2016-2017 Arizona Basketball

[Puerco]

Trier hasnt even got his legs and we looked like the best team in the country today. Holy fuck im so fucking pumped i could rip out every toilet in my house.

Umm... I hate to ask, but why would you want to go and do that?

[Puerco]

God it feels good to have a full roster.

Could you imagine if Ray were healthy and playing? My god...

Already with today's roster, you look at Allen, Trier, Simmons, Markannen, and Ristic being on the floor together and say, 'UCLA cannot match this.' And if UCLA can't, then which teams can?

I'm leaving Alkins out just because I'm speaking about last night's game, but considering whomever our sixth man is combined with PJC for play-making, Comanche for size, and Pinder for defense, Miller has put together a damned fine roster.

[Main Event]

Full-strength Arizona has arrived

For 11 weeks and 19 games you didn't hear much talk about Arizona.

Allonzo Trier was absent without a reason being stated and, while the remaining Wildcats were pretty good -- even excellent, at times -- they dropped neutral-site games to Butler and Gonzaga. As a result, there were always three or four other elite teams, ones with even fewer losses, to focus on before the conversation got around to Sean Miller's group.

Then came the 20th game. Trier is back, and he and his teammates went into Pauley Pavilion on Saturday and beat No. 3-ranked UCLA 96-85.

It's time to talk about Arizona.

The Wildcats were already really, really good without Trier

Now the truth can be told. The whole air of uncertainty surrounding Trier's absence obscured the fact that Arizona had opened Pac-12 play by putting up numbers that wouldn't be at all out of place from a Final Four contender.

More specifically, Lauri Markkanen had already emerged as one of the best and certainly most versatile freshmen in the country. Markkanen hasn't drawn the same level of praise as other Pac-12 freshmen such as Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz or TJ Leaf, but, incredibly, he might have the best stats of any of them. (In a related development, the competition for Pac-12 freshman of the year honors will be notably robust this season.) Perhaps best thought of as a wing trapped in a 7-footer's body, Markkanen has hit exactly half of his 3s despite the fact that he's shooting them at a relatively high volume (nearly five attempts per game).

With a shooter like that who can also grab offensive boards (Markkanen pulled down four against UCLA) and use his length to good effect on defense, Miller gets all the benefits of a 3-point specialist's level of accuracy plus makes inside the arc, rebounds and defense. It's one potent combination.

Never mind the stereotypes, this Arizona team will outscore you

During his tenure in Tucson, Miller has earned a well-deserved reputation for defense. That reputation lives on this season, and certainly this latest group of Wildcats is indeed very good on that side of the ball (particularly on the glass).

Nevertheless, it's an open question in 2017 whether this team's offense might actually be better than its defense. That's a nice problem for Miller to have, surely, for it makes Arizona as one of the most balanced teams on both sides of the ball in the Pac-12.

In conference play, the strength of this Arizona offense, surprisingly, has been its 3-point accuracy. This has been a decidedly interior-oriented offense this season to date, but that might be changing before our eyes. Miller has almost certainly noticed that his team is connecting on 43 percent of its attempts from beyond the arc in Pac-12 play, and over the last three games Arizona has tried as many 3s as a "normal" offense.

With Markkanen, Rawle Alkins, Kobi Simmons and Kadeem Allen, the Wildcats have four players who all possess perimeter range yet can also generate offense inside the arc. Now that Trier is again available, this part of Arizona's offense will become even more pronounced.

Trier will give the Arizona offense even more versatility

In his season debut, Trier scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds while dishing four assists. Not a bad first outing, but Trier's freshman season suggests that there's much more to come.

The 6-foot-5 sophomore promises to give Arizona a high-usage slasher who can finish and, most particularly, get to the line. As a freshman, Trier drew nearly six fouls per 40 minutes. His ability to generate offense at the free throw line will be one more advantage for a Wildcats rotation that so far has recorded one of the lowest foul rates of any team in Pac-12 play.

Trier will also blend in seamlessly with a group that has shown it can generate shot attempts at a high rate. Arizona's carrying its lowest turnover rate in three years in Pac-12 play, giving the ball away on less than 16 percent of its possessions thus far. Moreover, the Wildcats have managed to combine that meticulous turnover-avoidance with a decent showing on the offensive glass, pulling down 32 percent of their missed shots.

