The 2020-2021 Season Thread

[97cats]

Looking ahead, here's how I expect us to finish:

ASU (W)
Stanford (W)
Cal (W)
@Utah (W)
@Colorado (L)
OSU (W)
Oregon (W)
@UCLA (L)
@USC (L)
WSU (W)
UW (W)

So I expect we'll win 8 of 11 to finish the season. Not bad.

why even play!!!!

[azcat49]

We need 20

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Looking ahead, here's how I expect us to finish:

ASU (W)
Stanford (W)
Cal (W)
@Utah (W)
@Colorado (L)
OSU (W)
Oregon (W)
@UCLA (L)
@USC (L)
WSU (W)
UW (W)

So I expect we'll win 8 of 11 to finish the season. Not bad.

why even play!!!!

Because we can!!!!

[Spaceman Spiff]

after winning @ ASU

RPI-59
BPI-36
AP- 43 (out of 43 receiving votes)
NET- 32
KenPom-27 (16/63)

Our D went from 63 to 55 on KemPom on the strength of last night. That's a trend I'd like to see continue.

[azgreg]

after winning @ ASU

RPI-59
BPI-36
AP- 43 (out of 43 receiving votes)
NET- 32
KenPom-27 (16/63)

Our D went from 63 to 55 on KemPom on the strength of last night. That's a trend I'd like to see continue.

These young guys are just getting better and better. Can't wait for next year.

[Spaceman Spiff]

after winning @ ASU

RPI-59
BPI-36
AP- 43 (out of 43 receiving votes)
NET- 32
KenPom-27 (16/63)

Our D went from 63 to 55 on KemPom on the strength of last night. That's a trend I'd like to see continue.

These young guys are just getting better and better. Can't wait for next year.

Agreed. I'm particularly focused on D because I almost can't see how we wouldn't be very good on O returning a lot of these guys.

We have a ton of new pieces we're trying to fit together and you can see guys like Mathurin, Tubelis and Terry growing. And we're a top 20 offense nationally, despite losing Baker.

If we can grow on D, next year should be very fun.

[84Cat]

Anyone know if Kerr knows how to play D? It was quite a drop off when Tibet was in. He needs to hit the gym so he doesn't get thrown around out there. It will be interesting to see who is back next year. How many schoolies are we over? Are the other bribery schools losing schoolies?

[azcat49]

To me the question I have for next year is do we bring Ira and Terrell back should they want to play another year. That would be tremendous depth

[Spaceman Spiff]

Anyone know if Kerr knows how to play D? It was quite a drop off when Tibet was in. He needs to hit the gym so he doesn't get thrown around out there. It will be interesting to see who is back next year. How many schoolies are we over? Are the other bribery schools losing schoolies?

We're over by 1 scholarship.

Kerr's D was limited by him only being 6'1, 160 and not particularly explosive. Hopefully he's gotten accustomed to the physicality of college through practices and added some muscle. I wouldn't expect lockdown D, but am hoping for solid D, as he seems to have a good understanding of the game.

Tibet is skinny and gets turned around too easily. He has some bad habits he needs to break going forward, like laying on screens, if he's going to reach his potential more.

[Beachcat97]

To me the question I have for next year is do we bring Ira and Terrell back should they want to play another year. That would be tremendous depth

That's what I've been wondering too. I'd think Ira and Terrell's senior leadership would be invaluable next season.

[zonagrad]

To me the question I have for next year is do we bring Ira and Terrell back should they want to play another year. That would be tremendous depth

That's what I've been wondering too. I'd think Ira and Terrell's senior leadership would be invaluable next season.

Bring Remy Martin back for another year so we can beat his whiny ass two more times!!!

[84Cat]

Terrell has been a big part of our success this year. Maybe that changes when Kerr becomes eligible but I would hate to imagine where we would be without him. He's so steady with the ball

[Olsondogg]

I bet that Ira is done after this year. Unsure about Brown

[Spaceman Spiff]

I bet that Ira is done after this year. Unsure about Brown

Hard to tell. We could use a 4th big and might have far more options at guard. Terrell has been a revelation this year, though.

[Olsondogg]

I bet that Ira is done after this year. Unsure about Brown

Hard to tell. We could use a 4th big and might have far more options at guard. Terrell has been a revelation this year, though.

I just feel like Ira wants to play more and would grad transfer—-if that’s possible, I don’t know the details of the covid extra year.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I bet that Ira is done after this year. Unsure about Brown

Hard to tell. We could use a 4th big and might have far more options at guard. Terrell has been a revelation this year, though.

