Moderators: UAdevil, JMarkJohns
Chicat wrote:If anything, our chances have gotten better recently.dcZONAfan wrote:Why do we need 97 to chime in again? He already said he thinks it's more than likely JJ chooses us. There would be nothing that has changed in the few weeks since he said that
Pretty sure Chi was agreeing with me. Besides JJ, anything else that comes is pure gravy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.HiCat wrote:Chicat wrote:If anything, our chances have gotten better recently.dcZONAfan wrote:Why do we need 97 to chime in again? He already said he thinks it's more than likely JJ chooses us. There would be nothing that has changed in the few weeks since he said that
And others on Miller's radar. Some general updates a la "right where we need to be" with whomever.
Doubt he's going overseas as long as he can qualify academically. A year of high-level college hoops has proven to be an excellent developmental and promotional instrument for many, many future lotto picks. AG and SJ come to mind.ChooChooCat wrote:Much more worried about losing Jackson to overseas than I am him committing to another university not named Arizona.
I don't understand this sentiment. There is literally NOTHING pointing to Jackson having any interest in going overseas.ChooChooCat wrote:Much more worried about losing Jackson to overseas than I am him committing to another university not named Arizona.
Overseas has always been a serious option for him. No reason to think he is going that route at this time, but it remains as major an option for him as Arizona or Michigan State are. Jerry Meyer recently commented that the overseas talk has come back as of late on twitter not too long ago.dcZONAfan wrote:I don't understand this sentiment. There is literally NOTHING pointing to Jackson having any interest in going overseas.ChooChooCat wrote:Much more worried about losing Jackson to overseas than I am him committing to another university not named Arizona.
Besides some random comment (probably from Zagoria) like a year ago. He is playing college ball. And until 97 says anything different, he's gonna be playing that college ball here
This is the last we have about the overseas route for Jackson. I haven't seen anything more recent, have you?Jones says her son will take all five of his official visits, and he’s not expected to make a college decision until the spring. While Jones has been critical of the NCAA and the way it treats prospective student-athletes, she quickly shot down any chance of Jackson skipping college altogether for a season overseas before he heads off to the NBA.
“I’ve read that crap,” she says of the overseas rumors. “Josh wants to go to college, so Josh will be on a college campus. He’s definitely going to do that.
“If he entertained (going overseas), I would definitely entertain it. Because that’s how much I think the NCAA is messed up. … But my kid is going to college.”
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/ ... rylink=cpy" target="_blank
ChooChooCat wrote:Much more worried about losing Jackson to overseas than I am him committing to another university not named Arizona.
Yep, and it also makes me wonder about the logjam in the backcourt next year.carolinacat wrote:The more I see Kadeem Allen knock down jumpers and improve his defense, PJC run the offense smoothly and pile up assists, Ristic get comfortable in the post and playing defense, Tollefsen settling in and everyone else really buying in to Miller's style, the more I think this team could be pretty darn dangerous in March.
Right now, it would be:Puerco wrote:Yeah, not sure where Alkins would fit in if we've got Simmons, Trier, Jackson, Smith, and Markkanen. That's not even considering the minutes PJC, Allen, and Ristic will eat up.
Who cares, though? Bring 'em all down!
Mr. Lieberman, you're priceless. Just when my brow does a worry-furl after reading one of these long , impossible discussions you come up with something and I suddenly feel yes, the world will in fact be okay. Thank you, sir.Alieberman wrote:Why hasn't anyone bumped the Can Miller Recruit thread?
Well, we have roster space, just not sure about minutes.ChooChooCat wrote:Yeah I don't think it's possible for Arizona to land all 3 of Simmons, Alkins, or Jackson. 2 at max.
The 2 are probably the same. I struggle to see how Trier, Simon, JJ, Smith and Alkins could all find minutes. With Simmons, there shouldn't be much available at PG.Beachcat97 wrote:Well, we have roster space, just not sure about minutes.ChooChooCat wrote:Yeah I don't think it's possible for Arizona to land all 3 of Simmons, Alkins, or Jackson. 2 at max.
