The 2021-2022 Season Thread

[Beachcat97]

The name of the game tonight - Foul Trouble

We need to avoid it

True. They'll wanna keep our smaller lineups on the floor. They don't have the size to defend a lineup with two of our bigs (AT, CK, and OB) in at the same time.

[Alieberman]

I am assuming we only have 2 bigs dressed tonight

[Beachcat97]

I am assuming we only have 2 bigs dressed tonight

Me too. And it says something about this team that I still like our chances with AT out.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I am assuming we only have 2 bigs dressed tonight

Me too. And it says something about this team that I still like our chances with AT out.

I agree. I still like the Cats chances, even without Zu. Larsson and Ballo have improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of weeks. Good to see them receive more PT. Still, the Cats have to keep out of foul trouble.

[Beachcat97]

I am assuming we only have 2 bigs dressed tonight

Me too. And it says something about this team that I still like our chances with AT out.

I agree. I still like the Cats chances, even without Zu. Larsson and Ballo have improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of weeks. Good to see them receive more PT. Still, the Cats have to keep out of foul trouble.

If I had to target one statistic that may end up being the difference tonight: turnovers. Not like I'm going out on a limb. Just think we can't afford to give the ball away against a team like this. They can score points in a hurry, just like us. They don't play at as fast a pace as we do, but they still have guys who can get steals and convert in transition. Sorta feel like the first five minutes could set the tone for the whole game. Would be nice to pounce on them early, get them back on their heels.

[IndianaZonaFan]

85-82 Arizona. Let’s go!!!

[Spaceman Spiff]

I am assuming we only have 2 bigs dressed tonight

Me too. And it says something about this team that I still like our chances with AT out.

I agree. I still like the Cats chances, even without Zu. Larsson and Ballo have improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of weeks. Good to see them receive more PT. Still, the Cats have to keep out of foul trouble.

It's a perfect storm of ready excuse if we lose but impressive W if we pull it off.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I am assuming we only have 2 bigs dressed tonight

Me too. And it says something about this team that I still like our chances with AT out.

I agree. I still like the Cats chances, even without Zu. Larsson and Ballo have improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of weeks. Good to see them receive more PT. Still, the Cats have to keep out of foul trouble.

If I had to target one statistic that may end up being the difference tonight: turnovers. Not like I'm going out on a limb. Just think we can't afford to give the ball away against a team like this. They can score points in a hurry, just like us. They don't play at as fast a pace as we do, but they still have guys who can get steals and convert in transition. Sorta feel like the first five minutes could set the tone for the whole game. Would be nice to pounce on them early, get them back on their heels.

Turnovers are always going to be a big indicator as they're the only part of our offense that's not really great.

How we defend without Tubelis or with him limited is big. UCLA has talent, so we need not to get spread and give up lanes for penetration and offensive rebounding.

[FreeSpiritCat]

This is what I'd like to see from Kriisa. Instead of going crazy and trying to find openings that aren't there, I want him to rentlessly focus on getting into Campbell's head, and keep him off balance. Kriisa's energy should make him a natural defender. Of all players he think he should focus on a Dennis Rodman type of PG. Displays his skills, but showing he won't back down to anyone. He has that type of personality. If he can hone that talent. Another player that comes to my head is Robert Horry. If he can he will reach another level where he makes his opponent make stupid mistakes, he will be of value in the NBA.

[EastCoastCat]

Foul Trouble obviously with a shorter bench.

But TO's and giving up offensive rebounds are other watch outs.

[Beachcat97]

This is what I'd like to see from Kriisa. Instead of going crazy and trying to find openings that aren't there, I want him to rentlessly focus on getting into Campbell's head, and keep him off balance. Kriisa's energy should make him a natural defender. Of all players he think he should focus on a Dennis Rodman type of PG. Displays his skills, but showing he won't back down to anyone. He has that type of personality. If he can hone that talent. Another player that comes to my head is Robert Horry. If he can he will reach another level where he makes his opponent make stupid mistakes, he will be of value in the NBA.

Yeah, we'd all love to see this from Kriisa. Head to head against Campbell, I have to give the slight edge to TC right now. He's arguably the league's best PG and has played well in big games.

On paper, here's how I see the teams' lineup comparison:

Campbell/Krissa (slight advantage ucla)
Mathurin/Bernard (AZ)
Terry/Juzang (ucla)
Larsson/Jaquez (ucla) -- if Tubelis plays, we have the advantage here
Koloko/Riley (AZ)

Bench: AZ

Terry/Juzang is an interesting one. Juzang shoots a ton of shots, so DT will be running more than usual, which he's perfectly capable of. Going the other way, Terry is excellent in transition and will force Juzang to get back on D.

Kriisa and Campbell both want to steal easy shots when they open up. They both love the three and are both streaky. They have similar A/TO ratios. Campbell's maybe a little better on D.