I just feel like Ira wants to play more and would grad transfer—-if that’s possible, I don’t know the details of the covid extra year.

It's a free year for immediate transfer anyways, I believe, so he could be instantly eligible anywhere.

I have no idea anyone's intent, and I think there are still dominos to fall. If Kriisa looks really good, he, Baker and Akinjo returning would cut time for Terrell. If someone in the frontcourt left, that would free up time for Ira.

Hard to tell at this point. I do think it'll be tough for any of our newcomers to unseat a veteran. Simpson is probably the most likely to earn immediate time, which is another reason I'm just not sure on Terrell.

[Merkin]

We're over by 1 scholarship.

Isn't that moot with this year being a free year?


The NCAA's Division I Council voted to give eligibility relief to winter-sport athletes regardless of how many games they play during the 2020-21 academic year. Athletes now have the opportunity to play five seasons within a six-year span rather than the typical four seasons in five years.

[IndianaZonaFan]

We're over by 1 scholarship.

Isn't that moot with this year being a free year?


The NCAA's Division I Council voted to give eligibility relief to winter-sport athletes regardless of how many games they play during the 2020-21 academic year. Athletes now have the opportunity to play five seasons within a six-year span rather than the typical four seasons in five years.

This only means we can be over to compensate for seniors staying.

Scholarships would still be 13 (1 additional per senior that stays)

If both seniors stay we will have 16 players and only 15 scholarships.

[Spaceman Spiff]

We're over by 1 scholarship.

Isn't that moot with this year being a free year?


The NCAA's Division I Council voted to give eligibility relief to winter-sport athletes regardless of how many games they play during the 2020-21 academic year. Athletes now have the opportunity to play five seasons within a six-year span rather than the typical four seasons in five years.

This only means we can be over to compensate for seniors staying.

Scholarships would still be 13 (1 additional per senior that stays)

If both seniors stay we will have 16 players and only 15 scholarships.

Yeah, we were 1 over before any change. We need to shed at least one scholarship to make whatever limit there is.

The most likely just based on PT would be little Tubelis. You never know, though. Goerner has been pretty buried, and I'm not sure that will improve next year, especially if Ira's back.

[Jefe]

To me the question I have for next year is do we bring Ira

Please no. Thanks for everything though. Football team need some depth? Finish a Wildcat

and Terrell back should they want to play another year.

Yes please

[Frybry02]

Did anybody else see Kriisa taunting the ASU bench as time expired last night? He was mocking them with that dance ASU bench was doing in Tempe on Thursday.

[azgreg]

Is Kriisa going to play this year?

[84Cat]

Is Kriisa going to play this year?

Yes, Sean said last night that he should be cleared to play any day now

[UAEebs86]

I thought he couldn't play until 2/6? That would mean he could travel but the Utah game is off.

[Frybry02]

I thought he couldn't play until 2/6? That would mean he could travel but the Utah game is off.

I wonder if he can play at Utah because the ASU game got moved up.

Eta. That wouldn’t make sense because the oregan game was postponed. Nevermind

[Spaceman Spiff]

Did anybody else see Kriisa taunting the ASU bench as time expired last night? He was mocking them with that dance ASU bench was doing in Tempe on Thursday.

Please tell me there's video of this.

[Frybry02]

Did anybody else see Kriisa taunting the ASU bench as time expired last night? He was mocking them with that dance ASU bench was doing in Tempe on Thursday.

Please tell me there's video of this.

I will see if I can screen grab it

[IndianaZonaFan]

I thought he couldn't play until 2/6? That would mean he could travel but the Utah game is off.

I wonder if he can play at Utah because the ASU game got moved up.

Eta. That wouldn’t make sense because the oregan game was postponed. Nevermind

With the Oregon game postponed and the asu game moved up, we are still looking at Feb 6 date for Kerr, assuming it’s a number of games and not days as the punishment for going to Arizona.

I hope he’s cleared and ready to go. Would really like to see this lineup sometime this year:

Akinjo
Kriisa
T Brown
Mathurin
Koloko

[Frybry02]

Did anybody else see Kriisa taunting the ASU bench as time expired last night? He was mocking them with that dance ASU bench was doing in Tempe on Thursday.

Please tell me there's video of this.

I will see if I can screen grab it

[Spaceman Spiff]

Did anybody else see Kriisa taunting the ASU bench as time expired last night? He was mocking them with that dance ASU bench was doing in Tempe on Thursday.

Please tell me there's video of this.

I will see if I can screen grab it

That's fantastic. I like that kid already.

