The 2021-2022 Season Thread

[U.P. Zona Fan]

What do you think the o/u is for number of games we play in January?

5.5?

I hope we get enough in game experience through the rest of the season to be ready for the (knocks on wood) tournament.

[Fishclamps]

Have tickets for me and my mom to the UCLA and USC home games, gonna suck if those plans change

[gronk4heisman]

Could someone explain to me like I am an idiot, how UCLA is allowed to cancel their games this week? The rules state "If team member(s) have been placed in a minimum required quarantine for an extended period due to contact tracing/identified high-risk contacts (per campus, local, and/or state regulations), resulting in less than the seven (7) scholarship player Minimum Roster being available, once the Minimum Roster is available, the institution shall have a minimum of two days to conduct full practices before resuming competition." Yet they were on the court practicing on Monday, three days before our game.

Why do we need to change all of our plans to appease them when by rule they should be playing?

[Beachcat97]

Good questions, gronk. On the other hand, I don’t want our guys within infectious distance of these unvaccinated Bruin players and coaches riddled with Covid.

[azcat49]

What makes you think they are unvaxxed?

[Merkin]

All university students in Cali have to be vaxxed. Extremely limited excuses.

[Beachcat97]

What makes you think they are unvaxxed?

Oh hopefully they're vaxxed, but it’s strange to have multiple breakthrough cases.

These teams with outbreaks are suspicious af, imo.

[EastCoastCat]

What makes you think they are unvaxxed?

Oh hopefully they're vaxxed, but it’s strange to have multiple breakthrough cases.

These teams with outbreaks are suspicious af, imo.

You do realize that vaxxed people can get COVID right? I know you have a hard on for everything UCLA but now you are now just spewing shit.

I want to play UCLA and USC at full strength and beat them outright. If it’s this week great. If not we move on.

[Merkin]

Oh hopefully they're vaxxed, but it’s strange to have multiple breakthrough cases.
These teams with outbreaks are suspicious af, imo.

Can't speak for the UC system, but the CSU is requiring all students, faculty and staff to have a booster shot, but that doesn't go into effect until January 20th. I imagine the UC will do the same.

[Beachcat97]

What makes you think they are unvaxxed?

Oh hopefully they're vaxxed, but it’s strange to have multiple breakthrough cases.

These teams with outbreaks are suspicious af, imo.

You do realize that vaxxed people can get COVID right? I know you have a hard on for everything UCLA but now you are now just spewing shit.

I want to play UCLA and USC at full strength and beat them outright. If it’s this week great. If not we move on.

Breakthrough case = vaxxed but positive for Covid

Sorry if that wasn’t clear.

And I remain suspicious of teams with several positive tests. Not just in college hoops. Look at what’s happening in the NFL.

[Postmaster]

It seems omicron scoffs at the shots.

[Merkin]

It seems omicron scoffs at the shots.

Besides the fact that very few vaccinated people are being hospitalized. Cases may be at an all time high, but hospitalizations are very low for those fully vaxxed.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

From what I've heard, one kid comes down with symptoms, tests positive, triggers contact tracing. Depending on what the state health dept recommends it could be tests or quarantine for just unvaxxed or unboostered close contacts or all close contacts regardless of symptoms. Omicron could infect many of the vaxxed and or boostered players and even if they are asymptomatic they would still have to quarantine or test negative multiple times before returning. I've heard that in some places if you tested positive and then tested negative, you aren't required to test or quarantine for 90 days if you have another close contact.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

No idea what the policy in Cali is or the UC system, or what the team docs calling the shots are using to shut down and reactivate team activities.

Just what I've been hearing.

Makes it hard to have a conference policy when you are dealing with multiple states recommendations and university systems policies.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Remember how we dealt with this on the 70s and 80s with chicken pox?

Have a big party, invite one kid with the pox, play games like lick the speckled kids face, everybody drink out of the same 3 litre Faygo soda bottle and see who can burp the loudest, let's play dentist with only one scaler.....

