The 2022-2023 Season Thread

[gronk4heisman]

In general I agree that it is only done when it's done, but I will say this might be the strongest buzz I've ever seen on a recruit. Usually, you get the idea someone's a lock in the days before a commit, it's been months of that never wavering with this kid.

I have been hearing the same thing, but at the same time in the back of my head I can not understand why he has more or less been a lock for month's but has not committed. That alone causes me to have doubts, we should find out soon regardless and I hope my doubts were misapplied.

[ChooChooCat]

In general I agree that it is only done when it's done, but I will say this might be the strongest buzz I've ever seen on a recruit. Usually, you get the idea someone's a lock in the days before a commit, it's been months of that never wavering with this kid.

I have been hearing the same thing, but at the same time in the back of my head I can not understand why he has more or less been a lock for month's but has not committed. That alone causes me to have doubts, we should find out soon regardless and I hope my doubts were misapplied.

He still has a commitment to his pro team to honor. A commitment that ends this month.

[YoDeFoe]

In general I agree that it is only done when it's done, but I will say this might be the strongest buzz I've ever seen on a recruit. Usually, you get the idea someone's a lock in the days before a commit, it's been months of that never wavering with this kid.

I have been hearing the same thing, but at the same time in the back of my head I can not understand why he has more or less been a lock for month's but has not committed. That alone causes me to have doubts, we should find out soon regardless and I hope my doubts were misapplied.

He is playing in the Adidas Next Gen tournament with his club until the end of the month.

https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ng ... -calendar/

[Spaceman Spiff]

In general I agree that it is only done when it's done, but I will say this might be the strongest buzz I've ever seen on a recruit. Usually, you get the idea someone's a lock in the days before a commit, it's been months of that never wavering with this kid.

I have been hearing the same thing, but at the same time in the back of my head I can not understand why he has more or less been a lock for month's but has not committed. That alone causes me to have doubts, we should find out soon regardless and I hope my doubts were misapplied.

He still has a commitment to his pro team to honor. A commitment that ends this month.

May his experiences with pro teams and the NCAA be better than Kerr Kriisa's was.

[gronk4heisman]

In general I agree that it is only done when it's done, but I will say this might be the strongest buzz I've ever seen on a recruit. Usually, you get the idea someone's a lock in the days before a commit, it's been months of that never wavering with this kid.

I have been hearing the same thing, but at the same time in the back of my head I can not understand why he has more or less been a lock for month's but has not committed. That alone causes me to have doubts, we should find out soon regardless and I hope my doubts were misapplied.

He still has a commitment to his pro team to honor. A commitment that ends this month.

Is there some rule that you can not play for a team an Europe while committed to a college?

[RaisingArizona]

Whaaaaat. 2 starters from Estonia?

The Encino Man lineup. The Estonians are gonna eat. Or more specifically they'll be munching on the grindage.

[YoDeFoe]

He still has a commitment to his pro team to honor. A commitment that ends this month.

Is there some rule that you can not play for a team an Europe while committed to a college?

Maybe someone with more insight can fill in here, but my recollection is that Euro teams can be obstructive if they feel their marquee youth talent is going elsewhere. Obstructive being the gentle version, downright dastardly being the more aggressive.

Things like providing cash or other benefits that would cause a player to lose or impede their eligibility, to benching the player or removing them from development opportunities, to quasi-kidnapping a player by withholding their passport.

Enes Kanter's ineligibility at Kentucky was a high profile example, where his Turkish team had no incentive to help Kanter (and very well may have torpedoed his eligibility out of spite). Omar Yurtseven played for the same program and claimed that the Turkish team opened an account in his name and funded it without his knowledge, essentially stripping him of eligibility without his consent (unlike Kanter, he was eventually ruled eligible, but only after a 9 game suspension and a $1,000 fine).

The compensation rule is that a player can't receive above their expenses (or they're no longer an amateur). Since the club is in control of both expenses and pay, there's opportunity for them to mark the ledger however they like when they submit their documentation to the NCAA. And since clubs have a vested interest in keeping players - both to retain talent and to gain transfer fees if they remain in European play - it's best to tread carefully.

Maybe the situation here is simpler and less nefarious. It could be that Real Madrid wouldn't give Henri as much PT seeing as he'll be leaving the club. Or it could be that he is focused on his current team and their on-going tournament and will announce once he's completed his obligations to them.

[UAEebs86]

Whaaaaat. 2 starters from Estonia?

The Encino Man lineup. The Estonians are gonna eat. Or more specifically they'll be munching on the grindage.

No wheezing the juice!

[HiCat]

Arizona Basketball shows early interest in St. Bonaventure transfer Kyle Lofton

Eric Townsend 21 hours ago Follow @ericdtownsend

The Arizona Basketball off-season is in full swing, and the Wildcats seem to have some early interest in St. Bonaventure grad transfer, Kyle Lofton.