The result is an offense that generates a high number of shot attempts. As a featured scorer who carried a relatively low turnover rate as a freshman, Trier will fit right in. Not to mention Miller was playing effectively a seven-man rotation before the sophomore became eligible. This eighth piece of the puzzle will give his coach an added, and crucial, measure of comfort.

When Arizona opened Pac-12 play 6-0 and won its games by an average margin of 14 points, it was said that the Wildcats hadn't played "anybody" yet. But now that they have a win at Pauley Pavilion under their belts, we can speak with some degree of confidence about this team.

Oregon's also undefeated in Pac-12 play, of course, and the two teams will get together for their only regular-season meeting in a couple of weeks in Eugene. The way the schedule falls out, it's probable that Arizona will enter that game 21-2 overall and 10-0 in conference play.

So much for speculation on the near future. Right now, the Wildcats are at full strength for the first time this season, and riding a 12-game winning streak. You'll be hearing much more talk about Arizona from here on out, and rightly so.

http://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketb ... as-arrived" target="_blank

[Chicat]

That was a really good breakdown. Gotta give ESPN props when it's (rarely) deserved.

[Olsondogg]

Done. If AZ beats UCLA at Pauley next week, I will disappear from this site and never reappear.

So this is happening right?

[Chicat]

Done. If AZ beats UCLA at Pauley next week, I will disappear from this site and never reappear.

So this is happening right?

It happened. If he posts again he gets an IP ban.

[rgdeuce]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

[ChooChooCat]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

Oh there's no question about it, Miller outcoached the shit out of Alford.

I look forward to the chess match between Miller and Altman in a couple of weeks. That'll be fun.

[EastCoastCat]

What's been overlooked is we only committed 7 turnovers in a game that was much more fast paced then any game we played this year. That probably has a lot to do with UCLA's non-aggressive defense in general but it allowed us to get back most of the game and made the Bruins work hard in their half court set.

I also think teams are underestimating our offensive prowess - Trier aside - if you heard Alford's postgame comments several times he mentioned how better we are in person versus what they saw on film.

Let's face it this team can shoot the ball and score in a variety of ways. Couple that with the fact that a Miller team will always be strong on defense and on the boards it makes this team very, very dangerous moving forward.

The bar has now been raised on my expectations for this year.

[pokinmik]

Everyone is spot on. Now that we finally have a more varied offense to go along with the Miller's usually excellent defense the sky is the limit. Kobi, Alkins, Trier, Allen, Lauri are all athletic as hell and can score on their own if needed (especially Kobi and Lauri they are genetic freaks). They can make the difficult shots you sometimes have to make to stop a run, the tough shots that bail you out/keep a lead. We've been missing that on some of the past great teams under Miller.

[ChooChooCat]

Everyone is spot on. Now that we finally have a more varied offense to go along with the Miller's usually excellent defense the sky is the limit. Kobi, Alkins, Trier, Allen, Lauri are all athletic as hell and can score on their own if needed (especially Kobi and Lauri they are genetic freaks). They can make the difficult shots you sometimes have to make to stop a run, the tough shots that bail you out/keep a lead. We've been missing that on some of the past great teams under Miller.

I think the only thing this team was missing offensively pre-Trier was the ability to draw fouls at a high rate and get to the line, especially when our offense goes through a lull or stagnates. It happens all the time in basketball, collectively teams go through cold periods in games, it happens. Having a guy being able to draw fouls and manufacture points by getting to the line is so ridiculously important and helps prevent 2nd half comebacks like in the A&M, USC, Colorado games (am I missing any?). With Trier though we gain that missing element as that is absolutely Zo's forte.

Ceiling raised. Expectations raised. Genitals raised (kidding...kinda).

[azcat49]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

[ChooChooCat]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

Kadeem is our best defender. If Zo, Rawle and Kobi can be good defenders, we have the advantage of being able to rotate guys on any perimeter scorer and keep Kadeem as the closer. Waves of defenders is an effective tactic, and since we finally have a full roster, we can actually begin using the wear down as an asset instead of a detriment.

[gumby]

Enjoyed this column.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-ucl ... story.html" target="_blank

When the game began, the building was filled and rocking with an energy rarely felt here in recent years.

You're welcome, Bruins.

“We got hit,’’Coach Steve Alford said.

