The 2021-2022 Season Thread

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Wed Oct 20, 2021 7:06 pm

Your positivity is encouraging.

EVCat · Post by **EVCat** » Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:53 pm

We are not going to see that 5 star recruit parade from Lloyd, and that is partly by design. It's not a matter of not wanting them...it's a matter of not entering that market with the appetite and focus necessary to win those battles. But Lute was never a top 5 class guy either, and Gonzaga was nothing if not an unofficial Lute Olson legacy build. It doesn't mean we are to forever recruit mediocre...it's recruiting to a program need and finding value recruits that fit the system, then developing the hell out of them. It certainly does not mean we won't be in the mix for top players, even more if this program steadies and maintains the level Miller had us at. But there is a certain extra (not talking about money...that's everywhere) that is required to be at the recruiting level Miller was at, and a lot of that was Sean and his ability to sell the program to kids and maybe overrecruit a bit then let the roster settle with transfers out. It's a way...I don't think Sean ever recruited a kid without the thought that he could be a star. But he made his targets feel like they were the future of Arizona greatness and were 100% ready to step in and be the man...not lying, exactly, but when you pitch similar players the same way, you know someone is going to fail. It's one way to do this, and the only way to be a consistent winner in the 5 star recruiting game. Lloyd seems to be more about selling the program long term and being up front about fit and building a team through development and retention. It's another way, and can be successful. As we saw with Lute, if you win, you eventually get to a crossroads. Do you still check with existing players to see if they are OK with the recruit? Or do you take the big talent and see whether they fit? He balanced that with grace for a few years, then fell off in the last few.

I loved Sean Miller. I was pissed to see him leave. I eventually took to being the black hat program, the heel...Sean was a "motherfucker" in all the best, most complimentary ways, and when he engaged positively with someone, you could see why anyone would play for him. He was all the things people say about him, and more. And I hate how this went down. But I do not see a Fisch=Lloyd comparison, and am not sure Fisch won't be fine, either (you want to talk recruiting? That dude is getting commits selling a dumpster fire), but there is just not a comparison in program or pedigree in the college game.

(I am rambling. But damn have I been disappointed reading the last few pages in catch-up mode for the season)...

Olsondogg · Post by **Olsondogg** » Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:04 pm

EVCat wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:53 pm We are not going to see that 5 star recruit parade from Lloyd, and that is partly by design. It's not a matter of not wanting them...it's a matter of not entering that market with the appetite and focus necessary to win those battles. But Lute was never a top 5 class guy either, and Gonzaga was nothing if not an unofficial Lute Olson legacy build. It doesn't mean we are to forever recruit mediocre...it's recruiting to a program need and finding value recruits that fit the system, then developing the hell out of them. It certainly does not mean we won't be in the mix for top players, even more if this program steadies and maintains the level Miller had us at. But there is a certain extra (not talking about money...that's everywhere) that is required to be at the recruiting level Miller was at, and a lot of that was Sean and his ability to sell the program to kids and maybe overrecruit a bit then let the roster settle with transfers out. It's a way...I don't think Sean ever recruited a kid without the thought that he could be a star. But he made his targets feel like they were the future of Arizona greatness and were 100% ready to step in and be the man...not lying, exactly, but when you pitch similar players the same way, you know someone is going to fail. It's one way to do this, and the only way to be a consistent winner in the 5 star recruiting game. Lloyd seems to be more about selling the program long term and being up front about fit and building a team through development and retention. It's another way, and can be successful. As we saw with Lute, if you win, you eventually get to a crossroads. Do you still check with existing players to see if they are OK with the recruit? Or do you take the big talent and see whether they fit? He balanced that with grace for a few years, then fell off in the last few.

I loved Sean Miller. I was pissed to see him leave. I eventually took to being the black hat program, the heel...Sean was a "motherfucker" in all the best, most complimentary ways, and when he engaged positively with someone, you could see why anyone would play for him. He was all the things people say about him, and more. And I hate how this went down. But I do not see a Fisch=Lloyd comparison, and am not sure Fisch won't be fine, either (you want to talk recruiting? That dude is getting commits selling a dumpster fire), but there is just not a comparison in program or pedigree in the college game.

(I am rambling. But damn have I been disappointed reading the last few pages in catch-up mode for the season)...

I really enjoyed reading this post. Thanks man.

Olsondogg · Post by **Olsondogg** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:45 am

Just hit the transfer portal. Looks like a get

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... 9/tre-king

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:55 am

Olsondogg wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:45 am Just hit the transfer portal. Looks like a get

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... 9/tre-king

Hmmm....

NickyBCats · Post by **NickyBCats** » Sat Oct 23, 2021 10:46 am

What time is the scrimmage against St Mary’s today and will we hear any details how it went?

