The 2020-2021 Season Thread

[Postmaster]

Where would Akinjo go?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Where would Akinjo go?

Dunno, #83 isn't close to being drafted. Heck, I wouldn't tell Mathurin to go without a first round grade, and I'm not sure he'll get that.

Mathurin has a lot of potential to grow. If he declares, I'd like to see him do it without an agent and get a grade first.

[Jefe]

Where would Akinjo go?

Better stats than Nico and look where he went.

Compare freshman Green to freshman Mathurin

[Spaceman Spiff]

Where would Akinjo go?

Better stats than Nico and look where he went.

Compare freshman Green to freshman Mathurin

Nico was better than Akinjo in pretty much every area statistically, and he did it as a freshman vs a junior. Nico's also taller, and I think Akinjo's size is a major limiting factor for him.

Green was a first bc he had a great frame plus being a very good defender. Mathurin has a good frame and better J, but lacks the D Green had.

I could see Mathurin being a 1st rounder, but I don't think it's a guarantee like Green. With Green, a team knew they were getting a plus defender with a great frame if nothing else. Mathurin's J has evolved, but I can see teams wondering if it's a hot streak given he was regarded as having a questionable J before recently.

[Postmaster]

Somehow the team with a thousand uniforms shows up in gray and we decide to change.

[azgreg]

Somehow the team with a thousand uniforms shows up in gray and we decide to change.

The next time we go to Oregon we should take our whites.

[Frybry02]

There are 2 stars that give me hope for next year with this group:


http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... st-percent

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... nd-percent

[Spaceman Spiff]

There are 2 stars that give me hope for next year with this group:

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... st-percent

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... nd-percent

We're still #18 im adjO with KenPom. Our offense is pretty good and should only be better next year.

[ChooChooCat]

Somehow the team with a thousand uniforms shows up in gray and we decide to change.

The next time we go to Oregon we should take our whites.

Pretty sure we bring our white guys with us on road trips.....oh you meant jerseys, yeah I gotcha.

[ChooChooCat]

There are 2 stars that give me hope for next year with this group:

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... st-percent

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... nd-percent

We're still #18 im adjO with KenPom. Our offense is pretty good and should only be better next year.

Wanna pick me a new coach using Kenpom Adj rankings?

[Frybry02]

There are 2 stars that give me hope for next year with this group:

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... st-percent

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... nd-percent

We're still #18 im adjO with KenPom. Our offense is pretty good and should only be better next year.

Wanna pick me a new coach using Kenpom Adj rankings?

There is no way the university will allow Miller to go into next year as a lame duck coach, right. Any idea when the decision will be made to extend or part ways?

[Postmaster]

Somehow the team with a thousand uniforms shows up in gray and we decide to change.

The next time we go to Oregon we should take our whites.

Pretty sure we bring our white guys with us on road trips.....oh you meant jerseys, yeah I gotcha.

In the 90s they use to bring Jaleel White to some games.

[ChooChooCat]

There are 2 stars that give me hope for next year with this group:

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... st-percent

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... nd-percent

We're still #18 im adjO with KenPom. Our offense is pretty good and should only be better next year.

Wanna pick me a new coach using Kenpom Adj rankings?

There is no way the university will allow Miller to go into next year as a lame duck coach, right. Any idea when the decision will be made to extend or part ways?

Your guess is as good as mine. You’d sure hope it’d come shortly after the season is over.

[Beachcat97]

Anyone think we can avoid 0-2 this week?

[Spaceman Spiff]

There are 2 stars that give me hope for next year with this group:

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... st-percent

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2 ... nd-percent

We're still #18 im adjO with KenPom. Our offense is pretty good and should only be better next year.

Wanna pick me a new coach using Kenpom Adj rankings?

I'd rather keep our current one.

[Frybry02]

Anyone think we can avoid 0-2 this week?

Yes I think we can go 0-2, 1-1, or 2-0.

[gronk4heisman]

If Akinjo could learn that a 20 foot contested jump shot is the worst shot in basketball and be kept to a dribbles per game limit, he could have potential.