I agree! After all the injuries of this year, maybe Miller will want to have a loaded team.PennZona20 wrote:If Kentucky and Cal can do it, why not Miller and Arizona???
Cal has convinced top recruits to buy in to 2nd unit minutes, so why can't Miller???
Is there a law stating it can only be UK and Cal that can do this ?
Merkin wrote:Practicing against the zone in practice is good for the offense too, that way they don't get so confused in a game when they see a zone which has happened quite a bit in the CSM era.
Even Cal has never had to convince a player to be third on the depth chart at his position. 2nd unit is one thing, but if Trier returns, we could be Allen/Simmons/PJC and Trier/Simon/Alkins at the guards if we get all the guys under discussion.PennZona20 wrote:If Kentucky and Cal can do it, why not Miller and Arizona???
Cal has convinced top recruits to buy in to 2nd unit minutes, so why can't Miller???
Is there a law stating it can only be UK and Cal that can do this ?
I'm not sure how much this has been discussed, but isn't this really the ONLY option for Simon?rgdeuce wrote:Maybe Simon gets more burn at the 3 backing up JJ
There's a total # element for me. It's really, really hard to fit minutes for more than 10 people, and Alkins/JJ would put us at 11 without Pitts included. If PJC or Simon were not to return, that changes. I just don't know how good a chance Miller has at selling anyone at being that 11th man, but someone will have to do it.rgdeuce wrote:"Rawle Alkins is playing like a 15-year NBA veteran." - Sean Miller while at his game.
Minutes will be tough to come by for guards in 2016-2017 if we bring in everyone we expect. But who knows, maybe the injury bug strikes again, maybe someone leaves. Miller knows how he is going to make that work, or he would be backing off. Maybe Simon gets more burn at the 3 backing up JJ and Smith is used more at the 4. Maybe Alkins and Simon platoon at the 2. That loaded of a team is going to be murdering people most nights too so.. Plenty of get in, take care of business, get the last 10 minutes off. You look at the Washington school games, we could have gotten in the walk ons with 8 minutes left. I expect a ton of that.
Regardless, after next season, things are going to be clearing up with the loss of JJ and Kadeem, at minimum. Simon, who needs development, has 2 years left. Alkins has 3. Smith will have 3. Trier (if he doesn't bolt)= 2. Simmons (if he doesn't bolt = 3). PJC who has had plenty of minutes in two seasons thus far, will be a senior with another big role if he has to take a hit his jr year. At this point, anyone who commits to Arizona knows exactly what they are getting themselves into. They also see how Kentucky can get huge classes in. I know Space said none of those guys were third on the depth charts and I agree with that, but our players have so much positional flexibility that I think Miller can make it work without having Kentuckys silly A and B team going on. Alkins is already talking about the possibility of playing Trier, JJ, Simmons. He isn't dumb and he knows Kadeem will be a returning senior starter, and PJC will be a junior. If he doesn't come here, its highly likely it is because of that log jam, but if he does, he is fully aware. And there is a shot either Ristic or Lauri bolts, which frees up some minutes at the 4. I know I am not taking into account whoever the 2017 class brings us, but it seems like Miller has a plan and part of that is being ahead of the game so we aren't in the situation we are in this year (which is actually not bad at all, but was saved by multiple transfers). I think Miller is trying to get away from relying on transfers.
I'd speculate that it at least isn't helping him make strides towards the improvement he needs. How much it hurts, it's hard to tell, but it sure can't help.Chicat wrote:Could his shooting form have something to do with whatever hand/wrist injury he sustained?
Talk about over the top hyperbole.CalStateTempe wrote:In Dr. haters opinion, he should just amputate the hand and move on.
Agree. No need for amputation. He can probably have the joints "frozen" and try to lead a normal lifestyle as possible.ASUHATER! wrote:Talk about over the top hyperbole.CalStateTempe wrote:In Dr. haters opinion, he should just amputate the hand and move on.
