#2

[Olsondogg]

In my uneducated opinion I saw pretty good improvement in all parts of Zeus's game from year 1 to year 2 and expect the same level of improvement throughout this year. he may not get the blocks a guy his size should, but he sure as hell effects a lot of shots.

This. And to say he can't rebound is comical.

[Chicat]

If Ristic is as good as his Red/Blue performance then we have a legit backup for Zeus which will allow him to be more assertive on defense and the boards without having to worry about foul trouble.

[Olsondogg]

If Ristic is as good as his Red/Blue performance then we have a legit backup for Zeus which will allow him to be more assertive on defense and the boards without having to worry about foul trouble.

This is what I hope for. Miller has stated that he played better in the Red/Blue than he had in practice...and he looked more polished offensively than I expected. Miller also said that he has a ways to go defensively...

[ZONACAT]

I would if you know....Tarc could defend and rebound.

Ha...so you basically think the team would be better w/o Tarc?

It's obviously frustrating when he has butterfingers or misses a point-blank shot but he's a great FT shooter that can go for 14&10 on any given night while altering countless shots from the opposition. A great deal of what Tarc provides won't show up on the stat sheet and Miller knows this and has Tarc's back accordingly.

Which was your favorite Tarc tournament game? His 1 rebound against SDSU, his 4 rebounds against Wisconsin, his 4 rebounds against Weber? I'm guessing it is his 5 rebound game against Gonzaga. Fourteen rebounds in 111 minutes. Tremendous stuff all around.

[PieceOfMeat]

If Ristic is as good as his Red/Blue performance then we have a legit backup for Zeus which will allow him to be more assertive on defense and the boards without having to worry about foul trouble.

This is what I hope for. Miller has stated that he played better in the Red/Blue than he had in practice...and he looked more polished offensively than I expected. Miller also said that he has a ways to go defensively...

If Ristic's D isn't where it should be for Miller, then the only way we'll see him is if we're in dire straits with foul trouble. I'd imagine Miller would rather go smaller than put in a player who isn't D'ing up the way he wants them to be.

[Olsondogg]

If Ristic is as good as his Red/Blue performance then we have a legit backup for Zeus which will allow him to be more assertive on defense and the boards without having to worry about foul trouble.

This is what I hope for. Miller has stated that he played better in the Red/Blue than he had in practice...and he looked more polished offensively than I expected. Miller also said that he has a ways to go defensively...

If Ristic's D isn't where it should be for Miller, then the only way we'll see him is if we're in dire straits with foul trouble. I'd imagine Miller would rather go smaller than put in a player who isn't D'ing up the way he wants them to be.

I am excited to see him in spurts this year, but future years will be more fruitful for Ristic for sure.

[catgrad97]

POM, then Miller must REALLY have Tarc's back, because even Don Maclean was calling him out more than once for letting Ristic get the ball so close to the hoop and do work.

Tarc is one of the most beastly Division I physical specimens, yet he's still fading away from the hoop and getting shots stuffed at the rim.

These are reasons why he might be the sole returner from this year's starters. The man needs to go to the rim with authority every time he gets the damn ball this season.

[pokinmik]

Which was your favorite Tarc tournament game? His 1 rebound against SDSU, his 4 rebounds against Wisconsin, his 4 rebounds against Weber? I'm guessing it is his 5 rebound game against Gonzaga. Fourteen rebounds in 111 minutes. Tremendous stuff all around.

I'm not going to say he was awesome during the tournament, because he wasn't. Guarantee he paved the way for our other players to grab alot of rebounds either by tip outs or occupying the opposing big men though. As I said, Tarc's real value usually isn't going to show up on the stat sheet. Miller wouldn't play him if he was only grabbing 4 rebounds and nothing else like you're implying. But yea, Tarc should be much more assertive and physical on a more consistent basis, he is farrr from perfect. I just think he'll be a quality center for what should be a FF team, not some scrub who should be riding pine for Ristic.

[gumby]

I laugh when I hear people say that a freshman Ristic will be more effective than a junior Zeus. Don't you people care about defense and rebounding out of your center? Sure he's got a nice hook, but as for the rest let's just wait a bit, eh?

I would if you know....Tarc could defend and rebound.

Would you start him?

[gumby]

POM, then Miller must REALLY have Tarc's back, because even Don Maclean was calling him out more than once for letting Ristic get the ball so close to the hoop and do work.