It has already been a hellacious off-season for Arizona Basketball as the Wildcats have seen quite a bit of roster turnover. And with the months to go until the season starts for the Wildcats, Tommy Lloyd and Arizona seem to have early interest in St. Bonaventure grad transfer, Kyle Lofton.

https://zonazealots.com/2022/05/04/ariz ... le-lofton/

Lofton averaged 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the Bonnies last season. Lofton shot 40.2 percent from the field including 28.2 percent from behind the arc.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/recruitin ... d-transfer

[Postmaster]

Not fond of the small school transfers in general.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Not fond of the small school transfers in general.

I'd be down with Lofton. He would be a pure bench guard in Kier's mold. The 5.9 apg is strong, and his role would be to eat bench minutes, distribute and defend.

A 5th year guy with tons of experience in that limited role is something I'd be down with.

[GlobalCat]

Lofton averaged 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the Bonnies last season. Lofton shot 40.2 percent from the field including 28.2 percent from behind the arc.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/recruitin ... d-transfer

Why would this be attractive vs. other options in play? Pretty underwhelming beyond solid assist #s

[gronk4heisman]

Not fond of the small school transfers in general.

I liked TJ McConnell personally.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Lofton averaged 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the Bonnies last season. Lofton shot 40.2 percent from the field including 28.2 percent from behind the arc.

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/recruitin ... d-transfer

Why would this be attractive vs. other options in play? Pretty underwhelming beyond solid assist #s

Not to beat a dead horse, but I firmly think the role is a backup pg and Kerr, Larsson and Terry are locked in as starters.

So, the question is who will be cool with 10-15 mpg off the bench who brings what you want in that role. A 5th year guy who knocks out 2+ to 1 assist to turnover ratios like clockwork with decent defensive metrics is good in that role.

The shooting %'s...well, I don't think we really want a guy in that role shooting a lot.

[Irish27]

[UAEebs86]

[Chicat]

Wonder if there will be a return game in Chicago or somewhere in the Midwest at some point.

[Beachcat97]

I love me some December AZ games in Vegas! Definitely going to this one.

[IndianaZonaFan]

I’m in there for sure!

[EastCoastCat]

Wonder if there will be a return game in Chicago or somewhere in the Midwest at some point.

Don’t tease me with a game in Chicago.

[UAEebs86]

Wonder if there will be a return game in Chicago or somewhere in the Midwest at some point.

Don’t tease me with a game in Chicago.

97cats is reserving tickets already.

[YoDeFoe]

Not fond of the small school transfers in general.

I'd be down with Lofton. He would be a pure bench guard in Kier's mold. The 5.9 apg is strong, and his role would be to eat bench minutes, distribute and defend.

A 5th year guy with tons of experience in that limited role is something I'd be down with.

The lack of scoring efficiency is concerning - 50% TS, 45% eFG... those are bad numbers. But the obvious flaw is his three point shooting - and that seems to be his only flaw. He scored above 50% at the rim last season (good for a PG), about 40% on 2pt jumpers (good), and had a healthy .300 free throw rate hitting 82% of them.

We often see guys improve in their scoring efficiency when they go to a better program with less minutes and production burden. Lofton would likely benefit in the same vein, especially from distance where he would be taking maybe two a game to keep the D honest (rather than forcing threes through tired legs to keep his team in a game).

If he would accept the reduced minutes and role - I'd love to have him. Length and toughness on D, vision and scoring variety to bolster our backcourt, leadership to add to our locker room. Seems like a very good dude from his interviews; focused, appreciative, hungry.

Tough to ask a guy to take a reduced role when he really wants to showcase himself for a draft opportunity, but he could see a bigger spotlight here and the opportunity to do more with less of a burden on him. TBD

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Wonder if there will be a return game in Chicago or somewhere in the Midwest at some point.

Don’t tease me with a game in Chicago.

97cats is reserving tickets already.

Reserve me a couple. Or 5. Bet I could get the wife to go to Chicago.

She likes to travel, I like to be home. She will probably catch on if I keep suggesting destinations and there is always a game there.

Maybe they'll play in Green Bay. If they ever play that close to home, I'm definitely going. Even in Madison, although, I don't see that home and home happening for a few... Decades or so.

[Postmaster]

Who has a license plate that reads?

BTFDWN

U of A plate in Tucson.

[goslingswagg]

Yeah we're not pursuing Allen.

Choo, are there any names you can share that we *are* pursuing at the moment? That transfer portal is awfully crowded.

This staff keeps things real close to the vest, so I got nothing for you other than you already know. Honestly the Big Euro is the only bad secret they’ve kept. I do have a very good idea of their guard transfer target, but I’m keeping that to myself…for now lol.

very excited to hear about this guard transfer target...ready for some offseason news!

[Merkin]

[Jefe]

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[IndianaZonaFan]

Just curious if we are going to be all in on a transfer guard as a backup ball handler/shooter, or is a reclassification for Boswell on the table still?

Seems like he and KJ are all in on playing together next year.