I don't think he persuades anyone that they're going to be the 11th man. These kids are all uber confident, and they're all convinced that they'll be starting. When reality, which is determined by how everyone stacks up in the preseason practices, sets in, *then* the kids have to be persuaded to deal with being guy #11. If they can handle it, then they can use Gabe as an inspiration. If not, Craig Victor.Spaceman Spiff wrote: There's a total # element for me. It's really, really hard to fit minutes for more than 10 people, and Alkins/JJ would put us at 11 without Pitts included. If PJC or Simon were not to return, that changes. I just don't know how good a chance Miller has at selling anyone at being that 11th man, but someone will have to do it.
With 200 total minutes and some people over 20 mpg, the time for that 11th man will be minimal to nonexistent.
Agreed, and I don't think anyone doubts this for a second. However I will say that when shooting is the missing skill it seems like more of an uphill battle for that player to be consistently productive on offense because it's so easy for a defense to sag off and dare someone to take the jumper. Now the last few years this was more of a problem for, say, AG and RHJ because we didn't have a lot of shooters around them but at least this year and (projected) next year we have some guys who can hit threes and open up the lane for Simon a little more.carolinacat wrote:Simon does contribute on the offensive end, just not in the traditional way many of us expect. He's great in transition and goes strong to the basket. His shooting skills are a little to be desired (ok, a lot) but his athleticism makes up for an awful lot. He provides a different element to the game that someone like Pitts couldn't hope to bring. For a freshman, he's been a really solid role player for this squad. He plays D, rebounds, and disrupts. On the offensive end, sometimes you have to close one eye and turn your head....but he is still a freshman. I remember when Nic Wise was unwatchable his freshman year. Simon has a lot of potential. The more he plays, the more comfortable he'll get.
No rule that says you cant play shooting guard if you cant shoot. Dwyane Wade cant even shoot over 30 percent from deep most years, Lance Stephenson shot 17 percent from 3 just a year ago. 3's have taken over 2's for being the top perimeter scorers anyhow, just look at the number of great 3's in the league to the dwindling 2's. He's fine at the 2 to play D, run the floor, give length, and penetrate. If you got Lauri out there who can stretch the floor and shoot at the 4, say Trier at the 3, and Kadeem or PJC at 1, there is plenty of shooting and balance offensively. The kid is still raw offensively and awkward, but he has shown he knows when to put the ball on the floor and get to the cup. 54% from the floor for a freshman 2 guard without a shot, I'll take it.dcZONAfan wrote:I'm not sure how much this has been discussed, but isn't this really the ONLY option for Simon?rgdeuce wrote:Maybe Simon gets more burn at the 3 backing up JJ
He doesn't distribute the ball and he can't shoot. He is a three, through and through. Doesn't matter what the recruiting sites labeled him in high school, those were simply wrong.
And he is going to be one HELL of a three his Junior and Senior years if he is here that long. Upside is ridiculous, but it seems pretty clear based on his form that he'll never be able to shoot. It's one of the ugliest shots I've ever seen. I CRINGE when he goes to the free throw line
I think we could all agree that Simon could massively benefit from an improved jumper. That said, we haven't had a guy who can slash and just jump over the D like Simon can since Iguodala. That's why I'd rather have him developing than a one and done Alkins, frankly. His physical gifts are rare.dcZONAfan wrote:Agreed, and I don't think anyone doubts this for a second. However I will say that when shooting is the missing skill it seems like more of an uphill battle for that player to be consistently productive on offense because it's so easy for a defense to sag off and dare someone to take the jumper. Now the last few years this was more of a problem for, say, AG and RHJ because we didn't have a lot of shooters around them but at least this year and (projected) next year we have some guys who can hit threes and open up the lane for Simon a little more.carolinacat wrote:Simon does contribute on the offensive end, just not in the traditional way many of us expect. He's great in transition and goes strong to the basket. His shooting skills are a little to be desired (ok, a lot) but his athleticism makes up for an awful lot. He provides a different element to the game that someone like Pitts couldn't hope to bring. For a freshman, he's been a really solid role player for this squad. He plays D, rebounds, and disrupts. On the offensive end, sometimes you have to close one eye and turn your head....but he is still a freshman. I remember when Nic Wise was unwatchable his freshman year. Simon has a lot of potential. The more he plays, the more comfortable he'll get.
