The 2021-2022 Season Thread

[prh]

As long as we win the Pac12 over the LA schools to stay west, I'll be good

[Chicat]

I think Seth's list is terrible but we haven't played a ranked team yet

When we played Michigan they were ranked 4th. Obviously they’re not ranked now, but we did play a team that was ranked (quite high) at the time.

[EastCoastCat]

I think it will be so huge to get at least a split in LA.

I will be more than happy with 2-1 against Tenn, UCLA and SC.
1-2 and I will be disappointed but not totally upset.
0-3 and we will have further Tommy Boy discussions on this board.

[pokinmik]

People can say whatever they want about the Cry 'n Lie lack of ranking, who cares. Putting up 82 points in that hellhole cage match after a bollocks travel scenario is evidence of toughness that speaks to anyone who understands college basketball in totality. We earned respect from everyone who counts. Fuck the rest of them.

Exactly. Even forgetting all the adversity of travel and being on the road…as much as I hate to admit, Illinois has a tough fuckin team and they will 100% be ranked later in the year and probably be in contention for the B10 title. Watching some of their previous games prior to playing our cats, it was evident their guards can drain some 3s and get hot. Add in Kofi and they are real solid. It was a great win the other night and one that will be cherished by the committee come selection Sunday. Most of the rankings right now are silly, especially Seth Davis who is obviously trolling or a complete idiot or both.

[RondaeShimmy]

#8

https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-colleg ... oll?week=6

[EastCoastCat]

I'm cool with that - and we did leap frog Villanova which would have been quite debatable since they just lost by 21.

Purdue only dropping 2 spots is sort of funny. I mean they lost to Rutgers for god's sakes.

[Chicat]

#1 in our hearts.

[84Cat]

Computers like us:

Sagarin #5
Massey Composite #1
Massey #1
T-Rank #5
KenPom #7
Team Rankings #1

[RondaeShimmy]

#8

https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-colleg ... oll?week=6

I honestly have no problem being #8. Those teams immediately above Arizona have more impressive wins than Arizona.

Kansas is maybe the only one but not worth getting worked up over one spot and they beat a current top 15 team.

[Beachcat97]

The AP voters are more impressed with USC than I am, and I'm surprised Purdue is still at 3. Still think it's funny that UCLA is ranked ahead of Gonzaga, given the lopsided outcome of that head to head game.

[Alieberman]

3 top 10 Pac teams is very nice to see.... and we are getting close to going head-to-head.

I'm pumped!

[Beachcat97]

I think it will be so huge to get at least a split in LA.

I will be more than happy with 2-1 against Tenn, UCLA and SC.
1-2 and I will be disappointed but not totally upset.
0-3 and we will have further Tommy Boy discussions on this board.

And yet, even if we somehow go 0-3, we're still in a great position to earn a high seed and do big things in March. These are big games coming up, but keep in mind we also get the L.A. schools at McKale, plus the Pac tourney. There will be further opportunities for quality wins.

[azgreg]

I think Seth's list is terrible but we haven't played a ranked team yet

When we played Michigan they were ranked 4th. Obviously they’re not ranked now, but we did play a team that was ranked (quite high) at the time.

And one of the reasons they're not ranked is we kicked their ass.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I think Seth's list is terrible but we haven't played a ranked team yet

When we played Michigan they were ranked 4th. Obviously they’re not ranked now, but we did play a team that was ranked (quite high) at the time.

And one of the reasons they're not ranked is we kicked their ass.

Losing not so close games to UNC and Minnesota is another. It just doesn't look as good as it did, but we'll have plenty of other chances without worrying how good Michigan eventually looks.

[Beachcat97]

I think Seth's list is terrible but we haven't played a ranked team yet

When we played Michigan they were ranked 4th. Obviously they’re not ranked now, but we did play a team that was ranked (quite high) at the time.

And one of the reasons they're not ranked is we kicked their ass.

True, but the bigger reason is that they've lost four times. Not necessarily bad losses, but they're sitting at 6-4.

Michigan could still end up trending upward by March, which would help us, but I'm not holding my breath.

[RondaeShimmy]

https://collegepolltracker.com/basketba ... dcats/2021

No surprise Seth Davis is the guy who ranked Arizona the worst

[Longhorned]

I think it will be so huge to get at least a split in LA.