Did they ever, and by the time the game ended, the atmosphere had been demolished, the place half empty, some longtime fans having turned their backs and headed for the exits, many students fleeing up the aisles back to the dorms. The place was quiet and somber except for — and you knew this was coming — that annoying, “U of A’’ chant clanking down from the rafters.

Heh.

[FreeSpiritCat]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

I would rather be a 2 seed out west, playing in Sacremento, and the Zags as a one seed. And not being sent to some other region in the country. I know it's conjecture but still fun to analyze.

[CatFanOneMil]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

I think one of the subtle things that gets missed about Miller is how much HE trusts the process...he trusts it enough to come up with a game plan for every game and then HE LETS PASTERNACK HANDLE ALL THE SUBSTITUTIONS...

Let that sink in...he lets his assistant do his job, and trusts that it is done right...and lets give Pasternack a little credit here, his job is to apparently watch the players, notice when they are gassed or exploit the opponents players when they are weak...yesterdays game was certainly a chess match but it wasn't just between two head coaches, Miller has outsourced a decent portion of the inside game (player fatigue/sucking wind) to his assistant and while Miller comes across as the rightful captain of the ship, he does have a decent first mate who makes sure the decks get scrubbed...if anything it shows a level of humility that goes under the radar.

[Main Event]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

I would rather be a 2 seed out west, playing in Sacremento, and the Zags as a one seed. And not being sent to some other region in the country. I know it's conjecture but still fun to analyze.

Same. I really want to run it back with Zaga now

[FreeSpiritCat]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

Kadeem is our best defender. If Zo, Rawle and Kobi can be good defenders, we have the advantage of being able to rotate guys on any perimeter scorer and keep Kadeem as the closer. Waves of defenders is an effective tactic, and since we finally have a full roster, we can actually begin using the wear down as an asset instead of a detriment.

This is a really good point. With a full roster the team doesn't have to be as concerned about fatigue and foul trouble. The team is a legitimate 8 deep where all could be starters. Plus Pinder as a defensive specialist, especially in rebounding. There isn't an excuse to let up anymore. 40 minutes of hell.

[gumby]

That was a really good breakdown. Gotta give ESPN props when it's (rarely) deserved.

Writers better than yakkers. Yakkers make more. Society, ftw!

[ChooChooCat]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

I would rather be a 2 seed out west, playing in Sacremento, and the Zags as a one seed. And not being sent to some other region in the country. I know it's conjecture but still fun to analyze.

I'm with you, I'm just pointing out that if Arizona does not lose a single game from this point forward (doubtful), which is what he was insinuating then we are a clear cut #1 seed. Our resume would include two road wins at UCLA and Oregon, a home win against UCLA, and another win against Oregon or UCLA in the Pac-12 championship. The committee couldn't likely justify putting us in the west ahead of Gonzaga if they were undefeated though.

[gumby]

Didn't see this game live. Sure enjoyed watching (though the recording ended with 1:30 to go). Chills. Hard to believe it had been 10 years since the teams were highly ranked at the same time.

Special shout-out to Kobi Simmons, whose production basically erased Lonzo Ball's. Did NOT see that coming. And that behind-the-back pass. That was cold-blooded.

Love this depth. Alkins gets early whistles. No biggie.

Markannen with the clutch bucket in both LA games.

Allen is getting really good at getting to the rim and finishing.

Trier's slam on the break. Bang! Welcome back.

Sean Miller. Just tough as nails.

[CalStateTempe]

Lol.. Right there with you all.

Was out and about yesterday (wife scheduled something that couldn't be rescheduled...) so I watched the first half on my smart phone.

Gonna have to rematch this evening with all the points in mind you all are making above.

What a game, still on cloud 9, expectations definitely raised from, I think we can get to the FF, to I'll be disappointed if we don't.

We looked THAT good yesterday.

[CalStateTempe]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

Would the committee do something that 1,2 in the West? Set up a rematch, considering we weren't at full strength?

What would you guys rather have; 1 seed in a non-geographic region, or 2 seed in the west?

I guess we're all pulling for the Zags to drop one, even though they probably won't.

[CalStateTempe]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

Kadeem is our best defender. If Zo, Rawle and Kobi can be good defenders, we have the advantage of being able to rotate guys on any perimeter scorer and keep Kadeem as the closer. Waves of defenders is an effective tactic, and since we finally have a full roster, we can actually begin using the wear down as an asset instead of a detriment.

