The 2020-2021 Season Thread

[IndianaZonaFan]

Ira and Terrell are not coming back.

You don't think the NCAA is going to grant an extra year for players in their last season?

They already did. They will just go elsewhere.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Ira and Terrell are not coming back.

You don't think the NCAA is going to grant an extra year for players in their last season?

They already did. They will just go elsewhere.

Yeah. I included them out of respect for the idea that they could return in theory, but I don't know anyone who thinks they will actually return.

[Jefe]

Thanks for finding that Grambling St game vid YoDeFoe!

How much are we paying these teams to come play us? Same as always? Do they get paid before showing up?

[YoDeFoe]

Putting all of my energy into good vibes for Baker to hit some fucking shots

[Spaceman Spiff]

Putting all of my energy into good vibes for Baker to hit some fucking shots

You should do that more often.

[YoDeFoe]

Putting all of my energy into good vibes for Baker to hit some fucking shots

You should do that more often.

[Merkin]

Putting all of my energy into good vibes for Baker to hit some fucking shots

Let me know next time before I choose my RAP picks

[azgreg]

Putting all of my energy into good vibes for Baker to hit some fucking shots

Do that same for Plummer Friday night.

[Frybry02]

Tubelis has so much potential. Though he definitely has a lot to learn. He gets out of possession, reacts a little late and over commits.

[Frybry02]

Jordan brown is the opposite of chase jeter

[Alieberman]

Jordan brown is the opposite of chase jeter

Does he roll up his shorts on the other leg?

[Postmaster]

If you were Ira, wouldn’t you want to come back?

[Postmaster]

When they were showing guys that graduated, who was the player in the red flannel?

[Beachcat97]

So was this a one-off or can we anticipate more shooting like this from Baker? Jeezus.

[ChooChooCat]

Would be nice wouldn't it? He's always had the shooting ability, hopefully that consistency becomes more the norm.

[billk78]

Jordan brown is the opposite of chase jeter

Production wise he has been closer to Zeke. Not saying he has the same talent.....but from Nico and Zeke to Akinjo and Brown it hasn't been as huge as a dropoff as I've expected...so far.

[Chicat]

Ira and Terrell are not coming back.

You don't think the NCAA is going to grant an extra year for players in their last season?

I think he’s saying they aren’t coming back regardless of eligibility.

[Spaceman Spiff]

So was this a one-off or can we anticipate more shooting like this from Baker? Jeezus.

He's always been known as a solid shooter but never really flashed it in games. Heck, I left him off a list of guys I really wanted back yesterday.

If he could start consistently hitting around 40%, that would be great. He obviously probably won't start 7-7 every night, but regularly being around the 40% mark is reasonable given his ability and would be a big improvement from where he has been.

[ChooChooCat]

Ira and Terrell are not coming back.

You don't think the NCAA is going to grant an extra year for players in their last season?

I think he’s saying they aren’t coming back regardless of eligibility.

Yes, that's what I'm saying. The NCAA would allow them 100% to have another year of eligibility. They may play another year of basketball (I don't think Brown will), but it won't be at Arizona barring something unforeseen at this time.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I lack Choo's insider take, but the only way I could see it is if we needed another big and didn't land a recruit or grad transfer. Then maybe Ira would have a role.

Terrell, if we have some combo of Akinjo, Kriisa, maybe Baker, Simpson, Dezonie and Nowell...the guard rotation is packed. Akinjo is our best guard, but I'm not sure he's any sort of sure thing to move on unless he just doesn't want to paly in college any more.

[ChooChooCat]

I lack Choo's insider take, but the only way I could see it is if we needed another big and didn't land a recruit or grad transfer. Then maybe Ira would have a role.

Terrell, if we have some combo of Akinjo, Kriisa, maybe Baker, Simpson, Dezonie and Nowell...the guard rotation is packed. Akinjo is our best guard, but I'm not sure he's any sort of sure thing to move on unless he just doesn't want to paly in college any more.