Tarc is one of the most beastly Division I physical specimens, yet he's still fading away from the hoop and getting shots stuffed at the rim.

These are reasons why he might be the sole returner from this year's starters. The man needs to go to the rim with authority every time he gets the damn ball this season.

Same question. Start him? If so, why?

[97cats]

zero chance Kaleb Tarczewski doesnt start every game this season unless hes injured or suspended.

[catgrad97]

Of course Zeus starts. Ristic is Arizona's future, and so far I like what I see. He just has different strengths than Zeus.

[ZONACAT]

I laugh when I hear people say that a freshman Ristic will be more effective than a junior Zeus. Don't you people care about defense and rebounding out of your center? Sure he's got a nice hook, but as for the rest let's just wait a bit, eh?

I would if you know....Tarc could defend and rebound.

Would you start him?

Sure, but I'd have a quick hook and not necessarily for Ristic. I'd like to see Bash at the 5 a lot this year.

Tarc being dreadful in the tournament and especially against SDSU/Wiscy when Arizona needed him the most has made me question if he will ever "get it" and be the player SM wants him to be.

[gumby]

Of course Zeus starts. Ristic is Arizona's future, and so far I like what I see. He just has different strengths than Zeus.

Of course? I only see putdowns. Why start him?

[gumby]

I laugh when I hear people say that a freshman Ristic will be more effective than a junior Zeus. Don't you people care about defense and rebounding out of your center? Sure he's got a nice hook, but as for the rest let's just wait a bit, eh?

I would if you know....Tarc could defend and rebound.

Would you start him?

Sure, but I'd have a quick hook and not necessarily for Ristic. I'd like to see Bash at the 5 a lot this year.

Tarc being dreadful in the tournament and especially against SDSU/Wiscy when Arizona needed him the most has made me question if he will ever "get it" and be the player SM wants him to be.

This is your "pro" for why you'd start him? Hate to see the con.

[Jefe]

Twin Towers in AZ!

TJ
SJ
BA
DR
KT

We could make two starting 5s that are better than any other in the country

[PieceOfMeat]

POM, then Miller must REALLY have Tarc's back, because even Don Maclean was calling him out more than once for letting Ristic get the ball so close to the hoop and do work.

Tarc is one of the most beastly Division I physical specimens, yet he's still fading away from the hoop and getting shots stuffed at the rim.

These are reasons why he might be the sole returner from this year's starters. The man needs to go to the rim with authority every time he gets the damn ball this season.

Not sure why you're directing this to me, or really what you mean by it.

Someone else said that Miller said Ristic isn't where he needs to be defensively. I simply chimed in that if it's true that Ristic isn't where he needs to be, I seriously doubt we'll see Miller put him on the floor very often (barring extreme foul trouble).

Do you doubt that Miller would rather go to a slightly smaller lineup of guys who play D up to his level, rather than put in a guy just cause he's tall?

[ZONACAT]

Arizona will go small a ton this year, there will be a lot of games where Ristic is a DNP or will get <5 minutes.

[KaibabKat]

Last Serbian big man at Arizona as a Freshman - Ivan Radenovich:

Played in 23 of 30 games, 14.2 mpg, 5.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg.

Would not surprise me if Dusan ended up with fairly similar numbers.

[gumby]

Rhymes with Tucson?

[Puerco]

I laugh when I hear people say that a freshman Ristic will be more effective than a junior Zeus. Don't you people care about defense and rebounding out of your center? Sure he's got a nice hook, but as for the rest let's just wait a bit, eh?

I would if you know....Tarc could defend and rebound.

Would you start him?

Sure, but I'd have a quick hook and not necessarily for Ristic. I'd like to see Bash at the 5 a lot this year.

Tarc being dreadful in the tournament and especially against SDSU/Wiscy when Arizona needed him the most has made me question if he will ever "get it" and be the player SM wants him to be.

Aren't a lot of guys awful against Kaminsky? Ristic had 2 rebounds in red-blue. Tarc had what, 9? Do you think Miller is just blowing smoke when he raves about Tarc's defense?

[catgrad97]

POM, then Miller must REALLY have Tarc's back, because even Don Maclean was calling him out more than once for letting Ristic get the ball so close to the hoop and do work.

Tarc is one of the most beastly Division I physical specimens, yet he's still fading away from the hoop and getting shots stuffed at the rim.