[Merkin]

If Akinjo could learn that a 20 foot contested jump shot is the worst shot in basketball and be kept to a dribbles per game limit, he could have potential.

Overdribbling to the basket then tossing up a terrible shot is his worst shot, since then he can't get back on defense. Less than a minute left giving the Ducks a fast break 3 to take the lead is a perfect example.

[zonagrad]

We're still an extremely young team (again) this year. Oregon's two best players on the floor were seniors, plus junior Will Richardson. Our team consisted of Akinjo (junior), Kriisa (frosh playing his 3rd college game), Mathurin (frosh), Tubelis(frosh), JBrown (soph), Koloko (soph). Those problems existed last year as well as the big stakeholders (Nico, Green & Zeke) were all freshmen. It makes a difference in late game situations that Arizona can't close out a game against an opponent. It's a leadership, experience and trust issue when you have so much roster turnover and new, inexperienced players.

If nobody insanely decides to turn pro next year, we should have a very good team that should be in the back half of the top 25. My biggest concern is our big men, particularly Jordan Brown. He's a redshirt sophomore and former McDonald's All-America. He spent last season going toe-to-toe with Zeke Nnaji and before that practiced with a veteran-laden Nevada squad. He's a decent player but far from dominant. We got killed on the glass against Oregon and that directly impacted the outcome. That problem is not going away on this week's trip to LA. Tubelis & Koloko can continue to get bigger and stronger for next year but we give up too many easy baskets inside and second chance points.

[84Cat]

We're still an extremely young team (again) this year. Oregon's two best players on the floor were seniors, plus junior Will Richardson. Our team consisted of Akinjo (junior), Kriisa (frosh playing his 3rd college game), Mathurin (frosh), Tubelis(frosh), JBrown (soph), Koloko (soph). Those problems existed last year as well as the big stakeholders (Nico, Green & Zeke) were all freshmen. It makes a difference in late game situations that Arizona can't close out a game against an opponent. It's a leadership, experience and trust issue when you have so much roster turnover and new, inexperienced players.

If nobody insanely decides to turn pro next year, we should have a very good team that should be in the back half of the top 25. My biggest concern is our big men, particularly Jordan Brown. He's a redshirt sophomore and former McDonald's All-America. He spent last season going toe-to-toe with Zeke Nnaji and before that practiced with a veteran-laden Nevada squad. He's a decent player but far from dominant. We got killed on the glass against Oregon and that directly impacted the outcome. That problem is not going away on this week's trip to LA. Tubelis & Koloko can continue to get bigger and stronger for next year but we give up too many easy baskets inside and second chance points.

Good breakdown. Rebounds were the deciding factor in the Oregon game. If we can win the rebounding battle against the LA schools, we have a good shot at getting the win. If not, very doubtful it will be close in either game

[Spaceman Spiff]

We're still an extremely young team (again) this year. Oregon's two best players on the floor were seniors, plus junior Will Richardson. Our team consisted of Akinjo (junior), Kriisa (frosh playing his 3rd college game), Mathurin (frosh), Tubelis(frosh), JBrown (soph), Koloko (soph). Those problems existed last year as well as the big stakeholders (Nico, Green & Zeke) were all freshmen. It makes a difference in late game situations that Arizona can't close out a game against an opponent. It's a leadership, experience and trust issue when you have so much roster turnover and new, inexperienced players.

If nobody insanely decides to turn pro next year, we should have a very good team that should be in the back half of the top 25. My biggest concern is our big men, particularly Jordan Brown. He's a redshirt sophomore and former McDonald's All-America. He spent last season going toe-to-toe with Zeke Nnaji and before that practiced with a veteran-laden Nevada squad. He's a decent player but far from dominant. We got killed on the glass against Oregon and that directly impacted the outcome. That problem is not going away on this week's trip to LA. Tubelis & Koloko can continue to get bigger and stronger for next year but we give up too many easy baskets inside and second chance points.

I don't know whether it makes me positive or frustrated, but we've been ahead or in striking distance in 6 of 7 losses with under 10 to play. I feel like this team is on the verge of more, and then we've fallen short again and again.

This has been such a tough year for a team with new pieces. Covid kept everyone out of rhythm. We lost our leading scorer in Baker. Kriisa was out most of the year.

