Bear Down Wildcats

billk78 wrote:

Longhorned wrote:I just a personal behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities, just for me alone. With the Doutrive thing, the players don't seem phased in the slightest.

On the court at McKale, they lowered the baskets and let me hang on the rims. I fondled the nets.

Is it okay that I typed that out loud?

I also got to go inside the "Experience Room" they use to recruit the players. It's a panoramic wall of video and sound, and a visceral display of all things Arizona Basketball.

I also got to run around on the football field.

They all thought I was weird. Someone in the know had to explain to one of the interns that I'm always like this.

I love this post. I don't know how much you got to see and/or hear....but do you get the impression the chemistry is real good with this team off the court?

Going back to last year, Justin Coleman, Brandon Williams, Ira, Jeter, and Smith are awesome. I mean, just stand-out people. So was Luther by the way. You take them and add Zeke, who is this really nice guy who hangs out with the team managers and student assistants. Green and Koloko are quiet, but in a really relaxed way, and definitely with the group and not at all aloof. I’ve seen Doutrive quite a bit, but he’s always been alone. Outside of McKale, I’ve never seen Nico, Baker, Gettings, or any of the others.

I don’t know if this means anything, but the Athletics staff and interns LOVE these guys. They’re the ones behind the scenes all the time, so yeah, it’s a good sign.

And just my impression, but Smith is exceptional. Really funny, too. People here wouldn’t be so exasperated by his dribbling if they talked to him off the court. I imagine that in practice and in the locker room, he’s as fully bought in as they come.

lbsu game thread is up

Longhorned wrote:

billk78 wrote:

Longhorned wrote:I just a personal behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities, just for me alone. With the Doutrive thing, the players don't seem phased in the slightest.

On the court at McKale, they lowered the baskets and let me hang on the rims. I fondled the nets.

Is it okay that I typed that out loud?

I also got to go inside the "Experience Room" they use to recruit the players. It's a panoramic wall of video and sound, and a visceral display of all things Arizona Basketball.

I also got to run around on the football field.

They all thought I was weird. Someone in the know had to explain to one of the interns that I'm always like this.

I love this post. I don't know how much you got to see and/or hear....but do you get the impression the chemistry is real good with this team off the court?

Going back to last year, Justin Coleman, Brandon Williams, Ira, Jeter, and Smith are awesome. I mean, just stand-out people. So was Luther by the way. You take them and add Zeke, who is this really nice guy who hangs out with the team managers and student assistants. Green and Koloko are quiet, but in a really relaxed way, and definitely with the group and not at all aloof. I’ve seen Doutrive quite a bit, but he’s always been alone. Outside of McKale, I’ve never seen Nico, Baker, Gettings, or any of the others.

I don’t know if this means anything, but the Athletics staff and interns LOVE these guys. They’re the ones behind the scenes all the time, so yeah, it’s a good sign.

And just my impression, but Smith is exceptional. Really funny, too. People here wouldn’t be so exasperated by his dribbling if they talked to him off the court. I imagine that in practice and in the locker room, he’s as fully bought in as they come.

That's so cool to hear about thank you. Im in New Jersey so unfortunately I don't get down to many games and don't get that same experience. Must be awesome.
I'm not too surprised to hear about Smith being a good dude. Watching interviews with some of the younger players they've all mentioned him as being so helpful with them getting adjusted.

enfuego wrote:Seen Baker play. He won't get off the bench.

22 assists
1 turnover
0 bench blisters

Nice 2nd half after looking rusty the first half and the SDSU game.

My concern from this team after 6 games is and has been rebounding, with free throw shooting second.

For that reason the @ Baylor game to me seems way tougher because they're going to kill us on the boards. Way more worried about that game right now than Gonzaga.

Chicat wrote:

enfuego wrote:Seen Baker play. He won't get off the bench.

22 assists
1 turnover
0 bench blisters

We need some more fuego prognostication. It does a team good.