I will be more than happy with 2-1 against Tenn, UCLA and SC.
1-2 and I will be disappointed but not totally upset.
0-3 and we will have further Tommy Boy discussions on this board.

And yet, even if we somehow go 0-3, we're still in a great position to earn a high seed and do big things in March. These are big games coming up, but keep in mind we also get the L.A. schools at McKale, plus the Pac tourney. There will be further opportunities for quality wins.

Sounds like you think 0-3 unlikely. Me too. All you can do is predict based on the sample so far.

I expect 4 losses total before the conference tourney. I think every one of our losses will be games we can't put two solid halves together. I don't think we'll lose a single game through the Sweet 16 where we put together two solid halves. I don't have any way to relate my expectations to any unexpected injuries to key players for us or opponents.

[TheCat]

Both the men and women should be top 5 tomorrow. Don't think that's too much to ask.

I have watched the women play every game and I would tell you they are not top 10 right now. Also with LW out for two weeks they look disjointed. They will improve and for all of you that think Miller over coached at times just watch the women and AB is constantly telling players what to do and where to go on EVERY play. Very easy to hear on the Live AZ stream.

[TheCat]

Seth's list disrespects USC as much as us. They are playing well and Boogie is a problem (on most nights).

[Beachcat97]

I think it will be so huge to get at least a split in LA.

I will be more than happy with 2-1 against Tenn, UCLA and SC.
1-2 and I will be disappointed but not totally upset.
0-3 and we will have further Tommy Boy discussions on this board.

And yet, even if we somehow go 0-3, we're still in a great position to earn a high seed and do big things in March. These are big games coming up, but keep in mind we also get the L.A. schools at McKale, plus the Pac tourney. There will be further opportunities for quality wins.

Sounds like you think 0-3 unlikely. Me too. All you can do is predict based on the sample so far.

I expect 4 losses total before the conference tourney. I think every one of our losses will be games we can't put two solid halves together. I don't think we'll lose a single game through the Sweet 16 where we put together two solid halves. I don't have any way to relate my expectations to any unexpected injuries to key players for us or opponents.

I've watched Tennessee and USC. At our best, we should beat both of them, even if they're shooting well. We're deeper, more versatile, and better on defense. UCLA is a tougher call. They're an offensive power. Jaquez is their best player, but Campbell is their most valuable player. Juzang is a wild card. When they're clicking, they're going to score points in a hurry and can quickly get up double digits. But I've seen them go through stretches where they're overly reliant on 3s and slow in transition D. I don't think any of these three teams will get to the FF.

Still, winning on the road against top 15-ish competition is really effing hard. I don't think we'll go 0-3, but I don't think we'll go 3-0 either.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I think it will be so huge to get at least a split in LA.

I will be more than happy with 2-1 against Tenn, UCLA and SC.
1-2 and I will be disappointed but not totally upset.
0-3 and we will have further Tommy Boy discussions on this board.

And yet, even if we somehow go 0-3, we're still in a great position to earn a high seed and do big things in March. These are big games coming up, but keep in mind we also get the L.A. schools at McKale, plus the Pac tourney. There will be further opportunities for quality wins.

Sounds like you think 0-3 unlikely. Me too. All you can do is predict based on the sample so far.

I expect 4 losses total before the conference tourney. I think every one of our losses will be games we can't put two solid halves together. I don't think we'll lose a single game through the Sweet 16 where we put together two solid halves. I don't have any way to relate my expectations to any unexpected injuries to key players for us or opponents.

We will probably take an L or two we don't expect. Then, SC and UCLA will be stiff tests. Tenn should be our only remaining OOC test.

Ultimately, if we're still playing strong ball, that matters more. You hit on injuries because this team doesn't have a next man up ability. Mathurin, Kerr, Tubelis and Koloko are basically irreplaceable. Terry is good, but maybe Pelle could step in.

[Beachcat97]

We will probably take an L or two we don't expect. Then, SC and UCLA will be stiff tests. Tenn should be our only remaining OOC test.

Ultimately, if we're still playing strong ball, that matters more. You hit on injuries because this team doesn't have a next man up ability. Mathurin, Kerr, Tubelis and Koloko are basically irreplaceable. Terry is good, but maybe Pelle could step in.

Yep. We need everyone healthy.