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:34 pm

The new kenpom is out for 2022.

We are at 47, finished last year at 29.

St Mary's is at 42, finished at 75.

Ken must like their freshmen or transfers.

I can't find diddly about the St Mary's scrimmage, should have been a good game?

November 1 isn't that far away, just over a week!!!!!!!

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:37 pm

The fate of Cat fans seems to run countertrend to the general upward progress of life. So one has to wonder: have things been sucky enough in general for us to have a good year? Are we above or below the 200 day moving average of sucking balls?

loomer · Post by **loomer** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:08 pm

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pm

Someone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona. The pictures of the scrimmage looked like our guys were having a lot of fun.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:21 pm

Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pm Someone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona. The pictures of the scrimmage looked like our guys were having a lot of fun.

Don't be teasing us now. That is a serious ass whooping and KenPom has them rated higher than us

KaibabKat · Post by **KaibabKat** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:57 pm

If accurate, that is pretty impressive. In the past these games have been taken fairly seriously.

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:11 pm

So the three man Weave has the Gaels as the #4 team in the WCC, behind the San Fran Dons, they are supposedly a very experienced team with great defensive efficiency. So if we truly hung 120 on them, that would be incredible.

They lost no one from the #13 defense in the country last year and added possibly the best euro frosh in the country, according to some.

If we did that well against them, I am super excited about this team!!!!

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:20 pm

I am guessing that score is bogus. When you look at the video of Kerr hitting that 3 pointer the scoreboard was showing 28-29.

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:57 pm

Nothing is real until after it's real.

TheCat · Post by **TheCat** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:59 am

Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pm Someone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona. The pictures of the scrimmage looked like our guys were having a lot of fun.

Must have been M. T. Greene. Don't think any scrimmage is going to allow 120 pts. and 50 pt victory.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:32 am

This is a sports fan message board. Accepting that score as real is our job.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:36 am

I heard it was eleventy hundred to three.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:09 am

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:13 am

Looks like we shut them out.

TheCat · Post by **TheCat** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:19 am

I stand corrected and we have video evidence it was a shutout.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:06 pm

We look aggressive.

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Mon Oct 25, 2021 1:38 pm

We shot 100% from the field. Not bad.

IndianaZonaFan · Post by **IndianaZonaFan** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 11:16 am

My personal expectations for this season:

(I reserve the right to change these upon injury to starter, or at the end of OOC season)

1. Finish top 2 in PAC
2. 5 seed or better in NCAA
3. S16 or better
4. Benn- Pac12 POY
5. KenPom- Top 20 Offense
6. KenPom- Top 40 Defense
7. Win at least 2 of Wich. St, Michigan, Illinois, & Tennessee

LFG! Bear Down!

billk78 · Post by **billk78** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 11:55 am

84Cat wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:09 am

I saw a really nice drive from Kier there. He looked explosive. This could actually be a real good team. I also like the enthusiasm and excitement I saw from guys on the bench up and cheering their teammates on.

Even though we won 2000-2 there's still work to be done.

gronk4heisman · Post by **gronk4heisman** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 12:12 pm

My wish list for the season has already been met with that video, which is Kerr to make something other than a three in his career. Super excited now.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 1:06 pm

My wish list is to beat Oregon like a drum.

97cats · Post by **97cats** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 2:15 pm

im wishing for a beautiful blond with big tits and an ass that tastes like French vanilla ice-cream.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:50 pm

Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pmSomeone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona.

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:02 pm

TOS said we won by around 20.

The only thing I could decipher from the video is that we went up by 4 with the made Kerr 3 pointer with a few minutes left in the first half.

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:40 pm

Jefe wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:50 pm
Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pmSomeone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona.

Off topic, but Brian Cox is the original Hannibal Lector from Manhunter.

IndianaZonaFan · Post by **IndianaZonaFan** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:37 pm

dovecanyoncat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:40 pm
Jefe wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:50 pm
Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pmSomeone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona.

Off topic, but Brian Cox is the original Hannibal Lector from Manhunter.

Oh fuck off!

Edit: this is not directed towards anyone. It is the only thing I hear him say in my head after watching Succession. Even during the McDonalds commercials…I’m waiting for him to say…try the new tender, juicy, crispy chicken sandwich, and fuck off!

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 5:24 am

5 days until our 1st exhibition game

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:52 am

IndianaZonaFan wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:37 pm
dovecanyoncat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:40 pm
Jefe wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:50 pm
Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pmSomeone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona.

Off topic, but Brian Cox is the original Hannibal Lector from Manhunter.
Oh fuck off!

Edit: this is not directed towards anyone. It is the only thing I hear him say in my head after watching Succession. Even during the McDonalds commercials…I’m waiting for him to say…try the new tender, juicy, crispy chicken sandwich, and fuck off!