The real concern was Tubelis possibly being a one and done, but with him obviously taking some time to adjust to the U.S. game it looks as of not that's not going to be a major concern. So if every thing stays the way it is Arizona will still have Brown, Tubelis, Koloko, and Daniel Batcho.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I lack Choo's insider take, but the only way I could see it is if we needed another big and didn't land a recruit or grad transfer. Then maybe Ira would have a role.

Terrell, if we have some combo of Akinjo, Kriisa, maybe Baker, Simpson, Dezonie and Nowell...the guard rotation is packed. Akinjo is our best guard, but I'm not sure he's any sort of sure thing to move on unless he just doesn't want to paly in college any more.

The real concern was Tubelis possibly being a one and done, but with him obviously taking some time to adjust to the U.S. game it looks as of not that's not going to be a major concern. So if every thing stays the way it is Arizona will still have Brown, Tubelis, Koloko, and Daniel Batcho.

I'd be very happy to return those guys, and yeah, that rotation would not leave much time for Ira. Especially since Terry and Mathurin (geez I want them back next year) look like they can handle a smallball 4 if we need that.

We've sort of missed those long, multipositional wings since Ray Smith's knees, but it's nice to feel like we could go with Terry/Mathurin at the 3 and 4 and not lose much in terms of rebounding or D.

[Alieberman]

I lack Choo's insider take, but the only way I could see it is if we needed another big and didn't land a recruit or grad transfer. Then maybe Ira would have a role.

Terrell, if we have some combo of Akinjo, Kriisa, maybe Baker, Simpson, Dezonie and Nowell...the guard rotation is packed. Akinjo is our best guard, but I'm not sure he's any sort of sure thing to move on unless he just doesn't want to paly in college any more.

The real concern was Tubelis possibly being a one and done, but with him obviously taking some time to adjust to the U.S. game it looks as of not that's not going to be a major concern. So if every thing stays the way it is Arizona will still have Brown, Tubelis, Koloko, and Daniel Batcho.

In addition, Is there any reason to think Terry, Kerr, Marthurin, Akinjo and Baker won't also be here next year?

I know there is always a transfer or 2.... but next year we really should be returning a bulk of this years team correct?

[ChooChooCat]

I lack Choo's insider take, but the only way I could see it is if we needed another big and didn't land a recruit or grad transfer. Then maybe Ira would have a role.

Terrell, if we have some combo of Akinjo, Kriisa, maybe Baker, Simpson, Dezonie and Nowell...the guard rotation is packed. Akinjo is our best guard, but I'm not sure he's any sort of sure thing to move on unless he just doesn't want to paly in college any more.

The real concern was Tubelis possibly being a one and done, but with him obviously taking some time to adjust to the U.S. game it looks as of not that's not going to be a major concern. So if every thing stays the way it is Arizona will still have Brown, Tubelis, Koloko, and Daniel Batcho.

In addition, Is there any reason to think Terry, Kerr, Marthurin, Akinjo and Baker won't also be here next year?

I know there is always a transfer or 2.... but next year we really should be returning a bulk of this years team correct?

I don't have any info on any of them thinking about leaving at this point, however, we did recruit 3 guards/wings and we're over the scholarship limit by 1, so someone unexpected at this time is most certainly not going to be here next season or at the very least someone on scholarship now won't be on scholarship next year. Obviously there's a bit to sort out still at this point.

[Alieberman]

I'm just excited to not have a complete roster turnover for the next couple of years. I'm excited about our future

[BeardownZonaZona]

Anyone think Tibet Gorener can carve out a role for himself eventually, probably not this year but maybe down the road? I really liked what I saw from the tapes he had out and kid can shoot. If he could bulk up does anyone see him being a contributor down the road?

[ChooChooCat]

Anyone think Tibet Gorener can carve out a role for himself eventually, probably not this year but maybe down the road? I really liked what I saw from the tapes he had out and kid can shoot. If he could bulk up does anyone see him being a contributor down the road?

That's why he we took him. A contributor down the road.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Anyone think Tibet Gorener can carve out a role for himself eventually, probably not this year but maybe down the road? I really liked what I saw from the tapes he had out and kid can shoot. If he could bulk up does anyone see him being a contributor down the road?

He can move and shoot for a 6'8-9 guy. If he gets bigger and figures the game out, he can be a solid role player down the road.