I don't think Bernard stands a chance to guard Mathurin. I could see UCLA trying different defenders.

If we have to go smaller with Larsson, I'm not really sure who guards Jaquez. PL is giving up a few inches there.

Koloko has at least three inches on Riley and is much more athletic.

[azcat49]

Even with AT questionable the line keeps moving higher and is now -3.5 AZ favored. The O/U has dropped to 150 which seems to indicate the bettors think UCLA will struggle to score. Gonzaga beat them 83-63 and we run similar systems so that may be why it is moving like it is.

[Bordercat]

Pelle is actually a good defender and positions himself well. I actually like him guarding Juaquez better than AT. But he doesn't produce offensively like AT, or have the potetial to rebound as well.

[Beachcat97]

Even with AT questionable the line keeps moving higher and is now -3.5 AZ favored. The O/U has dropped to 150 which seems to indicate the bettors think UCLA will struggle to score. Gonzaga beat them 83-63 and we run similar systems so that may be why it is moving like it is.

Yeah. The Zags got the jump on them early, and ucla never recovered. They maybe cut the deficit to around 10 in the 2nd half, but that game was over in the first 15 minutes. Was impressive to watch Gonzaga just completely overwhelm them. Guarantee that's the game opposing coaches are looking at in preparation for the bruins.

We do have the ability to knock a team out in the first half, especially if our shots are falling.

[FreeSpiritCat]

Aiken is in the back of my mind, but common sense tells me this is wishful thinking.

[Bordercat]

Even with AT questionable the line keeps moving higher and is now -3.5 AZ favored. The O/U has dropped to 150 which seems to indicate the bettors think UCLA will struggle to score. Gonzaga beat them 83-63 and we run similar systems so that may be why it is moving like it is.

Yeah. The Zags got the jump on them early, and ucla never recovered. They maybe cut the deficit to around 10 in the 2nd half, but that game was over in the first 15 minutes. Was impressive to watch Gonzaga just completely overwhelm them. Guarantee that's the game opposing coaches are looking at in preparation for the bruins.

We do have the ability to knock a team out in the first half, especially if our shots are falling.

You think Tommy put a call in to Few this week?

[Beachcat97]

Even with AT questionable the line keeps moving higher and is now -3.5 AZ favored. The O/U has dropped to 150 which seems to indicate the bettors think UCLA will struggle to score. Gonzaga beat them 83-63 and we run similar systems so that may be why it is moving like it is.

Yeah. The Zags got the jump on them early, and ucla never recovered. They maybe cut the deficit to around 10 in the 2nd half, but that game was over in the first 15 minutes. Was impressive to watch Gonzaga just completely overwhelm them. Guarantee that's the game opposing coaches are looking at in preparation for the bruins.

We do have the ability to knock a team out in the first half, especially if our shots are falling.

You think Tommy put a call in to Few this week?

It's fun to think about, but I sorta doubt it. Guess it depends on how often these two talk.

I do think Few will be quick to send a congratulatory text if we pull it out tonight. How satisfying for him to see his protege having this kind of success so quickly, and at a major program!

[TheCat]

Alieberman is absolutely right. Fouls will determine this game for Az. If C-Lo has 2 in the first 10 minutes we lose. I know the AT will not play. How do I know? I picked him in RAP.

[84Cat]

[Alieberman]

Not sure if POM is back... I made both game threads Sunday and we won both... Do I temp fate?

[97cats]

less theatrics, chest thumping, and celebrating and more focus and concentration tonight, Dalen

[Beachcat97]

Dalen has swag. Love him.

[Beachcat97]

https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/sto ... ans-return

[Alieberman]

Game thread is up

[EVCat]

I am surprised that we are still a 2.5 point road favorite with every indication that AT is not playing

[Beachcat97]

I am surprised that we are still a 2.5 point road favorite with every indication that AT is not playing

Scheer hinted this afternoon AT may play.

[Jefe]

Have him in street clothes for the 1H and then let him start the 2H. Imagine the look on Cronin's face

[Alieberman]

I am surprised that we are still a 2.5 point road favorite with every indication that AT is not playing

Scheer hinted this afternoon AT may play.

Did he?

Or did he just post a pic of him at warm-ups?

[Beachcat97]

More the latter.

[Bordercat]

https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/sto ... ans-return

we are winning this game....

"Pick any category and Arizona probably leads the Pac-12; the Wildcats are tops in scoring offense (88.7 points per game), field-goal accuracy (50.1%), field-goal defense (36.2%), rebounding margin (plus-9.35), blocked shots (6.7 per game) and assist-turnover ratio (1.58)."

[azcat49]

Sharps driving the line down some? Down from -3.5 to -2.5

[azgreg]

[U.P. Zona Fan]

If juzang is hitting lots of tough contested deep twos and tyger shoots 9/18 from 3 we are gonna have a problem.

I just hope we can keep the turnovers down, especially at the beginning of the game..