Ahh the good ole days.

Not suggesting this is how we deal with it.

[TheCat]

What makes you think they are unvaxxed?

Oh hopefully they're vaxxed, but it’s strange to have multiple breakthrough cases.

These teams with outbreaks are suspicious af, imo.

You do realize that vaxxed people can get COVID right? I know you have a hard on for everything UCLA but now you are now just spewing shit.

I want to play UCLA and USC at full strength and beat them outright. If it’s this week great. If not we move on.

I agree with what you said and want to play them at full strength. What I don't understand is they are practicing so how is that providing safety for others? I guess I don't understand the guidelines the conference came up with if they are practicing 3 days before a game.

[pc in NM]

What makes you think they are unvaxxed?

Oh hopefully they're vaxxed, but it’s strange to have multiple breakthrough cases.

These teams with outbreaks are suspicious af, imo.

You do realize that vaxxed people can get COVID right? I know you have a hard on for everything UCLA but now you are now just spewing shit.

I want to play UCLA and USC at full strength and beat them outright. If it’s this week great. If not we move on.

I agree with what you said and want to play them at full strength. What I don't understand is they are practicing so how is that providing safety for others? I guess I don't understand the guidelines the conference came up with if they are practicing 3 days before a game.

Win or lose, that game will factor positively in post-season ratings and tourney placement...

... IMNSHO, the uclans, Uof A and the Pac-12 are all vested in a good rescheduling!

[Jefe]

So where are we at? UCLA and USC are not automatic wins due to forfeiture?

[Merkin]

So where are we at? UCLA and USC are not automatic wins due to forfeiture?

PAC-12 changed the rules, no more forfeits, and took away the UCLA forfeit win over UW.

[Beachcat97]

Like, I want as many games as possible, but at this point, I’m just hoping we get a full Pac tourney and a full NCAA tourney. Do them without a crowd again, if necessary.

[dmjcat]

The PAC12 is officially studying changing the COVID policy in light of the new CDC guidelines for COVID.

At the rate the PAC12 moves they may have a decision around 3 variants down the road. Forgive my sarcasm.

https://tucson.com/sports/pac-12-hotlin ... &id=201408

[Fishclamps]

Remember how we dealt with this on the 70s and 80s with chicken pox?

Have a big party, invite one kid with the pox, play games like lick the speckled kids face, everybody drink out of the same 3 litre Faygo soda bottle and see who can burp the loudest, let's play dentist with only one scaler.....

Ahh the good ole days.

Not suggesting this is how we deal with it.

Lol in fact doctors very strongly urge you to not to do that anymore and get them vaccinated for chickenpox.

[pc in NM]

Remember how we dealt with this on the 70s and 80s with chicken pox?

Have a big party, invite one kid with the pox, play games like lick the speckled kids face, everybody drink out of the same 3 litre Faygo soda bottle and see who can burp the loudest, let's play dentist with only one scaler.....

Ahh the good ole days.

Not suggesting this is how we deal with it.

Lol in fact doctors very strongly urge you to not to do that anymore and get them vaccinated for chickenpox.

Now they're having parties to scratch each others' shingles....

[TheCat]

Interesting reading. Wasn't sure where it belonged.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/12/28 ... on-awards/

[Spaceman Spiff]

Interesting reading. Wasn't sure where it belonged.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/12/28 ... on-awards/

KJ Simpson on the all freshman team still hurts me.

[UAEebs86]

KJ Simpson on the all freshman team still hurts me.

I feel like he pulled the trigger on the transfer too quick. He'd rather play for Whiny Tad at a school with almost no basketball tradition?

[TheCat]

Yep. A lot Miller players listed.

[gronk4heisman]

Dalen Terry not on all defensive team is a crime in this made up opinion piece.

[Spaceman Spiff]

KJ Simpson on the all freshman team still hurts me.