His stroke looked good last night. There were times on offense and defense that he looked confused and sort of going in circles.

If he's here for four years, I could see him becoming a solid rotation player as a junior/senior. I don't really see him as a wing so much as a stretch 4 if he gets stronger.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Sorry for a longish post, but my thoughts about last night and overall, for what they're worth (probably not a ton).

Jordan Brown is our breakout player. His rebounding and block rates have jumped and he's been a solid interior scorer and physical presence. I'm very impressed with his development.

Koloko seems behind where I hoped he'd be. Still so many tools, but his offensive game is still just dunks and layups, and he hasn't been as much of a difference maker as I'd hoped on D. He's still new and this is a weird year, so i'm not throwing in the towel on him being a standout impact guy any time soon.

Tubelis, I'd expected more. He seems to not have figured college basketball out yet. Against EWU, you saw the potential he has. If/when he adjusts, he'll be very, very good.

Ira is Ira. Energy in a rotation guy.

Goerner, it was nice to see him play. He's a long term project, but has some size, athleticism and a J.

Terry, if he can figure his shot out, he'll be really good. Tremendous length and feel for the game. He fills up a box score.

Mathurin, it was good to see him make a 3 or two. He's another one like Terry, when he irons his J out and calms down and lerns the system, watch out.

Baker...two subpar games, one lights out game. I hope the shooting continues, bc that's what he adds the most.

Terrell Brown, I'm encouraged he's abandoned the low efficiency jacking he did at Seattle. He's turned into a rotation guy who feeds others with low TO's and plays some D. It could be much worse.

Akinjo is our best creator and scorer. I wish he was a bit more efficient bc he's the best we have at making things happen, but he's been good. He's also been solid on D and just our overall leader.

This year is going to take patience in many ways. Hopefully Kerr is cleared soon. I don't know where we wind up, but we seem to have a multiyear core of guys that can really do something. I'm just not sure they'll get there this year.

[Chicat]

I feel for Koloko because of all the kids on the team, he needed an offseason with the staff the most.

[ChooChooCat]

I feel for Koloko because of all the kids on the team, he needed an offseason with the staff the most.

Yeah he should be further along than what he is and it's nowhere in the realm of his fault.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I feel for Koloko because of all the kids on the team, he needed an offseason with the staff the most.

Yeah, I hope it's just that. Physical development wise and skill level, he just needs reps. That's why I don't really think it's fair to freak out yet. He's newer to basketball than anyone else we have.

And I edited my above post for clarity. I'd gotten my hopes up he'd be a game changer on D and the glass at this point. I think he still gets there, but just isn't right now and I didn't mean to blame him in light of where he's coming from and Covid.

[TatetheGreat]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

I like Terry's game, but he's not getting drafted at this point. He's not a particularly explosive athlete, so he needs to be able to shoot it much better than he has to date in order to get drafted.

[TatetheGreat]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

I like Terry's game, but he's not getting drafted at this point. He's not a particularly explosive athlete, so he needs to be able to shoot it much better than he has to date in order to get drafted.

I don't know about that. It's early, but not many guys with his size and skill set.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketbal ... iting-2020

[ChooChooCat]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

I like Terry's game, but he's not getting drafted at this point. He's not a particularly explosive athlete, so he needs to be able to shoot it much better than he has to date in order to get drafted.

I don't know about that. It's early, but not many guys with his size and skill set.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketbal ... iting-2020

If he wants to be a 2nd rounder then by all means he would probably be that. If he adds a jumper he's a 1st rounder.