I figured it was a line from something. Didn’t realize who he was.
I tried to get my wife to play a drinking game. Do a Shot every time they say fuck in that show. She didn’t go for it.

IndianaZonaFan · Post by **IndianaZonaFan** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:49 am

Postmaster wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:52 am
IndianaZonaFan wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:37 pm
dovecanyoncat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:40 pm
Jefe wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:50 pm
Dave wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:15 pmSomeone posted on Facebook 120-67 Arizona.

Off topic, but Brian Cox is the original Hannibal Lector from Manhunter.
Oh fuck off!

Edit: this is not directed towards anyone. It is the only thing I hear him say in my head after watching Succession. Even during the McDonalds commercials…I’m waiting for him to say…try the new tender, juicy, crispy chicken sandwich, and fuck off!
I figured it was a line from something. Didn’t realize who he was.
I tried to get my wife to play a drinking game. Do a Shot every time they say fuck in that show. She didn’t go for it.

Sounds like a terrible morning after.

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 1:19 pm

https://www.si.com/college/2021/10/27/p ... on-arizona

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 4:15 pm

https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/news/220 ... his-season

Underrated college basketball teams to bet this season

Arizona (Honorable Mention in AP poll, 47th in KenPom)
Only two of Arizona's six leading scorers from last season return, but those two form what might be the Pac-12's best guard-big combo. Azuolas Tubelis is an elite inside scorer who should command constant double teams down low. The fire to his ice is Canadian Bennedict Mathurin, a hyper-athletic guard and a potential first-rounder who shot 42% from 3-point range last season.

The performance of those around Tubelis and Mathurin will determine whether this team is rightfully ranked in the 40s or will be pushing into the top 25. Pelle Larsson and Kerr Kriisa are international sharpshooters, Christian Koloko and Oumar Ballo are massive defensive anchors, and Justin Kier and Dalen Terry are athletic wings.

The Wildcats having two experienced, known commodities on the floor is a bettor's dream. This shouldn't be a squad that falls flat against inferior competition, making Arizona a team worth targeting all season long.

YoDeFoe · Post by **YoDeFoe** » Sun Oct 31, 2021 1:49 pm

Jefe wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 4:15 pm https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/news/220 ... his-season

I love the inclusion of Arizona, but I'm a firm non-believer in Oregon.

Having faith in Oregon means believing in point guard Will Richardson. The senior was excellent in 2019-20, averaging 11 points on a 48/47/85 shooting split. But he didn't take a leap forward last season after missing the first 12 games of the campaign. Now that he's the clear leader, look for Richardson to make a push for Pac-12 Player of the Year.

Will Richardson is not that guy. He's not Pac-12 POY material and I'm wondering what is going on with folks who see a superstar in him. He's a fine player - he's good - he's just not that guy. And part of the reason is that the next three guys believe they're the guy...

Additionally, coach Dana Altman used the transfer portal to add several high-level pieces, including guards De'Vion Harmon (Oklahoma) and Jacob Young (Rutgers), as well as forward Quincy Guerrier (Syracuse). This is all before mentioning five-star big man Nate Bittle, who should play a role from the jump.

Guerrier is a good and productive PF who wants to be a SF this year to show scouts that he has more to his game. The trouble is two fold: 1) he's not going to get that much run at the SF position with this guard-heavy roster, 2) he doesn't have more to his game. He's successful because he beats post players to the rim with his quickness and motor. He either needs to change his dreams or change his game and I don't know which is more unlikely.

Harmon is nice - he's a shorter two guard but he's got a lengthy wingspan and good toughness. But he's another guy who deeply believes he's an NBA player and has joined Oregon to show it and 1) I'm just not there with him, and 2) I think being desperate to show your individual skills (especially when maybe truthfully those skills aren't fully there) doesn't lend itself to team success. He developed some nice mid-range scoring last season and I like his intangibles so there's some merit to believing in him. But despite thinking he's a lead guard he hasn't shown the ability to shoot from distance and he's got 62 assists to 81 turnovers in his career so far... his family has blamed that on Oklahoma's system but maybe it's just him.

And Jacob Young... he's a high usage low efficiency small and not long back-up two guard. That's it. There's so very little to merit to even mentioning this dude as a meaningful piece of a basketball team that if he's being mentioned, that's a red flag for the roster.

Nathan Bittle might get some extra run this season only because potential star center N'Fale Dante is still recovering from a torn ACL. Read that again and let me know what level of confidence you get from it.

The Ducks and the Bruins are both going to fail to live up to their lofty preseason rankings and it's going to suck for the conference. Arizona to the rescue...

