blah.

Throw in all of the football coaching process, softball and baseball going 2 and Q.....

Having by a hard time getting excited for U of A sports.

Postmaster wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 3:21 pm I’m just the opposite.
Self sanctioning and the process of stringing along Miller, then firing him, then getting Lloyd (a lifetime assistant) all has left me feeling blah.

Throw in all of the football coaching process, softball and baseball going 2 and Q.....

Having by a hard time getting excited for U of A sports.

That is exactly where I am. Not interested in even watching either football or basketball until and unless the new "coaches" can really show they have what it takes. In fact, haven't watched a down of FB since the 2019? debacle against ASsU, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Rah! Rah! doesn't win games.

I have more confidence in Fisch than I have in Lloyd, which isn't saying much.

Some of you guys need to go get some cheese to go with your whine. If you don’t want to follow U of A sports that’s your prerogative but to me that’s bullshit fandom.

Nobody put a gun to Miller’s head to be loyal to Book who caused his demise. Nobody thought Sumlin was going to be a colossal flop which required an immediate change. Nobody thought Johnson was going anywhere mid-season and then with a run to the CWS he bolts for more money. Shit happens and you deal with it. Are the
replacements everyone’s first choice? Of course not. Are Heeke and Robbins loathed for how they fucked Miller and are rolling the dice with unproven coaches? Ummm, yeah.

But I have been following U of A sports for the last 40 years through good times and a shit load of bad. That’s not going to change because I didn’t get the coach I wanted or I think our President and AD should be run out of town.

None of these teams have played 1 fucking game yet so I’m actually excited to see what will happen. It might end up sucking but we also might be pleasantly surprised. That’s the great thing about sports…you just never really fucking know.

There are no huge expectations so I am going to enjoy following our teams and new coaches to see what they can become. Not continue to re-hash what happened that got us here.

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 5:15 pm Some of you guys need to go get some cheese to go with your whine. If you don’t want to follow U of A sports that’s your prerogative but to me that’s bullshit fandom.

Sounds like you could use some Havarti.

It’s not that I don’t want to be excited.
We watched every game last season.
I’m on here every day.
The emotion just isn’t there right now.

Chicat wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 10:11 pm

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri Jul 09, 2021 5:15 pm Some of you guys need to go get some cheese to go with your whine. If you don’t want to follow U of A sports that’s your prerogative but to me that’s bullshit fandom.

Sounds like you could use some Havarti.

I will take some molded Roquefort at this point on this stupid diet.

I told you I would become extra grumpy…

I like nacho

Anyone see the USA v Canada FIBA game and want to comment? I see Benn put up 19 (good!) on 17 attempts (not good!) with five boards, three assists, and four TOs... -12 on the plus minus, lowest for both squads.

Did anyone see that nasty fall from the USA player hanging on the rim? I could barely watch the replay on that one that. That one could have easily ended very badly.

No, but I saw Connor McGregor snap his leg like a twig.

Postmaster wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 1:02 am No, but I saw Connor McGregor snap his leg like a twig.

I heard Juzang is coming back to UCLA

Potentially another big year for the Pac. Biggest difference for UCLA this year, imo, is that they're no longer under the radar. Everyone sees them coming, and opposing coaches should be better prepared. They're loaded, but it wouldn't surprise me to see them fall short of those lofty expectations.

Oregon is always in the hunt. I wonder what's up with OSU, Colorado, USC...all did well this past March.

Will be interesting to see what Tommy Boy can do in year one.

Merkin wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:29 pm

He also didn't mention Koloko and Terry, who started a combined 33 games last year, when saying we lack proven production beyond Mathurin.

It reads like he forgot the 3 starters we're returning.

I am a pretty sure I saw Kriisa walking down Campbell today.

I just added Wilner to my "Doesn't have a clue" list. When was the last time Arizona returned 4 starters?

Wilner has been a long time UofA antagonist so this is of little surprise to me.

Maybe it helps as motivation or at worst they can use his paper in the toilet facilities.

The PAC should be pretty good again but I don’t see anyway they could or should slip to 9th.

Dave wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 10:04 pm I just added Wilner to my "Doesn't have a clue" list. When was the last time Arizona returned 4 starters?

Wilner knows what gets clicks: Shitting on the conference leadership and twisting the knife into the most passionate fan bases.

It feels like every year Arizona finished 1st or 2nd, Wilner had predicted 5th place.

Wilner can go pound sand.

Y'all ready for this? Match-ups have been set for the Romain Main Event in Vegas.

https://collegehoopstoday.com/index.php ... las-vegas/

Arizona v Wichita St
Michigan v UNLV

First round, Nov 19th in Vegas - Winners play on Nov 21

Wichita St should be a Q1 match-up (top-50, neutral site) for seeding purposes - that should be a very good early test for us as we're similarly ranked pre-season. Michigan certainly will be - and they'll be waiting for the winner of our game after thrashing what looks to be a poor UNLV team.

I've got my tickets.

https://www.axs.com/events/397883/roman ... in=tmobile

Lots of pessimism out here.

I think many of us are so used to CSM bringing in loads of guys each year that we are undervaluing our returners.

I am looking forward to seeing Tommy’s open system with cutters and screen action. I like about roster as is, but we have a glaring hole and need someone around 6’8” who can rebound and defend at a high level.

Roster
Kerr- can’t wait to see him in this system. It fits him well.
Pelle- think he can create and score. Has a good frame that will translate to defense well
Benn- possible first round pick
Tubelis- possible first round pick
Koloko- serviceable center with ability to run the floor and alter shots on defense
Kier- should be a decent bench guard
Dalen- looking forward to his continued development. Big guard who can pass well
Nowell- underrated guard who will be great in transition and should rebound and defend well enough to earn minutes
Ballo- not sold
Bal- will be amazing in a year or 2. Could help earlier if needed due to injury. I’m excited for him down the road. Could shock us and be ready sooner.

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 2:44 pm https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/07/13/ ... -of-teams/

Sorry I gave this moron a click. Adama Bal on the all freshman team (who very likely will redshirt) but no one other than Tubelis on any other conference team? Get real. I feel like he only put Tubelis on there because he forgot him on his other article to act like he knows something.

gronk4heisman wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:16 pm

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 2:44 pm https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/07/13/ ... -of-teams/

Sorry I gave this moron a click. Adama Bal on the all freshman team (who very likely will redshirt) but no one other the Tubelis on any other conference team? Get real. I feel like he only put Tubelis on there because he forgot him on his other article to act like he knows something.

I guess I'd point to this guy as an example of a beat writer who's really in the dark about AZ in 2021-22. I'm seeing a lot of that around the interwebs.

Ever since Wilner left the Arizona Daily Star to go the Bay Area it seems he goes overboard trying to prove he isn't a homer.