[zonagrad]

Emanuel Akot shooting 33% on the season for Boise, averaging 7 points.
Doutrive averaging 10/game. Against MT. West competition.

I’d say Arizona is infinitely better off with Mathurin & Terry as freshmen.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Emanuel Akot shooting 33% on the season for Boise, averaging 7 points.
Doutrive averaging 10/game. Against MT. West competition.

I’d say Arizona is infinitely better off with Mathurin & Terry as freshmen.

Doutrive had ability, but his tendency to violate unspecified team rules...well, you can't have that.

Akot's still good on D, and his shot is still not there.

All in all, I don't wish either of them ill, and I'm very happy with the guys we have here.

[Merkin]

Alex Barcello is shooting 52% on 3 pt shots, 83% FTs, 4.6 APG, 2.2 TO, and 15 PPG.

Finally looking like the 2nd rated player out of Arizona, after Ayton.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Alex Barcello is shooting 52% on 3 pt shots, 83% FTs, 4.6 APG, 2.2 TO, and 15 PPG.

Finally looking like the 2nd rated player out of Arizona, after Ayton.

Yeah, he was ok last year and really found his stride this year. He always seemed like a decent kid and it just didn't come together for him here.

I posted about Will Bynum in 97's Arizona team rankings (still hope that tourney happens, BTW). Sometimes it just isn't meant to be for some guys at Arizona, and it really isn't either side's fault.

[zonagrad]

Alex Barcello is shooting 52% on 3 pt shots, 83% FTs, 4.6 APG, 2.2 TO, and 15 PPG.

Finally looking like the 2nd rated player out of Arizona, after Ayton.

Barcello is a mystery. He looked overmatched when he was on the floor for us. Daily competition much tougher in the PAC than the WCC.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Alex Barcello is shooting 52% on 3 pt shots, 83% FTs, 4.6 APG, 2.2 TO, and 15 PPG.

Finally looking like the 2nd rated player out of Arizona, after Ayton.

Barcello is a mystery. He looked overmatched when he was on the floor for us. Daily competition much tougher in the PAC than the WCC.

Sometimes things just click. The strange part is people always thought he could shoot, but he shot .308 and .292 from 3 here.

Then, at BYU, that jumps to .486 and .516. Of all the things, you'd expect the ability to make shots to stay relatively consistent, but he had such wide variation.

Did he profit from a role where he wouldn't be replaced if he struggled a bit? Did the competition drop off and let him get into a better rhythm? It's just hard to tell.

Sometimes I think we forget how young players are too. I remember being that age and how things that wouldn't matter to me now were big deals.

[Merkin]

Barcello was the best practice shooter on the team, which we heard ad nauseum when he would miss an open 3 point shot during a game.

[UAEebs86]

Nice

[Spaceman Spiff]

Barcello was the best practice shooter on the team, which we heard ad nauseum when he would miss an open 3 point shot during a game.

Excited to see him out there. We need a backup guard bad too.

[Postmaster]

I thought he couldn't play until 2/6? That would mean he could travel but the Utah game is off.

I wonder if he can play at Utah because the ASU game got moved up.

Eta. That wouldn’t make sense because the oregan game was postponed. Nevermind

With the Oregon game postponed and the asu game moved up, we are still looking at Feb 6 date for Kerr, assuming it’s a number of games and not days as the punishment for going to Arizona.

I hope he’s cleared and ready to go. Would really like to see this lineup sometime this year:

Akinjo
Kriisa
T Brown
Mathurin
Koloko

That’s a pretty short back court

[IndianaZonaFan]

Yes, but I like the potential run and gun for that group

[IndianaZonaFan]

Yes, but I like the potential run and gun for that group

Swap Tubelis for Koloko and even more fire power

[Postmaster]

I thought he couldn't play until 2/6? That would mean he could travel but the Utah game is off.

I wonder if he can play at Utah because the ASU game got moved up.

Eta. That wouldn’t make sense because the oregan game was postponed. Nevermind

Just heard on news that Kriisa was suspended 70% of season. Seems hard to pinpoint 70% with the uncertainty.

[EVCat]

Barcello was never a catch and shoot 3 pt bomber. He was miscast here, and we simply had too much talent to let him be a primary ball handler who created his own shot. Add to it some family stuff that hit hard right as he got here, and him losing confidence, and he just needed a change.