YoDeFoe · Post by **YoDeFoe** » Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:26 pm

KenPom: Oregon - 29
BartTorvik: Oregon - 36
AP Poll: Oregon - 13
USA Today Coaches: Oregon - 12

What is going on here. Oregon won one (1) ncaa tournament game and this isn't even that team. But hey, they have the Pac-12's tenth ranked recruiting class so maybe it's the young blood they brought it.

(No, I'm not going to let this go)

ChooChooCat · Post by **ChooChooCat** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 5:39 am

YoDeFoe wrote: ↑Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:26 pm KenPom: Oregon - 29
BartTorvik: Oregon - 36
AP Poll: Oregon - 13
USA Today Coaches: Oregon - 12

What is going on here. Oregon won one (1) ncaa tournament game and this isn't even that team. But hey, they have the Pac-12's tenth ranked recruiting class so maybe it's the young blood they brought it.

(No, I'm not going to let this go)

Get them YDF, get them.

TheCat · Post by **TheCat** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:28 am

N'Fale Dante is a super star in the making if he comes back from injury. Hope he does for everyone but us.

ChooChooCat · Post by **ChooChooCat** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:58 am

TheCat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:28 am N'Fale Dante is a super star in the making if he comes back from injury.

Superstar? That's a bit much. He'll be a very good player for sure, but he's not exactly all that.

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:05 am

That's the bad part about having Oregon in your conference, they take a couple bad losses early in the season because the team just got done shaking hands and now they are playing. Then they gel and come together and pretty soon you have the team that lost to Some senior laden LMU and UC Irvine (not that they have, just a couple Of examples) beating up on your top 3 Pac-12 teams. Makes the conference look worse than it is.

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:52 am

U.P. Zona Fan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:05 am That's the bad part about having Oregon in your conference, they take a couple bad losses early in the season because the team just got done shaking hands and now they are playing. Then they gel and come together and pretty soon you have the team that lost to Some senior laden LMU and UC Irvine (not that they have, just a couple Of examples) beating up on your top 3 Pac-12 teams. Makes the conference look worse than it is.

Maybe, but we're coming off the Pac's best tourney performance in forever, so I have to think the perception of the league has shifted at least a little. The Pac looks top-heavy to begin the season (Oregon, UCLA). We'll have to see how that second tier shakes out. Lots of opportunity for AZ to contend.

IndianaZonaFan · Post by **IndianaZonaFan** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 9:22 am

I don’t honestly see UCLA or Oregon as head and shoulders above us. I feel like we should be right there in the running for the Pac12 title (pending injuries).

I see UCLA as a top 10 team. Oregon as a top 20 and us as a top 30. I feel like UCLA will fall a bit and us and Oregon will climb. I also feel it will take Oregon longer to come together than it will take us.

YoDeFoe · Post by **YoDeFoe** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 9:31 am

TheCat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:28 am N'Fale Dante is a super star in the making if he comes back from injury. Hope he does for everyone but us.

He's played 18 games across the last two seasons due to repeated knee injuries. He's still recovering from an ACL tear. What is the optimistic outlook for him this season, 25 appearances and 300 minutes?

YoDeFoe · Post by **YoDeFoe** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 9:53 am

Oregon's guards each have a higher career turnover than assist percentage, their wing depth is just a JUCO guy, and their center rotation is a guy with one knee and a collection of dudes who have played fewer than 150min in total.

If this was Arizona's roster we'd light ourselves on fire. I'm beside myself at the respect they're getting.

(I'm handling this well)

YoDeFoe · Post by **YoDeFoe** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 10:01 am

Anyways - THERE'S A GAME TONIGHT

Hyper excited to see us roll the ball out. Hopefully we do Tommy Lloyd stuff on offense and it doesn't look like a mess in transition and it doesn't devolve into ball stopping or iso reliance. We're going to be putting up points - it's a D-II squad - just want to see us doing some (most??) of it in the right fashion.

Also, Koloko block party please.

gronk4heisman · Post by **gronk4heisman** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 10:03 am

Dana Altman has shown he is a very good coach and likely the best in the Pac 12, he has talent and the conference is weak. I am not really following the argument being made. I don't see anyone saying they will be a final four team but if you are arguing that they are not a tournament team I think you are delusional. Oregon has won at least one game in the tournament 7 of the last 8 years (excluding Covid year)

Olsondogg · Post by **Olsondogg** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 10:04 am

YoDeFoe wrote: ↑Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:26 pm KenPom: Oregon - 29
BartTorvik: Oregon - 36
AP Poll: Oregon - 13
USA Today Coaches: Oregon - 12

What is going on here. Oregon won one (1) ncaa tournament game and this isn't even that team. But hey, they have the Pac-12's tenth ranked recruiting class so maybe it's the young blood they brought it.

(No, I'm not going to let this go)

It’s the Dana (I look the other way on sexual assaults) Altman effect. We can hear all about it throughout the year how his teams always get better as the season progresses.

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