These are reasons why he might be the sole returner from this year's starters. The man needs to go to the rim with authority every time he gets the damn ball this season.

Not sure why you're directing this to me, or really what you mean by it.

Someone else said that Miller said Ristic isn't where he needs to be defensively. I simply chimed in that if it's true that Ristic isn't where he needs to be, I seriously doubt we'll see Miller put him on the floor very often (barring extreme foul trouble).

Do you doubt that Miller would rather go to a slightly smaller lineup of guys who play D up to his level, rather than put in a guy just cause he's tall?

Miller wants to have the right matchup to win every game.

I only addressed you because Olsondogg responded before I could reply directly.

Tarczewski has GOT to get to the ball in many more situations this year than last. He can't be the unused option down the stretch anymore.

You can't teach height? Then show what it can do.

He also can't be the one practice starter who needs help on D during games. Loren Woods never did, and he had all sorts of confidence problems while he was here.

Zeus doesn't. If he is going to make the legit first-round jump, it must be this year, and it must be by playing aggressively with his hands.

[PieceOfMeat]

POM, then Miller must REALLY have Tarc's back, because even Don Maclean was calling him out more than once for letting Ristic get the ball so close to the hoop and do work.

Tarc is one of the most beastly Division I physical specimens, yet he's still fading away from the hoop and getting shots stuffed at the rim.

These are reasons why he might be the sole returner from this year's starters. The man needs to go to the rim with authority every time he gets the damn ball this season.

Not sure why you're directing this to me, or really what you mean by it.

Someone else said that Miller said Ristic isn't where he needs to be defensively. I simply chimed in that if it's true that Ristic isn't where he needs to be, I seriously doubt we'll see Miller put him on the floor very often (barring extreme foul trouble).

Do you doubt that Miller would rather go to a slightly smaller lineup of guys who play D up to his level, rather than put in a guy just cause he's tall?

Miller wants to have the right matchup to win every game.

I only addressed you because Olsondogg responded before I could reply directly.

Tarczewski has GOT to get to the ball in many more situations this year than last. He can't be the unused option down the stretch anymore.

You can't teach height? Then show what it can do.

He also can't be the one practice starter who needs help on D during games. Loren Woods never did, and he had all sorts of confidence problems while he was here.

Zeus doesn't. If he is going to make the legit first-round jump, it must be this year, and it must be by playing aggressively with his hands.

I agree with all of this, but I don't see how it changes that Ristic won't be seeing the floor if he can't D up.

But yeah, Zeus needs to improve a bit.

[catgrad97]

POM, then Miller must REALLY have Tarc's back, because even Don Maclean was calling him out more than once for letting Ristic get the ball so close to the hoop and do work.

Tarc is one of the most beastly Division I physical specimens, yet he's still fading away from the hoop and getting shots stuffed at the rim.

These are reasons why he might be the sole returner from this year's starters. The man needs to go to the rim with authority every time he gets the damn ball this season.

Not sure why you're directing this to me, or really what you mean by it.

Someone else said that Miller said Ristic isn't where he needs to be defensively. I simply chimed in that if it's true that Ristic isn't where he needs to be, I seriously doubt we'll see Miller put him on the floor very often (barring extreme foul trouble).

Do you doubt that Miller would rather go to a slightly smaller lineup of guys who play D up to his level, rather than put in a guy just cause he's tall?

Miller wants to have the right matchup to win every game.

I only addressed you because Olsondogg responded before I could reply directly.

Tarczewski has GOT to get to the ball in many more situations this year than last. He can't be the unused option down the stretch anymore.

You can't teach height? Then show what it can do.

He also can't be the one practice starter who needs help on D during games. Loren Woods never did, and he had all sorts of confidence problems while he was here.

Zeus doesn't. If he is going to make the legit first-round jump, it must be this year, and it must be by playing aggressively with his hands.

I agree with all of this, but I don't see how it changes that Ristic won't be seeing the floor if he can't D up.

If Ristic allows big men to establish in the paint like Tarc did at Red-Blue, Miller would have every right to go small and not give him any minutes beyond the first half to avoid foul trouble.

I hope we can suffocate the paint as much as, if not more than, our big guys did last year. Opponents just couldn't score down there--trouble is they got too many second chances, which is where Tarc and Ristic come in too.

[Olsondogg]

Twin Towers in AZ!