Still...funny to see the veryCatholic Barcellos become a BYU pipeline. His sister Amanda, a star senior at Seton Catholic, is headed there next year.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Barcello was never a catch and shoot 3 pt bomber. He was miscast here, and we simply had too much talent to let him be a primary ball handler who created his own shot. Add to it some family stuff that hit hard right as he got here, and him losing confidence, and he just needed a change.

Still...funny to see the veryCatholic Barcellos become a BYU pipeline. His sister Amanda, a star senior at Seton Catholic, is headed there next year.

The other thing is he didn't step in and immediately explode at BYU. He averaged 9 ppg and 2 apg as a junior. His 3 point shooting got a lot better, but his overall game didn't immediately flip the switch.

They had a role for him that he could grow into, and you're seeing that pay off for them and him this year. Part of me thinks it might just be as simple as that. Some kids need the comfort and confidence that comes with knowing you have a role instead of having to compete for one.

It's not a shot at him, just that some people function better when they know they can miss a few times and they won't come out. Part of me thinks that's why he was better in year 2 there, that he settled into knowing he was gonna get minutes in year 1. I'm glad he's shown this, because I always thought he had this potential.

[zonagrad]

Barcello was never a catch and shoot 3 pt bomber. He was miscast here, and we simply had too much talent to let him be a primary ball handler who created his own shot. Add to it some family stuff that hit hard right as he got here, and him losing confidence, and he just needed a change.

Still...funny to see the veryCatholic Barcellos become a BYU pipeline. His sister Amanda, a star senior at Seton Catholic, is headed there next year.

The other thing is he didn't step in and immediately explode at BYU. He averaged 9 ppg and 2 apg as a junior. His 3 point shooting got a lot better, but his overall game didn't immediately flip the switch.

They had a role for him that he could grow into, and you're seeing that pay off for them and him this year. Part of me thinks it might just be as simple as that. Some kids need the comfort and confidence that comes with knowing you have a role instead of having to compete for one.

It's not a shot at him, just that some people function better when they know they can miss a few times and they won't come out. Part of me thinks that's why he was better in year 2 there, that he settled into knowing he was gonna get minutes in year 1. I'm glad he's shown this, because I always thought he had this potential.

He can be a good player on a team against mediocre competition or a decent player on a team against difficult competition. He flourishes against weak opponents. Against tougher competition is where his game gets marginalized. And there are a lot of players like that. Heck, Dylan Smith was like that for his entire career at Arizona. His overall stat line looked respectable -- but most times against the toughest competition he wilted and was exposed. Against weak teams he'd have great games.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Barcello was never a catch and shoot 3 pt bomber. He was miscast here, and we simply had too much talent to let him be a primary ball handler who created his own shot. Add to it some family stuff that hit hard right as he got here, and him losing confidence, and he just needed a change.

Still...funny to see the veryCatholic Barcellos become a BYU pipeline. His sister Amanda, a star senior at Seton Catholic, is headed there next year.

The other thing is he didn't step in and immediately explode at BYU. He averaged 9 ppg and 2 apg as a junior. His 3 point shooting got a lot better, but his overall game didn't immediately flip the switch.

They had a role for him that he could grow into, and you're seeing that pay off for them and him this year. Part of me thinks it might just be as simple as that. Some kids need the comfort and confidence that comes with knowing you have a role instead of having to compete for one.

It's not a shot at him, just that some people function better when they know they can miss a few times and they won't come out. Part of me thinks that's why he was better in year 2 there, that he settled into knowing he was gonna get minutes in year 1. I'm glad he's shown this, because I always thought he had this potential.

He can be a good player on a team against mediocre competition or a decent player on a team against difficult competition. He flourishes against weak opponents. Against tougher competition is where his game gets marginalized. And there are a lot of players like that. Heck, Dylan Smith was like that for his entire career at Arizona. His overall stat line looked respectable -- but most times against the toughest competition he wilted and was exposed. Against weak teams he'd have great games.

I would put PJC in that category too. I always felt he struggled the most vs big, talented, physical opponents. Some of it is just physical limitations.

Barcello has struggled vs Gonzaga and USC this year, but in fairness, he lit SDSU up.

[Postmaster]

I hate to say this but Terry reminds me of the Shoe Dribbler.
Only in his movement. Not his effectiveness, ceiling, skill et al.

[Merkin]

I hate to say this but Terry reminds me of the Shoe Dribbler.
Only in his movement. Not his effectiveness, ceiling, skill et al.

Gabe York?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Barcello was the best practice shooter on the team, which we heard ad nauseum when he would miss an open 3 point shot during a game.

Excited to see him out there. We need a backup guard bad too.

We could really use some Kriisa.