I do think Pelle is going to eventually be a very good player for us. He's big and athletic, and those 3s he's clanking will start falling.

I actually love this team's chances of taking care of business on the road this year (ie: not dropping games we're supposed to win). There's a calm swagger with this bunch I've not seen for quite some time. It could be the international vibe, not sure.

[Spaceman Spiff]

We will probably take an L or two we don't expect. Then, SC and UCLA will be stiff tests. Tenn should be our only remaining OOC test.

Ultimately, if we're still playing strong ball, that matters more. You hit on injuries because this team doesn't have a next man up ability. Mathurin, Kerr, Tubelis and Koloko are basically irreplaceable. Terry is good, but maybe Pelle could step in.

Yep. We need everyone healthy.

I do think Pelle is going to eventually be a very good player for us. He's big and athletic, and those 3s he's clanking will start falling.

I actually love this team's chances of taking care of business on the road this year (ie: not dropping games we're supposed to win). There's a calm swagger with this bunch I've not seen for quite some time. It could be the international vibe, not sure.

I agree he has good potential, just him subbing for Mathurin at this point would be a huge downgrade. He might be able to cover for Terry better, but that would also be a downgrade.

Don't get me wrong, he's a good long term piece to have and he wasn't behind a lottery pick, I wouldn't say the above. He'll need to step up when Benn leaves after this year.

Edit: On road wins, I think a big part is experience. Everyone on this team has played a significant role in a hostile road environment before. It's a big factor in no one panicking, the fact you have everyone with a year minimum of contributing under their belt.

[Merkin]

I do think Pelle is going to eventually be a very good player for us. He's big and athletic, and those 3s he's clanking will start falling.

He is actually faster than I thought and has good hops. That breakaway dunk for example.

[Longhorned]

When you start talking about needing every key player to stay healthy, you know you don't have much to go on in finding a team's limitations. Every team needs its key players to stay healthy, but few can talk about it because they need consider whether Trier should play the point, or whether it's better to put someone else back in their natural position with fewer minutes, or what the hell is going on with Hassan Adams, or whether we should crash the boards or get back in transition, or if we should mix in a zone or just say fuck defense and see if we can outscore the opposition.

[Spaceman Spiff]

When you start talking about needing every key player to stay healthy, you know you don't have much to go on in finding a team's limitations. Every team needs its key players to stay healthy, but few can talk about it because they need consider whether Trier should play the point, or whether it's better to put someone else back in their natural position with fewer minutes, or what the hell is going on with Hassan Adams, or whether we should crash the boards or get back in transition, or if we should mix in a zone or just say fuck defense and see if we can outscore the opposition.

It's usually a good sign, but then you have teams like 13-14 that took a loss of a huge piece in Ashley and still were a block/charge from the Final Four.

To a lesser extent or like Ray Smith in 16-17. Those were both high level teams that shrugged off a significant injury.

Koloko would be devestating because our D is based on him. Tubelis...we don't have anyone other than Aiken who could play with Koloko. Kerr is the only PG and his vision and D do so much. Oddly, Mathurin might be the easiest to lose because we have some good firepower outside him.

[EastCoastCat]

Can we please not talk about injuries...

[Beachcat97]

Can we please not talk about injuries...

was thinking the same thing

We really need the basketball gods to bless us with health and consistency this season.

[97cats]

Purdue only dropping 2 spots is sort of funny. I mean they lost to Rutgers for god's sakes.

and should of lost yesterday to a a piss poor NC State team who grabbed a loss out of the jaws of victory.

[azgreg]

Can we please not talk about injuries...

I twisted my ankle the other day sitting at my desk.

#firstclassathlete

[Beachcat97]

Purdue only dropping 2 spots is sort of funny. I mean they lost to Rutgers for god's sakes.

and should of lost yesterday to a a piss poor NC State team who grabbed a loss out of the jaws of victory.

Yeah. As Nova continues to slide, I'm not really sure Purdue's two signature wins (UNC/Nova) look all that impressive. Let's see how they do against the best in the Big 10, especially Illinois.

[Olsondogg]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

[Beachcat97]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

He's just trolling now.

Still, it would be pretty incredible if we got to Tempe without a loss. If that were to happen, we'd enter that game as the #1 team in the country.