The thing I get most frustrated with is defense. I really like what Kriisa brings, but we haven't shown linear improvement. We take a step forward and then one back, and some of our failings are just on the personal responsibility level. We struggle with the first step, just stopping the guy in front of you.

One of the side effects of the FBI investigation is the past 3 years have been almost 100% resets from the year before. We have one scholarship player from the 18-19 team this year, Ira Lee. We have 3 (Baker, Koloko and Lee) who played last year and combined for 11.3 ppg.

Brown and Akinjo have experience, but it feels like we have no continuity in how our team is organized or team culture from year to year. Some of that (Zeke) is a positive comment on the player, but a net negative for the program. I seriously hope we see this core back, as I think it will be successful and important for overall program direction.

[gronk4heisman]

If our entire backcourt comes back, I could see some disharmony with the lack of minutes to go around. We have Akinjo (already almost always on the floor), Kerr, Brown, Mathurin, and Terry currently. Add back in Baker with the three freshman. Something has to give.

[Dosia]

Baker cant stay healthy so he would be my choice.

[Spaceman Spiff]

If our entire backcourt comes back, I could see some disharmony with the lack of minutes to go around. We have Akinjo (already almost always on the floor), Kerr, Brown, Mathurin, and Terry currently. Add back in Baker with the three freshman. Something has to give.

If we could get Akinjo, Kriisa, Mathurin and Terry back, that's my wish list. Kriisa is already our best perimeter defender and a solid distributor. If he gets his J going like international ball suggest he can, he's gonna be very good.

Brown and Baker...I could be ok with both leaving and I'm not sure how both can return for minutes with Kriisa's emergence. If we got the 4 guys above back, they'll take the lion's share of the 120 perimeter minutes. I think the freshmen, particularly Simpson and Nowell, can handle the spot remainders.

If one of Brown/Baker returns, give me Brown for rebounding, D and consistency.

[IndianaZonaFan]

after getting swept at home by LA schools

RPI-79
BPI-46
AP- NR (46 teams receiving votes)
NET- 39
KenPom-42

after beating Oregon state by 30+

RPI-66
BPI-33
AP- NR
NET- 31
KenPom-29

after winning @ ASU

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

after L vs Stanford & W vs Cal & ASU

RPI-67
BPI-36
AP- NR (43 teams receiving votes)
NET- 41
KenPom-32 (22/56)

After Losing @Utah and @Colorado
RPI-70
BPI-40
AP- NR
NET- 44
KenPom- 39 (18/84)

after W vs OSU and L vs Oregon

RPI-70
BPI-41
AP- NR
NET- 46
KenPom- 41 (18/88)

[IndianaZonaFan]

Any word on what the last week of the schedule will look like?
I think we have a make up game @Oregon. Anything else I forgot?

[Jefe]

Can we play non-conf too? Never played San Diego or Cal Baptist

[Beachcat97]

Tonight's game is one of those times it feels like we have zero chance of winning. Actually both games this week. I think we can hang with both teams; I just haven't seen this team finish strong in a close game.

Someone change my mind?

[Merkin]

Ira Lee is back.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Tonight's game is one of those times it feels like we have zero chance of winning. Actually both games this week. I think we can hang with both teams; I just haven't seen this team finish strong in a close game.

Someone change my mind?

I mean, UCLA outshot us 63% to 52% in TSP and we still only lost by 5 at home. It's easier said than done, of course, but if we can pull those numbers a little closer, UCLA's no juggernaut.

The constant theme this year has to be trying to improve D. We didn't turn them over much, we got outrebounded by 1...and we still only lost by 5.

I mean, we still have to actually improve in those areas, but I'd say this. It's not like the road forwards is complicated.

[Chicat]

Tonight's game is one of those times it feels like we have zero chance of winning. Actually both games this week. I think we can hang with both teams; I just haven't seen this team finish strong in a close game.

Someone change my mind?

I mean, UCLA outshot us 63% to 52% in TSP and we still only lost by 5 at home. It's easier said than done, of course, but if we can pull those numbers a little closer, UCLA's no juggernaut.