I feel like he pulled the trigger on the transfer too quick. He'd rather play for Whiny Tad at a school with almost no basketball tradition?

With me having no insider knowledge, I have no clue whether it was all KJ, whether Lloyd didn't push, whether KJ was heavily a Miller guy or what.

It always disappointed me bc I saw him as the latest of a group of guys in the 50-150 range Miller was particularly solid at identifying the talent in. Benn, Koloko, Tubelis and Kerr are examples on this year's team. I saw KJ as a guy who'd get spot duty this year then enter the rotation as a major cog next year as a guy who could both back up and play alongside Kerr.

Oh well. It is staggering the number of guys who played for Arizona under Miller or were recruited by him on that list.

[BBQ wildcat]

That list really is a huge tribute to Miller and the players he was able to pull in. Yeah, I'm still bitter over how Robbins and Heeke treated him.

[Spaceman Spiff]

That list really is a huge tribute to Miller and the players he was able to pull in. Yeah, I'm still bitter over how Robbins and Heeke treated him.

POY, DPOY, 5 of the 15 all conference players and 2 of the 5 all defensive team players played for Miller last year.

Plus, Akinjo starting at PG for the nation's #1 team, Jordan Brown leading the Ragin Cajuns in points and rebounds and Alex Barcello leading BYU in points. I wish I could add Ira and Baker, but injuries have smashed both of them.

When people said Miller never developed players, I feel like this year shows a lot about how ready for success Miller's players were left. I don't want to shortcut the players or their new coaches, but even Tibet Goerner has shown development.

[dmjcat]

The PAC12 has released updated COVID protocols

https://static.pac-12.com/conference/21 ... UPDATE.pdf

[YoDeFoe]

Interesting reading. Wasn't sure where it belonged.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/12/28 ... on-awards/

KJ Simpson on the all freshman team still hurts me.

38 / 22 / 69 splits with a 1.0 A:TO for a ridiculously poor 88 ORtg. I think we'll manage, Spiff.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Interesting reading. Wasn't sure where it belonged.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/12/28 ... on-awards/

KJ Simpson on the all freshman team still hurts me.

38 / 22 / 69 splits with a 1.0 A:TO for a ridiculously poor 88 ORtg. I think we'll manage, Spiff.

I mean, we replaced him with Adama Bal, who has worse metrics across the board and Simpson at least plays competitive minutes.

I always classed Simpson as a developmental prospect. To an extent, being fine without him relies on having better developmental options and I'm not seeing a ton of those.

Maybe we get some, but for now, I regard Simpson as the player from the 2021 class who's showed the most as a developmental guy and there isn't better in the 2022 class as of now.

Frankly, if you put Simpson on a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, I'm not sure his numbers would be that much different from Kier's, except shooting the 3. Simpson hasn't made 3's much, although it's a real difference of 1.2 vs 0.4 makes per game. Simpson has an extra TO per game, but it's at a significantly higher usage rate because he has a lot less around him.

Edit: his numbers are also pretty close to Dalen Terry's freshman #'s. The 1:1 a/to ratio, PER is about 1.0 points away.

Or maybe I just love KJ Simpson too much.

[TheCat]

I would also add Simpson has the potential to be a great defender and you can never have to many of those. His best days are in front of him like most freshman.

[YoDeFoe]

Frankly, if you put Simpson on a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, I'm not sure his numbers would be that much different from Kier's, except shooting the 3. Simpson hasn't made 3's much, although it's a real difference of 1.2 vs 0.4 makes per game. Simpson has an extra TO per game, but it's at a significantly higher usage rate because he has a lot less around him.

Edit: his numbers are also pretty close to Dalen Terry's freshman #'s. The 1:1 a/to ratio, PER is about 1.0 points away.

Or maybe I just love KJ Simpson too much.