This is a really good point. With a full roster the team doesn't have to be as concerned about fatigue and foul trouble. The team is a legitimate 8 deep where all could be starters. Plus Pinder as a defensive specialist, especially in rebounding. There isn't an excuse to let up anymore. 40 minutes of hell.

lol..Love it CITH. Bring it on!

[FreeSpiritCat]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

Would the committee do something that 1,2 in the West? Set up a rematch, considering we weren't at full strength?

What would you guys rather have; 1 seed in a non-geographic region, or 2 seed in the west?

I guess we're all pulling for the Zags to drop one, even though they probably won't.

The Zags could lose to #23 St. Mary's. And I would place the Pac-12 winner in the west bracket as a reward.

[UAEebs86]

What would you guys rather have; 1 seed in a non-geographic region, or 2 seed in the west?

2 in the West

[ChooChooCat]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

Would the committee do something that 1,2 in the West? Set up a rematch, considering we weren't at full strength?

What would you guys rather have; 1 seed in a non-geographic region, or 2 seed in the west?

I guess we're all pulling for the Zags to drop one, even though they probably won't.

Oh they'd certainly give us 1,2 in the West if that's how every thing aligned. If our resume was that of a 2 seed and we were ahead of Oregon & UCLA in the pecking order they'd most definitely put us a 2 in the West with the supposed undefeated Zags as the 1.

I don't care where we end up personally as long as we don't have to go to LA anymore in the Elite 8. Anywhere but LA or Anaheim for the love of god.

[gumby]

What would you guys rather have; 1 seed in a non-geographic region, or 2 seed in the west?

2 in the West

Yes. Only thing that could change my mind is match-ups.

[FreeSpiritCat]

Miller's game plan was masterful. When people are so quick to think you got to key in on a teams best player, we had our best defender on everyone else most of the game. Ball got his but wore himself out and had no legs down the stretch. He was sucking air in the 2nd half. Our guys went right at Bryce when he was on defense. Ristic was used masterfully, and rather than Miller playing the matchups when deciding when to go with Ristic, it was Alford scrambling to tell Welsh to sub in to match Ristic. Welsh was 2-7 from the floor, Miller knew when it was time to force a 2-7 guy on the floor to take a more worrisome threat off.

I dont know, maybe it just seems better because the pieces fell perfectly and every guy executed the game plan last night, or maybe Alford is so shitty it made things easy, but I'm not sure there have been many games where I have seen Miller more masterful.

Kadeem is our best defender. If Zo, Rawle and Kobi can be good defenders, we have the advantage of being able to rotate guys on any perimeter scorer and keep Kadeem as the closer. Waves of defenders is an effective tactic, and since we finally have a full roster, we can actually begin using the wear down as an asset instead of a detriment.

This is a really good point. With a full roster the team doesn't have to be as concerned about fatigue and foul trouble. The team is a legitimate 8 deep where all could be starters. Plus Pinder as a defensive specialist, especially in rebounding. There isn't an excuse to let up anymore. 40 minutes of hell.

lol..Love it CITH. Bring it on!

I am really excited about the team now. I think the Cats have the best team since 01. I think our starters could compete with Gardner, Arenas, Jefferson, Wright, and Woods. Our bench too. And when you look at the bench I think Alkins (who I believe Trier will replace in the starting lineup), Comanche, and PJC is as good as/or better than Walton, Edgerson, and Wessel.

[gumby]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

[RaisingArizona]

2013-14 team before Ashley's injury was better IMO. That team was just so freaky athletically. Though this team is clearly more skilled offensively.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Just dreaming a bit but say we went 18-0 with 2 wins over UCLA and a road win at Oregon and say Gonzage went undefeated in the regular season, who gets the 1 seed out west?

Well there's also the conference tourneys. If Gonzaga goes undefeated after the conference tourneys with a win over an Arizona team on their resume, which would only have 2 losses on the season (with the asterisk that they beat them without Zo and PJC), they'd be the 1 seed. Wichita State didn't beat anybody special that year they went undefeated heading into the tourney and were still given the 1 seed. If Arizona and Gonzaga both somehow go undefeated for the rest of the season/conference tourneys then chances are both are 1 seeds with Zaga being in the West and us in the Midwest.