TJ
SJ
BA
DR
KT

We could make two starting 5s that are better than any other in the country

Miller openly laughed at this lineup and suggestion when it was presented at media day. Like literally laughed aloud and said no way.

[gumby]

Tarc doesn't get the credit he deserves on defense. He is the reason teams will game plan differently against Arizona. He's one of the reasons they did last year. He protects the middle and the rim. He can do that without getting blocked shots. When he is out, teams have more success down low.

Ask his 'mates if they like having him down there. Bet they say, "hell yeah!"

We run pack line. Having a very large, mobile dude down there is hell on opponents. If he doesn't get much better offensively, he will still be valuable. That's why Miller raves. He loves defense. He hates giving up points in the paint.

There is no stat for this, other than FG% defense as a team. If he becomes an offensive force, that's gravy. It would be nice, but it's not vital. Not as vital as what he does on the other end.

I do agree that he could rebound better. Think it's his hands that betray him. He fumbles balls and has no second jump. Not much of a first one either.

I think he's a four-year player. I think he is as valuable as coach says.

[Catstatic]

Ristic allowed Tarc to set up in the paint? Not as much as Tarc allowed Ristic. Ristic scored seemingly at will against Zeus in the very low post. Let's just put it this way: they both need to work on their post defense.

Go Cats!!

[Chicat]

Kenpom preseason has us at #5 behind Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas.

http://kenpom.com/index.php

Which leads me to wonder... With absolutely no data to go on so far, how is there a Kenpom ranking for anyone?

[Puerco]

Kenpom preseason has us at #5 behind Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas.

http://kenpom.com/index.php

Which leads me to wonder... With absolutely no data to go on so far, how is there a Kenpom ranking for anyone?

There's a couple of links in the first paragraph here: http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog ... s_glossary

[dcZONAfan]

Kenpom preseason has us at #5 behind Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas.

http://kenpom.com/index.php

Which leads me to wonder... With absolutely no data to go on so far, how is there a Kenpom ranking for anyone?

sometimes you have to take KenPom w/ a grain of salt.....like when he ranks UCLA 13th preseason.....YIKES

[Olsondogg]

Kenpom preseason has us at #5 behind Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas.

http://kenpom.com/index.php

Which leads me to wonder... With absolutely no data to go on so far, how is there a Kenpom ranking for anyone?

sometimes you have to take KenPom w/ a grain of salt.....like when he ranks UCLA 13th preseason.....YIKES

Yeah. KenPom starts to make sense right around the beginning of the conf. season. Until then, it will vary dramatically often from week to week.

[gumby]

What's all this talk about KenPorn?

[Puerco]

Kenpom preseason has us at #5 behind Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, and Kansas.

http://kenpom.com/index.php

Which leads me to wonder... With absolutely no data to go on so far, how is there a Kenpom ranking for anyone?

sometimes you have to take KenPom w/ a grain of salt.....like when he ranks UCLA 13th preseason.....YIKES

It's just based on computer numbers that are virtually meaningless early in the season. All the computer rankings are similarly bad and volatile.

[Jefe]

2nd week at #2 with 4 first place votes. 16 pts ahead of Wisc and 83 behind Kentucky. If Kansas wins tonight we could be #1. We haven't even been playing like a top 20 team...

[Chicat]

We haven't even been playing like a top 20 team...

Sure we have. For one thing, we're holding opponents to 40% shooting while shooting 55% ourselves. We're also averaging 11 steals a game. That's elite level defense right there.

[Longhorned]

Then maybe there are no top-20 teams yet. AP should rank numbers 60-84. Arizona can be #61.

[gumby]

I give Kentucky a max of 6 games before we overtake them.

I don't.

[Longhorned]

Ok then I give Kentucky a max of 7 games before we overtake them.

[97cats]

Tarc doesn't get the credit he deserves on defense. He is the reason teams will game plan differently against Arizona. He's one of the reasons they did last year. He protects the middle and the rim. He can do that without getting blocked shots. When he is out, teams have more success down low.

Ask his 'mates if they like having him down there. Bet they say, "hell yeah!"

We run pack line. Having a very large, mobile dude down there is hell on opponents. If he doesn't get much better offensively, he will still be valuable. That's why Miller raves. He loves defense. He hates giving up points in the paint.

There is no stat for this, other than FG% defense as a team. If he becomes an offensive force, that's gravy. It would be nice, but it's not vital. Not as vital as what he does on the other end.