I will not let this stand

Simpson is a bench player on a 9-3 team and he's by far the worst offensive player among rotation players. His problem isn't that the players around him are bad - his problem is that he's trying to do too much for his abilities and role. He's a freshman sixth man and he leads his team in turnovers, has an offensive rating 20 points lower (!) than his teammates, and while DRtg is tricky he's rated as the worst defender on the team (again, by far).

In his most recent game, he shot 0% from the field and had 5 turnovers despite a blowout of lowly Cal State Bakersfield.

KJ doesn't need a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, he just needs to not do as much.

I always classed Simpson as a developmental prospect. To an extent, being fine without him relies on having better developmental options and I'm not seeing a ton of those.

Would I like for him to be on the end of our bench with Nowell and Bal, learning and getting mop up minutes? Maybe, sure. But I get the feeling we're going to be fine next year without him given our on court success and an active transfer market (along with two players in the same role as Simpson who Lloyd chose over him).

[Spaceman Spiff]

Frankly, if you put Simpson on a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, I'm not sure his numbers would be that much different from Kier's, except shooting the 3. Simpson hasn't made 3's much, although it's a real difference of 1.2 vs 0.4 makes per game. Simpson has an extra TO per game, but it's at a significantly higher usage rate because he has a lot less around him.

Edit: his numbers are also pretty close to Dalen Terry's freshman #'s. The 1:1 a/to ratio, PER is about 1.0 points away.

Or maybe I just love KJ Simpson too much.

I will not let this stand

Simpson is a bench player on a 9-3 team and he's by far the worst offensive player among rotation players. His problem isn't that the players around him are bad - his problem is that he's trying to do too much for his abilities and role. He's a freshman sixth man and he leads his team in turnovers, has an offensive rating 20 points lower (!) than his teammates, and while DRtg is tricky he's rated as the worst defender on the team (again, by far).

In his most recent game, he shot 0% from the field and had 5 turnovers despite a blowout of lowly Cal State Bakersfield.

KJ doesn't need a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, he just needs to not do as much.

I always classed Simpson as a developmental prospect. To an extent, being fine without him relies on having better developmental options and I'm not seeing a ton of those.

Would I like for him to be on the end of our bench with Nowell and Bal, learning and getting mop up minutes? Maybe, sure. But I get the feeling we're going to be fine next year without him given our on court success and an active transfer market (along with two players in the same role as Simpson who Lloyd chose over him).

Well, if you want to rumble, let's rumble.



You're cherry picking Bakersfield, which was his worst game. He's also had games like Stanford where he shot 5-8 for 12 points on 0 turnovers.

Usage is the best metric to judge if a guard is being asked to make plays. Simpson is at 23.4 while Kier is 18.7. Simpson is clearly being asked to do more as a freshman off the bench than a 5th year guy similarly profiled at Arizona.

Especially for a freshman, the more you put on them to make plays, the more likely it is they're inefficient, IMO. Simpson has stuff put on him at Colorado he would not at Arizona.

STRENUOUSLY disagree on the metric impact of better teammates. Are you getting more open looks alongside Benn Mathurin or Evan Battey? As long as opponents avoid the gravitational pull from Battey's gut, I'd put all my money on Benn.

Are you getting more assists from passing to Benn or Battey? Again, easy answer. Will your defensive metrics be better with Christian Koloko behind you to erase mistakes or Evan Battey?

Finally, Simpson does have the lowest metrics in CO's rotation. He's also the only freshman in their rotation. I would grade that above Bal not being in our rotation, and certainly over Bal's metrics being worse than Simpson's plus not getting into a rotation.

Look, I'm a highly qualified message board analyst by virtue of having a working email, a phone and opposable thumbs. Thus, while Lloyd has actually been a coach, I exercise message board prima nocta and declare that I reserve the right to be a downer until Bal or a 2022 class member shows me they outstrip Simpson's multiyear developmental ability. I get Bal's potential and age, but his next step is Simpson's now, IMO.