[TheCatInTheHat]

Bear in mind that we're still waiting for the jackasses at the NCAA clearinghouse to clear Kerr Kriisa, and we'll see if 6-11 Daniel Batcho comes back from injury to play any this year. Otherwise, here's who's been productive:

G 3 Jemarl Baker 6-5 15.0 PPG 3.3 RPG .500 3% .667 FT% 5/1 A/TO 3 STL
G 13 James Akinjo 6-1 14.3 PPG 1.7 RPG .444 3% .556 FT% 9/7 A/TO 4 STL
F 21 Jordan Brown 6-11 14.0 PPG 9.7 RPG .000 3% .800 FT% 2/8 A/TO 4 BLK
F 0 Benn Mathurin 6-7 9.7 PPG 4.7 RPG .400 3% .786 FT% 6/5 A/TO 1 STL
F 10 Azoulas Tubelis 6-11 7.0 PPG 3.7 RPG .000 3% .556 FT% 0/3 A/TO 2 STL

F 11 Ira Lee 6-8 6.5 PPG 5.5 RPG .000 3% 1.000 FT% 0/5 A/TO 4 BLK
F 5 Tibet Gorener 6-9 6.0 PPG 2.0 RPG .667 3% .000 FT% 0/1 A/TO 0 STL
F 4 Dalen Terry 6-7 5.7 PPG 4.0 RPG .143 3% .533 FT% 14/4 A/TO 4 BLK
C 35 Christian Koloko 7-1 3.3 PPG 6.0 RPG .000 3% .400 FT% 0/5 A/TO 4 BLK
G 31 Terrell Brown 6-3 3.3 PPG 3.3 RPG .000 3% .667 FT% 15/3 A/TO 3 STL

[Spaceman Spiff]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

I like Terry's game, but he's not getting drafted at this point. He's not a particularly explosive athlete, so he needs to be able to shoot it much better than he has to date in order to get drafted.

I don't know about that. It's early, but not many guys with his size and skill set.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketbal ... iting-2020

I don't mean to be disrespectful to Terry, but I'd disagree with that. His length and passing ability are definite assets.

What limits him is that he's not an explosive athlete. At the NBA level, he's going to be one of your less athletic wings right now. Add in that his jumper really isn't there right now, and it's just length and passing.

Heck, I think Mathurin's closer to being drafted. Mathurin is definitely more explosive and you can see his physical tools fitting immediately.

The most prominent example of a wing who projected to less than average athleticism would be Kyle Anderson, and he showed much more in college than Terry so far. Guys like Comanche and Randolph show anyone can leave, though.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/

I mean, a guy like Dosunmu is a second rounder. Terry is very similar in type of player and hasn't shown as much development as Dosunmu. Not being a shooter or plus athlete is tough in the draft.

[TatetheGreat]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

I like Terry's game, but he's not getting drafted at this point. He's not a particularly explosive athlete, so he needs to be able to shoot it much better than he has to date in order to get drafted.

I don't know about that. It's early, but not many guys with his size and skill set.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketbal ... iting-2020

I don't mean to be disrespectful to Terry, but I'd disagree with that. His length and passing ability are definite assets.

What limits him is that he's not an explosive athlete. At the NBA level, he's going to be one of your less athletic wings right now. Add in that his jumper really isn't there right now, and it's just length and passing.

Heck, I think Mathurin's closer to being drafted. Mathurin is definitely more explosive and you can see his physical tools fitting immediately.

The most prominent example of a wing who projected to less than average athleticism would be Kyle Anderson, and he showed much more in college than Terry so far. Guys like Comanche and Randolph show anyone can leave, though.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/

I mean, a guy like Dosunmu is a second rounder. Terry is very similar in type of player and hasn't shown as much development as Dosunmu. Not being a shooter or plus athlete is tough in the draft.

Terry is not an explosive athlete but he plays way faster than Kyle Anderson. A jump shot is the easiest thing to add in the NBA. Teams don't even worry about that anymore.

I like Mathurin, too. Great size and athleticism. He doesn't have Terry's natural feel/instincts but he has huge upside. He is probably the biggest surprise for me.

[gronk4heisman]

Terrell Brown, I'm encouraged he's abandoned the low efficiency jacking he did at Seattle. He's turned into a rotation guy who feeds others with low TO's and plays some D. It could be much worse.

The one thing I have been really impressed by with Terrell Brown is he hits the defensive glass hard, that is something we have been missing in the backcourt since the Kadeem Allen years.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Terrell Brown, I'm encouraged he's abandoned the low efficiency jacking he did at Seattle. He's turned into a rotation guy who feeds others with low TO's and plays some D. It could be much worse.