[EastCoastCat]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

Way to go out on a fucking limb there Seth...we play 3 away games all against ranked teams before we face ASSU.

douchebag

[Olsondogg]

I know this was a huge thing for Miller when he was coaching. I’m assuming the same for Lloyd. Both staffs would be thrilled with this.

[Beachcat97]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

Way to go out on a fucking limb there Seth...we play 3 away games all against ranked teams before we face ASSU.

douchebag

Don't you feel sometimes like most of these guys - Davis, Katz, Vitale - are basically reading headlines/skimming articles and regurgitating what they consume? It's very, very rare that I hear any of these three (or their colleagues) offer a genuinely insightful commentary into college basketball. Bilas is different, but he's still an SOB for running with Schlabach's hit piece on Miller.

[84Cat]

[Alieberman]

No idea who those guys are but that was a great video

[RondaeShimmy]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

I mean we all would have been happy if Arizona went 2-2 @ill, @tenn, @ucla, @usc a week ago

[Beachcat97]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

I mean we all would have been happy if Arizona went 2-2 @ill, @tenn, @ucla, @usc a week ago

I'll still be happy with 2-2 over the current stretch. Would prefer to win at least one of the Pac games, though. Don't wanna start 0-2 in league play.

[Merkin]

Don't wanna start 0-2 in league play.

Like Lute said, win all your home games, and half your away ones.

[Olsondogg]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

I mean we all would have been happy if Arizona went 2-2 @ill, @tenn, @ucla, @usc a week ago

What universe are you living in?

[EastCoastCat]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

Way to go out on a fucking limb there Seth...we play 3 away games all against ranked teams before we face ASSU.

douchebag

Don't you feel sometimes like most of these guys - Davis, Katz, Vitale - are basically reading headlines/skimming articles and regurgitating what they consume? It's very, very rare that I hear any of these three (or their colleagues) offer a genuinely insightful commentary into college basketball. Bilas is different, but he's still an SOB for running with Schlabach's hit piece on Miller.

The national guys are lazy and don’t really do their homework. Shit, most of the regulars on this site provide better insights compared to the talking heads.

I’m starting to like these podcast guys though. At least they are getting much deeper in their analyst POV’s.

[RondaeShimmy]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

I mean we all would have been happy if Arizona went 2-2 @ill, @tenn, @ucla, @usc a week ago

What universe are you living in?

In the universe where 4 road games are tough

[wyo-cat]

Already 1-0 in league play.

[Beachcat97]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

Way to go out on a fucking limb there Seth...we play 3 away games all against ranked teams before we face ASSU.

douchebag

Don't you feel sometimes like most of these guys - Davis, Katz, Vitale - are basically reading headlines/skimming articles and regurgitating what they consume? It's very, very rare that I hear any of these three (or their colleagues) offer a genuinely insightful commentary into college basketball. Bilas is different, but he's still an SOB for running with Schlabach's hit piece on Miller.

The national guys are lazy and don’t really do their homework. Shit, most of the regulars on this site provide better insights compared to the talking heads.

I’m starting to like these podcast guys though. At least they are getting much deeper in their analyst POV’s.

The podcast format (long, interrupted segments allowing for greater depth of discussion) is clearly superior to anything we might find on ESPN or FOX or other sports TV outlets. Same is true for news more generally, imo.

Also, Seth Davis is a tool.

[Alieberman]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

I mean we all would have been happy if Arizona went 2-2 @ill, @tenn, @ucla, @usc a week ago

What universe are you living in?

No kidding. We need to go at least 4-0 for me to be satisfied

[Spaceman Spiff]

Seth Davis is “officially predicting” we don’t make it to the game in Tempe without a loss.

I mean we all would have been happy if Arizona went 2-2 @ill, @tenn, @ucla, @usc a week ago

It would still be fine. The remaining 3 games are good teams away from McKale. Nothing weird or strange about that prediction. I doubt we go undefeated and those are our three toughest games remaining.

[Chicat]

If we don’t win 6 out of our next 4 I’m quitting this board, selling all my belongings, and moving into a yurt on the coast of Tierra Del Fuego. Respect my decision.

[EastCoastCat]

If we don’t win 6 out of our next 4 I’m quitting this board, selling all my belongings, and moving into a yurt on the coast of Tierra Del Fuego. Respect my decision.