I do agree that he could rebound better. Think it's his hands that betray him. He fumbles balls and has no second jump. Not much of a first one either.

I think he's a four-year player. I think he is as valuable as coach says.

thanks for the excellent post!!!

[97cats]

We haven't even been playing like a top 20 team...

i dont agree

[Bosy Billups]

Tarc doesn't get the credit he deserves on defense. He is the reason teams will game plan differently against Arizona. He's one of the reasons they did last year. He protects the middle and the rim. He can do that without getting blocked shots. When he is out, teams have more success down low.

Ask his 'mates if they like having him down there. Bet they say, "hell yeah!"

We run pack line. Having a very large, mobile dude down there is hell on opponents. If he doesn't get much better offensively, he will still be valuable. That's why Miller raves. He loves defense. He hates giving up points in the paint.

There is no stat for this, other than FG% defense as a team. If he becomes an offensive force, that's gravy. It would be nice, but it's not vital. Not as vital as what he does on the other end.

I do agree that he could rebound better. Think it's his hands that betray him. He fumbles balls and has no second jump. Not much of a first one either.

I think he's a four-year player. I think he is as valuable as coach says.

thanks for the excellent post!!!

If Zeus is a four-year player, then no Rabb.

4 year Zeus + Risic or Rabb + Risic?

(Damn, Zeus would dominate year four with all those youngsters relying on him. Unquestioned leader, plus Anderson, Victor)

[Olsondogg]

Who is Risic?

[Longhorned]

If Zeus is a four-year player, then no Rabb.

4 year Zeus + Risic or Rabb + Risic?

(Damn, Zeus would dominate year four with all those youngsters relying on him. Unquestioned leader, plus Anderson, Victor)

Rabb is a power forward. If Arizona wants to play him at his NBA position instead of center, then that's a selling point for Rabb.

[Jefe]

i dont agree

damnit, OK. I hate these slow starts and I need to stop comparing this years team with last years.

Cant wait to watch the big man battles tonight. Row 4 seats so I imagine Ill be looking up at them

[Chicat]

i dont agree

damnit, OK. I hate these slow starts and I need to stop comparing this years team with last years.

Cant wait to watch the big man battles tonight. Row 4 seats so I imagine Ill be looking up at them

As frustrating as they are to watch, I think the slow starts are beneficial. And I'm fine with us not blowing these teams out by 50.

It's become cliche, but it really is a process. Mistakes made in November are valuable teaching points for games in March.

[Olsondogg]

What is a slow start? What is a fast start?

Is it better to run faster in the beginning of a marathon or the end? Or should there be pacing involved?

Why am I creating running analogies?

[gumby]

Tarc doesn't get the credit he deserves on defense. He is the reason teams will game plan differently against Arizona. He's one of the reasons they did last year. He protects the middle and the rim. He can do that without getting blocked shots. When he is out, teams have more success down low.

Ask his 'mates if they like having him down there. Bet they say, "hell yeah!"

We run pack line. Having a very large, mobile dude down there is hell on opponents. If he doesn't get much better offensively, he will still be valuable. That's why Miller raves. He loves defense. He hates giving up points in the paint.

There is no stat for this, other than FG% defense as a team. If he becomes an offensive force, that's gravy. It would be nice, but it's not vital. Not as vital as what he does on the other end.

I do agree that he could rebound better. Think it's his hands that betray him. He fumbles balls and has no second jump. Not much of a first one either.

I think he's a four-year player. I think he is as valuable as coach says.

thanks for the excellent post!!!

If Zeus is a four-year player, then no Rabb.

4 year Zeus + Risic or Rabb + Risic?

(Damn, Zeus would dominate year four with all those youngsters relying on him. Unquestioned leader, plus Anderson, Victor)

Pot stirred.

[gumby]

What is a slow start? What is a fast start?

Is it better to run faster in the beginning of a marathon or the end? Or should there be pacing involved?

Why am I creating running analogies?

Just don't hit "the wall." Gonna miss that analogy with Nick gone.

[Merkin]

Cats are going to come back and win, but this should throw some flags up about UA being a very far #2 from UK.

[PieceOfMeat]

Cats are going to come back and win, but this should throw some flags up about UA being a very far #2 from UK.

Through 2.5 games, I'd be hard pressed to defend the Cats' current ranking.