Not sure if I'll be able to stay up for this one, got a sinus infection on Sunday and have to drive my fuel truck tomorrow. But you never know, might wake up for more meds around midnight and see what's up.

Wierd thing is that I am at ease with this game, if we lose it, we lose, if we win it, Im taping it so I'll be able to watch it later.

Go cats!!!!!

You can do this!!!

[84Cat]

[Postmaster]

Espnnews

[TheCat]

Figures OT in Kentucky. F

[TheCat]

Espnnews

Don't get it.

[TheCatInTheHat]

Screw you, Kentucky; nice fuckin' shot. I never watch ESPNews, so I have to go look it up. Fuck ESPN, fuck Connecticut, fuck the east coast, fuck Mississippi, and fuck Kentucky.

[EastCoastCat]

Easy there TheCat…

[MrBug708]

Good Game. Wasnt expecting that result. Won't belabor the points here in this thread, you know which thread to find me.

[97cats]

from Pauly:

the guys were gassed, what else can i say? short on everything and a step slow...oh ya, Tubelis is a tough son-of-a-bitch but he needs to sit until the rematch, that ankle must fully heal, guy was was laboring out there and had zero lateral movement. felt bad for him as he kept getting blown by and had no explosion or jumping ability.

obviously Mathurin and Kerr a combined 5-34 isnt going to win most games esp on the road and esp against UCLA at Pauly.

credit to UCLA, good game well played now put it in the freezer.

f*ck ASU

[Bordercat]

UCLA is in our heads. The team and fans. Let it go. Play free.

[Alieberman]

That was not the team I have been used to seeing all season long

I will say this… I am so excited to be able to be at the rematch next week…. That game is going to be wild

[Spaceman Spiff]

Bad games and losses happen. I said not to get too high when we win, don't get too low when we lose. It's more about how we respond at this point.

Mathurin struggling was not great, especially on his shot volume, but Kerr and Terry going 0-17...well, it's time to move on to the next one.

[Chicat]

This will either be a wake up call or the start of a poorly-timed slide. Time for Tommy to show us what he’s made of.

[SabinoDrifter]

Even with the guys looking gassed, they were still getting good looks in the first half and couldn't buy a basket. Hopefully this is a learning experience and they steamroll those turds from Tempe.

[Spaceman Spiff]

This will either be a wake up call or the start of a poorly-timed slide. Time for Tommy to show us what he’s made of.

This is where you earn your money as a coach. Bad coaches are just bad. Average coaches look good in good times and bad in bad times. Good coaches are solid in bad times.

[EastCoastCat]

Reasonable people (cough, cough) would not draw conclusions from 1 game. I've always said I'd rather have these types of games in January as opposed to March.

- We didn't play well compared to the standards we have seen up until now
- UCLA played inspired, aggressive basketball and shot lights out
- We had really good looks most of the game but shot poorly
- AT, a key player for us in this type of game, was not 100%
- 3 games on the road in 6 days. We looked tired. The re-scheduling favored the Bruins but that's how it turned out.

It is what it is and we move on. Let's take it out on the scummies on Saturday.

[Chicat]

This will either be a wake up call or the start of a poorly-timed slide. Time for Tommy to show us what he’s made of.

This is where you earn your money as a coach. Bad coaches are just bad. Average coaches look good in good times and bad in bad times. Good coaches are solid in bad times.

Absolutely. I think the next 5 games will tell us more about who we have as a coach than the first 16 games.

This is the time of year when a lot of kids are worn out mentally and physically. The travel schedule really starts to wear on them, and this year with the make-up games it’s even tougher. Everyone is slightly banged up (or worse) and it can be real easy for kids to start tuning out the things they’ve been hearing since the summer.

Can Tommy ensure they see this loss as a blip? Can he keep everyone focused on team goals? If we go 4-1 or 5-0 we’ll know Tommy got through to them. If we see them go 3-2 or 2-3 and the rest of the season could be a long slow slide.

[EastCoastCat]

This will either be a wake up call or the start of a poorly-timed slide. Time for Tommy to show us what he’s made of.

This is where you earn your money as a coach. Bad coaches are just bad. Average coaches look good in good times and bad in bad times. Good coaches are solid in bad times.

Absolutely. I think the next 5 games will tell us more about who we have as a coach than the first 16 games.

This is the time of year when a lot of kids are worn out mentally and physically. The travel schedule really starts to wear on them, and this year with the make-up games it’s even tougher. Everyone is slightly banged up (or worse) and it can be real easy for kids to start tuning out the things they’ve been hearing since the summer.

Can Tommy ensure they see this loss as a blip? Can he keep everyone focused on team goals? If we go 4-1 or 5-0 we’ll know Tommy got through to them. If we see them go 3-2 or 2-3 and the rest of the season could be a long slow slide.

I noticed you didn't call him Tommy Boy...