That was exactly the game we were wanting to see after the SDSU game.

Love the quality depth this year. I'd like to see a little improvement in our rebounding but everything else looks great. It's really fun to watch this team.

RondaeShimmy wrote:Nice 2nd half after looking rusty the first half and the SDSU game.

My concern from this team after 6 games is and has been rebounding, with free throw shooting second.

For that reason the @ Baylor game to me seems way tougher because they're going to kill us on the boards. Way more worried about that game right now than Gonzaga.

Worried about our defense as well.

ChooChooCat wrote:

RondaeShimmy wrote:Nice 2nd half after looking rusty the first half and the SDSU game.

My concern from this team after 6 games is and has been rebounding, with free throw shooting second.

For that reason the @ Baylor game to me seems way tougher because they're going to kill us on the boards. Way more worried about that game right now than Gonzaga.

Worried about our defense as well.

At times both of those can be porous but it seems we do a better job as the game lengthens. Example was they out rebounded us in the first half but we ended up out rebounding them. We also held another team to a sub 70 point night

azcat49 wrote:

ChooChooCat wrote:

RondaeShimmy wrote:Nice 2nd half after looking rusty the first half and the SDSU game.

My concern from this team after 6 games is and has been rebounding, with free throw shooting second.

For that reason the @ Baylor game to me seems way tougher because they're going to kill us on the boards. Way more worried about that game right now than Gonzaga.

Worried about our defense as well.

At times both of those can be porous but it seems we do a better job as the game lengthens. Example was they out rebounded us in the first half but we ended up out rebounding them. We also held another team to a sub 70 point night

Our depth helps us there. Our second halves have to do with a deep rotation.

That said, rebounding needs to be better. Zeke is #1 in terms of who I'd like to see stepping up. For his size and mobility, he shouldn't be satisfied with 5 or 6 a game.

The past two games, it feels like we've come out without high level energy and intensity from the tip. Baylor and Gonzaga will punish that.

There's no way this team is ready to play top-25 opponents with their current rebounding.

I wish I understood what this means in terms of improvement. As a player against similarly skilled competition, I've always been committed to boxing out, and nobody every gave more focus and effort to rebounding than me. And yet I could never grab a rebound.

Can this team turn it around?

We moved up to #13 in KenPom with #21 in adjO and # 20 in adjD

Arizona is still #14 in the latest AP poll

84Cat wrote:We moved up to #13 in KenPom with #21 in adjO and # 20 in adjD

We've actually moved down in Kenpom the last two games.

After NMSU Arizona was #11 in Kenpom, #12 in offense and #20 in defense.

The raw numbers show why. Arizona's Kenpom offense was 109.3 after NMSU, currently it's 109.1. Not much difference

The Kenpom defense after NMSU 87.8, currently it's 88.3.

So pretty much others teams have gotten better offensively and have passed Arizona in offensive efficiency, the defense has gotten worse but others teams have also dropped and Arizona has stayed at #20

In terms of energy level from the outset of games I thought it was much improved last night vs. NDSU. The problem was we were maybe too amped up and forcing a lot of shots inside instead of kicking it out like we saw in the second half. I give them a pass considering how CSM got on their ass for not getting the ball inside.

I agree the rebounding effort needs to be more consistent. But I did have a chuckle at one point in the second half when 3 of our guys went up together with nobody around and basically knocked the ball to the opposing player for a non-contested dunk.

Are we too used to seeing the ball go in the bucket? We have a 59% eFG for the season so far...

Too focused on transition defense?

We're one of the tallest teams in the country but we're middle of the road when it comes to rebounding.

YoDeFoe wrote:Are we too used to seeing the ball go in the bucket? We have a 59% eFG for the season so far...

please tell me why this is the case?

YoDeFoe wrote:Are we too used to seeing the ball go in the bucket? We have a 59% eFG for the season so far...