The one thing I have been really impressed by with Terrell Brown is he hits the defensive glass hard, that is something we have been missing in the backcourt since the Kadeem Allen years.

He's always been a strong rebounder for a small guard. He got 6 rpg at Seattle.

We have serious rebounding potential this year. Koloko rebounds at a very good rate, Jordan Brown has really stepped it up in that area, Terrell is good and Terry and Mathurin have potential to contribute a lot on the glass.

[Jefe]

When Krisa is back we have a solid 10 man rotation

[Frybry02]

When Krisa is back we have a solid 10 man rotation

I hope we hear news before pac 12 play

[SCCats]

When Krisa is back we have a solid 10 man rotation

I hope we hear news before pac 12 play

So...March(ish)?

I kid.

At least I hope I kid.

[Chicat]

When Krisa is back we have a solid 10 man rotation

I hope we hear news before pac 12 play

So...March(ish)?

I kid.

At least I hope I kid.

No one knows. From what I’ve been told this is just the NCAA being the NCAA. Random, punitive, and capricious for no other reason than they can be.

If this shit happened to Kentucky and Duke, every school of consequence would have already seceded.

[SCCats]

Actually, it was a post on the fact our PAC season might not start until March (due to massive cancellations due to the hoax).

I'm more than happy to jab the NCAA, but this one wasn't about that.

[Spaceman Spiff]

When Krisa is back we have a solid 10 man rotation

I hope Kerr's out there asap, but in the interim, Terrell Brown's been a solid ballhandler and distributor. I wasn't sure he could be efficient, but 5 apg on a 5/1 A/TO ratio is way better than I'd hoped for.

Baker's also at 3.3 apg and only 0.3 topg. Terry is 4.7 apg and 1.3 apg. If those guys can keep it up, we have solid ballhandling and distributing by committee.

[Beachcat97]

Which teams are you guys impressed by so far? Zaga looks ridiculous. So do Baylor and Iowa. UCLA looked pretty good in their last game. I haven't seen Oregon, Nova or Michigan State yet.

It's a bummer we're not gonna have some better OOC matchups this season, but it's understandable. Coach K said yesterday he's not even sure the season should continue.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Which teams are you guys impressed by so far? Zaga looks ridiculous. So do Baylor and Iowa. UCLA looked pretty good in their last game. I haven't seen Oregon, Nova or Michigan State yet.

It's a bummer we're not gonna have some better OOC matchups this season, but it's understandable. Coach K said yesterday he's not even sure the season should continue.

Coach K is probably saying that because his team got smacked around by MSU and Illinois in back to back games at home.

Garza from Iowa has been ridiculous so far. Gonzaga looks the strongest, but this year would be the most random, IMO. Kansas seems like they should be impressive but has beaten Creighton by 1 and NDSU by 4.

Who knows this year? If there was ever a year it's like blindfolded darts, it's this year.

[TucsonClip]

Terry wants to be a one-and-done, so I'm guessing that's where the extra scholarship comes from.

I like Terry's game, but he's not getting drafted at this point. He's not a particularly explosive athlete, so he needs to be able to shoot it much better than he has to date in order to get drafted.

I don't know about that. It's early, but not many guys with his size and skill set.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketbal ... iting-2020

I don't mean to be disrespectful to Terry, but I'd disagree with that. His length and passing ability are definite assets.

What limits him is that he's not an explosive athlete. At the NBA level, he's going to be one of your less athletic wings right now. Add in that his jumper really isn't there right now, and it's just length and passing.

Heck, I think Mathurin's closer to being drafted. Mathurin is definitely more explosive and you can see his physical tools fitting immediately.

The most prominent example of a wing who projected to less than average athleticism would be Kyle Anderson, and he showed much more in college than Terry so far. Guys like Comanche and Randolph show anyone can leave, though.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/

I mean, a guy like Dosunmu is a second rounder. Terry is very similar in type of player and hasn't shown as much development as Dosunmu. Not being a shooter or plus athlete is tough in the draft.

Agree with Spiff and his takes above. I love Terry, but hes more in the Solomon Hill category of wings with a better body. A breakout season next year would mean goodbye, but his jumper needs to come around and I think it will soon.