Not disagreeing with you at all. I think even 10 guys is hard to do, especially if you got elite scorers like JJ and Trier you want on the floor as much as possible. I guess my main point was these guys all know what they are getting in to, ego or not. Simmons knew there are going to be two upperclassmen at point, there was a good chance Trier is going to come back due to his setback and Simon is on the bench waiting for minutes, and that Arizona is a finalist for JJ, and Smith is going to likely bounce back. He still committed, out of nowhere too. Alkins is a more extreme case because Simmons is now added to the mix and it seems even he is giving it a strong look. I think Miller would find a way. Wont be ideal for all parties. Sure there is a risk someone transfers out, but that dude may be a Gabe York type who sees the light at the end of the tunnel and sticks with it and is rewarded as an upperclassman. There's a chance someone like Simon and Comanche never start, but they may be cool with that and stick around and develop.Spaceman Spiff wrote:
There's a total # element for me. It's really, really hard to fit minutes for more than 10 people, and Alkins/JJ would put us at 11 without Pitts included. If PJC or Simon were not to return, that changes. I just don't know how good a chance Miller has at selling anyone at being that 11th man, but someone will have to do it.
With 200 total minutes and some people over 20 mpg, the time for that 11th man will be minimal to nonexistent.
I don't disagree that they would know what they were getting into. My concern is more that people would want to get into it and leave. Specifically, I would hate to see Simon leave if he is concerned about falling behind Alkins.rgdeuce wrote:Not disagreeing with you at all. I think even 10 guys is hard to do, especially if you got elite scorers like JJ and Trier you want on the floor as much as possible. I guess my main point was these guys all know what they are getting in to, ego or not. Simmons knew there are going to be two upperclassmen at point, there was a good chance Trier is going to come back due to his setback and Simon is on the bench waiting for minutes, and that Arizona is a finalist for JJ, and Smith is going to likely bounce back. He still committed, out of nowhere too. Alkins is a more extreme case because Simmons is now added to the mix and it seems even he is giving it a strong look. I think Miller would find a way. Wont be ideal for all parties. Sure there is a risk someone transfers out, but that dude may be a Gabe York type who sees the light at the end of the tunnel and sticks with it and is rewarded as an upperclassman. There's a chance someone like Simon and Comanche never start, but they may be cool with that and stick around and develop.Spaceman Spiff wrote:
There's a total # element for me. It's really, really hard to fit minutes for more than 10 people, and Alkins/JJ would put us at 11 without Pitts included. If PJC or Simon were not to return, that changes. I just don't know how good a chance Miller has at selling anyone at being that 11th man, but someone will have to do it.
With 200 total minutes and some people over 20 mpg, the time for that 11th man will be minimal to nonexistent.
At the end of the day though, I don't think Alkins comes, so I'm not sure why i am even making an argument
If KS is the point guard he is billed as, we have a 4 year guy (PJC), Allen, Simmons and a chance at another top ten guy in Brown in 17. I'm not sure why, if we think there's a legit 17 pg on the way, that PG would be the position for a 3-4 year developmental prospect.dirtbags wrote:lots of great points, PZ20. it's all about JJ. it would also be nice to maybe pickup HF or another big body to support deuce, chance, and lauri next year, though i think we are all feeling a lot better about dusan's progress now than we were 6 weeks ago. alk = icing.
i'm also still open to the idea of / wondering about bringing bibby on-board as a 3-4 year dev pg. there are minutes up for grabs if he can look past his freshman season (and possibly RS).