[YoDeFoe]

Frankly, if you put Simpson on a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, I'm not sure his numbers would be that much different from Kier's, except shooting the 3. Simpson hasn't made 3's much, although it's a real difference of 1.2 vs 0.4 makes per game. Simpson has an extra TO per game, but it's at a significantly higher usage rate because he has a lot less around him.

Edit: his numbers are also pretty close to Dalen Terry's freshman #'s. The 1:1 a/to ratio, PER is about 1.0 points away.

Or maybe I just love KJ Simpson too much.

I will not let this stand

Simpson is a bench player on a 9-3 team and he's by far the worst offensive player among rotation players. His problem isn't that the players around him are bad - his problem is that he's trying to do too much for his abilities and role. He's a freshman sixth man and he leads his team in turnovers, has an offensive rating 20 points lower (!) than his teammates, and while DRtg is tricky he's rated as the worst defender on the team (again, by far).

In his most recent game, he shot 0% from the field and had 5 turnovers despite a blowout of lowly Cal State Bakersfield.

KJ doesn't need a better team where he doesn't have to do as much, he just needs to not do as much.

I always classed Simpson as a developmental prospect. To an extent, being fine without him relies on having better developmental options and I'm not seeing a ton of those.

Would I like for him to be on the end of our bench with Nowell and Bal, learning and getting mop up minutes? Maybe, sure. But I get the feeling we're going to be fine next year without him given our on court success and an active transfer market (along with two players in the same role as Simpson who Lloyd chose over him).

Well, if you want to rumble, let's rumble.



You're cherry picking Bakersfield, which was his worst game. He's also had games like Stanford where he shot 5-8 for 12 points on 0 turnovers.

Usage is the best metric to judge if a guard is being asked to make plays. Simpson is at 23.4 while Kier is 18.7. Simpson is clearly being asked to do more as a freshman off the bench than a 5th year guy similarly profiled at Arizona.

Especially for a freshman, the more you put on them to make plays, the more likely it is they're inefficient, IMO. Simpson has stuff put on him at Colorado he would not at Arizona.

STRENUOUSLY disagree on the metric impact of better teammates. Are you getting more open looks alongside Benn Mathurin or Evan Battey? As long as opponents avoid the gravitational pull from Battey's gut, I'd put all my money on Benn.

Are you getting more assists from passing to Benn or Battey? Again, easy answer. Will your defensive metrics be better with Christian Koloko behind you to erase mistakes or Evan Battey?

Finally, Simpson does have the lowest metrics in CO's rotation. He's also the only freshman in their rotation. I would grade that above Bal not being in our rotation, and certainly over Bal's metrics being worse than Simpson's plus not getting into a rotation.

Look, I'm a highly qualified message board analyst by virtue of having a working email, a phone and opposable thumbs. Thus, while Lloyd has actually been a coach, I exercise message board prima nocta and declare that I reserve the right to be a downer until Bal or a 2022 class member shows me they outstrip Simpson's multiyear developmental ability. I get Bal's potential and age, but his next step is Simpson's now, IMO.

This is why I pay for premium here

[dmjcat]

Scheer is saying we will likely play UCLA on the 11th

[dmjcat]

Still no word on Aiken

[Merkin]

FERPA rules are extremely strict. Just ask Miles about it.

[dovecanyoncat]

I'll wait. Nothing is real until after it's real.

[UAEebs86]

I just hope it's not an Elliott Pitts type of situation.

[84Cat]

[Postmaster]

FERPA rules are extremely strict. Just ask Miles about it.

What about Fupa?

[Chicat]

FERPA rules are extremely strict. Just ask Miles about it.

What about Fupa?

A lot looser.

[Beachcat97]

Is this game on Pac 12 Network?

[Merkin]

Yes

[84Cat]

Is this game on Pac 12 Network?

Early game @ 6 o'clock Tucson time

[Postmaster]

Is Aiken practicing?