Like we used to say in 2013-14, making shots is for teams that aren't good enough to grab offensive rebounds.

YoDeFoe wrote:Are we too used to seeing the ball go in the bucket? We have a 59% eFG for the season so far...

Too focused on transition defense?

We're one of the tallest teams in the country but we're middle of the road when it comes to rebounding.

Off Rebound% 31.8% (#68 in nation)
Def Rebound% 75.1% (#129 in nation)

https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-baske ... cats/stats" target="_blank

Maybe too focused on fast break pts

Also #23 in steals per game

RondaeShimmy wrote:

YoDeFoe wrote:Are we too used to seeing the ball go in the bucket? We have a 59% eFG for the season so far...

Too focused on transition defense?

We're one of the tallest teams in the country but we're middle of the road when it comes to rebounding.

Off Rebound% 31.8% (#68 in nation)
Def Rebound% 75.1% (#129 in nation)

https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-baske ... cats/stats" target="_blank

Maybe too focused on fast break pts

Also #23 in steals per game

The defensive percentage is what's concerning. We aren't playing teams noted for being great on the offensive glass.

One of the things is playing Zeke over Chase. Chase's Dreb % is 26.7. Zeke is 14.3. Zeke is obviously better on offense, but he gives up something on the glass, especially the defensive glass.

Zeke averages 25 minutes per game, 10 more than Ira. It amounts to one more board averaged per game than Ira.

Isn't it really a matter of the west coast refs knowing which big on Arizona is so good that it's unfair, and then making it their goal from the outset to take that big out of the game as quickly as possible?

Anyone seen a team play yet you don’t think we could beat in March? Because I haven’t.

Beachcat97 wrote:Anyone seen a team play yet you don’t think we could beat in March? Because I haven’t.

I'm not sold on our physicality. Zeke is not as nearly as strong as we may need him to be against bigger and talented front lines. And can Jeter hold up and take a pounding inside?

Beachcat97 wrote:Anyone seen a team play yet you don’t think we could beat in March? Because I haven’t.

Could or would?

Like ZG says, I'm not sold we're good enough on the defensive glass or consistent enough on D to say would. We could beat a lot of teams.

Looking at how flawed some of the teams in the top ten are right now and the rankings are kind of a joke. Michigan State, Kentucky, and UNC in particular are not top ten teams despite preseason projections. Virginia is suspect (no offensive consistency). Kansas is suspect (key players struggling). Gonzaga's depth is questionable.

Louisville and Ohio State look real right now. Maryland might be legit (great depth, nice senior PG leadership). Texas Tech might be. Duke might be (unfortunately). Auburn might be if they keep everyone eligible (Daniel Purfoiy's mom is selling t-shirts with him in an Auburn jersey on them).

zonagrad wrote:

Beachcat97 wrote:Anyone seen a team play yet you don’t think we could beat in March? Because I haven’t.

I'm not sold on our physicality. Zeke is not as nearly as strong as we may need him to be against bigger and talented front lines. And can Jeter hold up and take a pounding inside?

I get this. But in March, you only gotta beat the team in front of you. How many teams are there out there who would clearly put us at a disadvantage physically? Not many.

Also, no team looks clearly ahead of the rest at this point. There is a cluster of solid tier-1 teams, and I think AZ is either in that group or knocking on the door.

We have a lot of the ingredients of a team built for tourney success: excellent guard play, bench depth, ability to play fast or slow, veteran leaders, pro-level talent...I mean, the defense is obviously a work in progress, and maybe that'll be our Achilles heel. But I'm gonna give Sean the benefit of the doubt on this one. He expects his guys to defend like a mofo, so this will be a season-long project for our team. We've got some special players on this team. Just sorta feels like we're due to break through in March.

Ok - here is the revamped version:

(if you can't see this try using this link - https://imgur.com/a/cG0fWlB )

OMG so great Irish. What could be more perfect than shitting on our main antagonists

I could watch this all day.