Would the committee do something that 1,2 in the West? Set up a rematch, considering we weren't at full strength?

What would you guys rather have; 1 seed in a non-geographic region, or 2 seed in the west?

I guess we're all pulling for the Zags to drop one, even though they probably won't.

2 seed vs Gonzaga 1. I would take that vs any other potential setup. We match them well, and every Zaga win helps us.

[ChooChooCat]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

I think the end game at this point is a lineup of:

Kadeem
Zo
Rawle
Lauri
Dusan

You get the same firepower from Kobi off the bench, who would still play starter type minutes. Let's be real, Zo wouldn't be just happy to play.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

I see you. That would be like Jason Terry coming off the bench as a spark plug. I always thought Jet was better than Miles Simon, but had more value in bringing instant energy.

[Spaceman Spiff]

2013-14 team before Ashley's injury was better IMO. That team was just so freaky athletically. Though this team is clearly more skilled offensively.

That was an potential undefeated team that almost definitely wins a NC. I liks this team a lot, but 13-14 is a high bar that will be exceeded only with a FF.

[Chicat]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

You're going to have to convince Zo of that. This was supposed to be his showcase year.

[TheBlackLodge]

That was a really good breakdown. Gotta give ESPN props when it's (rarely) deserved.

John Gasaway is awesome and writes some stuff for ESPN, although it's usually behind the Insider paywall.

[ChooChooCat]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

I see you. That would be like Jason Terry coming off the bench as a spark plug. I always thought Jet was better than Miles Simon, but had more value in bringing instant energy.

I see much more similarities between Kobi and Jason Terry in regards to that role than I do from Zo.

[Longhorned]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

I see you. That would be like Jason Terry coming off the bench as a spark plug. I always thought Jet was better than Miles Simon, but had more value in bringing instant energy.

I see much more similarities between Kobi and Jason Terry in regards to that role than I do from Zo.

Kobi is serious firepower off the bench if he can continue to learn to play better within the offense.

[Alieberman]

Is it a given that PJC isn't regaining his pg starter role this year?

[UAEebs86]

Is it a given that PJC isn't regaining his pg starter role this year?

I did notice he didn't start the second half yesterday.

[Longhorned]

Is it a given that PJC isn't regaining his pg starter role this year?

Would be absurd if it were.

[Beachcat97]

Great win yesterday. Being wrong never felt so good. Great to have AT back! Go Cats!

Decided I'll be sticking around. It's only a message board. So before you start the "lock hik up!" chants, understand that your energy is probably better spent discussing AZ hoops than hurling personal insults and acting like you're 10 years old. My apologies to any actual 10 year olds here.

Bear down!

[HiCat]

I'm for keeping Trier as 6th man. I love having firepower come off the bench, especially when we start slow. Could stagger it so Zo and Lauri are never out of the game at the same time. Might be best for chemistry, too.

No disruption to current starters. Zo just happy to play.

I see you. That would be like Jason Terry coming off the bench as a spark plug. I always thought Jet was better than Miles Simon, but had more value in bringing instant energy.

I see much more similarities between Kobi and Jason Terry in regards to that role than I do from Zo.

Kobi is serious firepower off the bench if he can continue to learn to play better within the offense.

Loved Kobi yesterday. Looked great, confident, made some beautiful plays. Assist to Allonzo cool.

[ChooChooCat]

Is it a given that PJC isn't regaining his pg starter role this year?

Would be absurd if it were.

I don't see why it'd be absurd at all.

[azcat49]

Great win yesterday. Being wrong never felt so good. Great to have AT back! Go Cats!

Decided I'll be sticking around. It's only a message board. So before you start the "lock hik up!" chants, understand that your energy is probably better spent discussing AZ hoops than hurling personal insults and acting like you're 10 years old. My apologies to any actual 10 year olds here.

Bear down!

Not a shock for backoutonmywordbruin

[UAEebs86]

Bring the ban hammer

[NYCat]

Can we also ban anyone from using initials instead of names.

[Chicat]

Great win yesterday. Being wrong never felt so good. Great to have AT back! Go Cats!

Decided I'll be sticking around. It's only a message board. So before you start the "lock hik up!" chants, understand that your energy is probably better spent discussing AZ hoops than hurling personal insults and acting like you're 10 years old. My apologies to any actual 10 year olds here.

Bear down!

Nope, you're done. Bye Felicia.