The constant theme this year has to be trying to improve D. We didn't turn them over much, we got outrebounded by 1...and we still only lost by 5.

I mean, we still have to actually improve in those areas, but I'd say this. It's not like the road forwards is complicated.

We also now have Kriisa, who is gelling better with his teammates, and an improved Tubelis, who has rounded out his game and seems to have adjusted to the physicality of college ball.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Tonight's game is one of those times it feels like we have zero chance of winning. Actually both games this week. I think we can hang with both teams; I just haven't seen this team finish strong in a close game.

Someone change my mind?

I mean, UCLA outshot us 63% to 52% in TSP and we still only lost by 5 at home. It's easier said than done, of course, but if we can pull those numbers a little closer, UCLA's no juggernaut.

The constant theme this year has to be trying to improve D. We didn't turn them over much, we got outrebounded by 1...and we still only lost by 5.

I mean, we still have to actually improve in those areas, but I'd say this. It's not like the road forwards is complicated.

We also now have Kriisa, who is gelling better with his teammates, and an improved Tubelis, who has rounded out his game and seems to have adjusted to the physicality of college ball.

True. We're by no means DOA, but it's all about improving the things we need to be improving on.

I have fallen in love with Kriisa. I hope his J is adjusting to game speed. When that happens, he's gonna be great. He's our best defensive guard right now.

[Beachcat97]

These are good points. I'm not sure what UCLA's injury situation is. They've had a few guys out here and there. They also now have Mac Etienne, who wasn't yet eligible in our first game against the Bruins.

I've been wrong more times than I can count on predicting AZ/UCLA outcomes, so I'm gonna shut up now and see if our guys can get a win tonight. Not a moral victory, like an actual victory.

Bear Down!

[Captain Obvious]

Tonight's game is one of those times it feels like we have zero chance of winning. Actually both games this week. I think we can hang with both teams; I just haven't seen this team finish strong in a close game.

Someone change my mind?

No point changing your mind because your inclination is spot on. We don't match up well with either team. That and UCLA and USC have better coaches. My prediction for tonight: UCLA 78 Arizona 65. I hope I'm wrong.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Ucla has thrown out some stinkers and underperformed lately, fat chance that will happen against us. But maybe they will look past us....to ASU....seems unlikely

[dmjcat]

The key for me is whether Tubelis/JBrown/Koloko can put on their man shorts and ball against Hill/Riley. In the first game the two UCLA bigs pretty much had their way with our bigs.

Tubelis has looked like the typical Euro big who likes to hang around on the perimeter and J. Brown has regressed all year........I'm starting to call him Jeter 2.0

[Kryptocat]

Dalen Terry has hit the freshman wall HARD. Kind of reminds me of how Nick Johnson hit the wall his freshman year. Here's to hoping his career follows Nick's path

[Chicat]

Looks like Mathurin has also hit that freshman wall. His body language was screaming “TIRED” against UCLA.

[Postmaster]

With the amount of aau games these guys play these days, I’m surprised the “wall” is still a thing.

[Merkin]

Having to play defense for once in their life probably takes a lot out of you.

[Chicat]

The travel and practice schedules are also different. It's no surprise to see freshmen wilt on the road in the second half of a conference season.

[midnightx]

Does everyone still think Arizona will one day be elite again?

[SCCats]

Does everyone still think Arizona will one day be elite again?

Yes.

[Beachcat97]

Does everyone still think Arizona will one day be elite again?

Yes, but not as naturally as I expected when Lute retired. It's a much harder road back to elite status now than it was 10 years ago.

[Chicat]

Does everyone still think Arizona will one day be elite again?

Absolutely

[Merkin]

I don't think Duke will even be elite without K, and UK without Cal.

Was UCLA elite after Wooden?

[ChooChooCat]

Does everyone still think Arizona will one day be elite again?

Yes, but it may take a couple coaching regimes to do that.

[BBQ wildcat]

Does everyone still think Arizona will one day be elite again?

Yes, and with Miller

[ASUHATER!]

I hope we will be, but I still have visions of us being the next UNLV or Minnesota football.

[Chicat]

Aaron is bullish on our future.