An artist among us

Looks like the game at Baylor is at the exact time and date as the Big 12 championship game Baylor is playing in

I wonder how many show up

Or if the crowd is more or less into it

Beachcat97 wrote:

zonagrad wrote:

Beachcat97 wrote:Anyone seen a team play yet you don’t think we could beat in March? Because I haven’t.

I'm not sold on our physicality. Zeke is not as nearly as strong as we may need him to be against bigger and talented front lines. And can Jeter hold up and take a pounding inside?

I get this. But in March, you only gotta beat the team in front of you. How many teams are there out there who would clearly put us at a disadvantage physically? Not many.

Also, no team looks clearly ahead of the rest at this point. There is a cluster of solid tier-1 teams, and I think AZ is either in that group or knocking on the door.

We have a lot of the ingredients of a team built for tourney success: excellent guard play, bench depth, ability to play fast or slow, veteran leaders, pro-level talent...I mean, the defense is obviously a work in progress, and maybe that'll be our Achilles heel. But I'm gonna give Sean the benefit of the doubt on this one. He expects his guys to defend like a mofo, so this will be a season-long project for our team. We've got some special players on this team. Just sorta feels like we're due to break through in March.

My worry is that a physical team, say Sparty, can neutralize our advantage with 2nd chance points. I’d feel much more comfortable if we were winning the rebounding battle on the defensive end by a decisive margin.

We have barely out rebounded every team we have played (some concern). Maybe our transition game is reducing the rebounding numbers. Our guards and wings are definitely looking more to get out into transition instead of going to the glass. I love it!

RondaeShimmy wrote:Looks like the game at Baylor is at the exact time and date as the Big 12 championship game Baylor is playing in

I wonder how many show up

Or if the crowd is more or less into it

Kind of an important story that won't get a ton of play. Big for us.

Miller noted in his presser that he expects better rebounding out of Zeke. Let’s see if we get more from him on the boards, though I love him running the floor for the easy bucket.

66 points in a half

Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

I've got a 12:45 tee time tomorrow.

azgreg wrote:

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

I've got a 12:45 tee time tomorrow.

You are one brutal mofo, G.

azgreg wrote:

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

I've got a 12:45 tee time tomorrow.

Personal attack. Someone report this post.

Oh hey great idea guys. We should get a Tucson golf crew going

Chicat wrote:

azgreg wrote:

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

I've got a 12:45 tee time tomorrow.

Personal attack. Someone report this post.

I'm tellin' ya, Greg could tame White House press briefings while hungover and watching a Wildcats game on his phone. "Good morning everyone, hold on, cracking one...."

Chicat wrote:

azgreg wrote:

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

I've got a 12:45 tee time tomorrow.

Personal attack. Someone report this post.

You know what they say, move snow while you're young, move to Tucson when your joints can't handle it anymore.

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:

Chicat wrote:

azgreg wrote:

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Boom got the satellite radio hooked up in the tractor so I can listen to the cats while moving snow in my driveway/laydown area. My fanaticism has hit an apex. 2 feet of snow coming tomorrow. I'm almost ready for it. Go cats go!!!!

I've got a 12:45 tee time tomorrow.

Personal attack. Someone report this post.

You know what they say, move snow while you're young, move to Tucson when your joints can't handle it anymore.

Boy am I an idiot. I'm moving to Denver in January.

Power lines down everywhere, took the day off from delivering fuel, will spend the whole day opening roads and playing traffic cop. I love it here!!!

prh wrote:Oh hey great idea guys. We should get a Tucson golf crew going

I just met the Club Manager at Stone Canyon and wants me to come out and play. Bucket list

Jefe wrote:

That is one crazy top 25

I don't hate it. Though I'd drop UNC from the top 10 and move Texas Tech and Auburn and Dayton up some. Oregon shouldn't get the 1 though - that's UL or tOSU right now.