[ChooChooCat]

Just curious if we are going to be all in on a transfer guard as a backup ball handler/shooter, or is a reclassification for Boswell on the table still?

Seems like he and KJ are all in on playing together next year.

Boswell is staying in 2023 barring something unexpected.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Just curious if we are going to be all in on a transfer guard as a backup ball handler/shooter, or is a reclassification for Boswell on the table still?

Seems like he and KJ are all in on playing together next year.

Boswell is staying in 2023 barring something unexpected.

If I'm Lloyd, and I'm not, all my focus would be on a backup PG or combo transfer and a potential transfer to help fill Terry's role if he leaves.

To me, those are the two obvious holes and we're pretty much down to transfers unless Terry leaves and Leonard Miller pulls out of the draft.

[ChooChooCat]

Just curious if we are going to be all in on a transfer guard as a backup ball handler/shooter, or is a reclassification for Boswell on the table still?

Seems like he and KJ are all in on playing together next year.

Boswell is staying in 2023 barring something unexpected.

If I'm Lloyd, and I'm not, all my focus would be on a backup PG or combo transfer and a potential transfer to help fill Terry's role if he leaves.

To me, those are the two obvious holes and we're pretty much down to transfers unless Terry leaves and Leonard Miller pulls out of the draft.

Yes.

[IndianaZonaFan]

Are Brooks or Miller able to play the 3 in Tommy’s offense? What about defense—are they versatile enough? I’m worried about losing DT.

[YoDeFoe]

Are Brooks or Miller able to play the 3 in Tommy’s offense? What about defense—are they versatile enough? I’m worried about losing DT.

On offense: Miller, yes; Brooks doesn't have the jumpshot or passing that we're looking for from a 3 (can play him at the four). I think both are versatile enough defenders to switch 2-4.

My bigger question is whether we believe in Adama Bal. Can he give us a 6MOY performance next season? Between him and Borovicanin we've got some guys with a ton of potential and a ton of question marks on the roster already. Having seen more of Miller now, both of those guys have more polish than Miller at this point.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Are Brooks or Miller able to play the 3 in Tommy’s offense? What about defense—are they versatile enough? I’m worried about losing DT.

On offense: Miller, yes; Brooks doesn't have the jumpshot or passing that we're looking for from a 3 (can play him at the four). I think both are versatile enough defenders to switch 2-4.

My bigger question is whether we believe in Adama Bal. Can he give us a 6MOY performance next season? Between him and Borovicanin we've got some guys with a ton of potential and a ton of question marks on the roster already. Having seen more of Miller now, both of those guys have more polish than Miller at this point.

Both have the athleticism for defending the 3.

Brooks has never shot the 3 well. Miller is a complete adventure with the ball and shooting. Both could play Terry's position, neither is like Terry at all.

[SunnyAZ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3NYjfGNyKc

25 min vid with henri, nba draft junkies yt channel

[IndianaZonaFan]

Now that we know DT is staying in the draft and Miller is going pro one way or another..here is our line up as it stands:

Kriisa
Bal
Larsson
Veesaar
Tubelis

Ballo
Borovicanin
Anderson
Tubelis 2


Definitely need Ramey and Brooks now

[YoDeFoe]

Now that we know DT is staying in the draft and Miller is going pro one way or another..here is our line up as it stands:

Kriisa
Bal
Larsson
Veesaar
Tubelis

Ballo
Borovicanin
Anderson
Tubelis 2


Definitely need Ramey and Brooks now

(Ballo starts and Veesaar plays both front court spots off the bench, to start the season at least. Tubelis likely never plays the five)

[YoDeFoe]

Just want to note: the portal isn’t closed. Guys are still making moves. And with the draft deadline passing we should expect a new wave of transfers as rosters and PT / starting opportunities become clearer.

Just bc we’ve only heard Ramey and Brooks publicly doesn’t mean those are the only two guys we’ll be speaking with.

[Beachcat97]

Now that we know DT is staying in the draft and Miller is going pro one way or another..here is our line up as it stands:

Kriisa
Bal
Larsson
Veesaar
Tubelis

Ballo
Borovicanin
Anderson
Tubelis 2


Definitely need Ramey and Brooks now

That's not a roster that can get very deep in the tourney. But I'll wait to see what Tommy does now that DT is gone.

[goslingswagg]

Now that we know DT is staying in the draft and Miller is going pro one way or another..here is our line up as it stands:

Kriisa
Bal
Larsson
Veesaar
Tubelis

Ballo
Borovicanin
Anderson
Tubelis 2


Definitely need Ramey and Brooks now

not sure it needs to be those two, but we pretty clearly need at least 2 rotational guys, and they should be one guard and one wing

[IndianaZonaFan]

Just want to note: the portal isn’t closed. Guys are still making moves. And with the draft deadline passing we should expect a new wave of transfers as rosters and PT / starting opportunities become clearer.

Just bc we’ve only heard Ramey and Brooks publicly doesn’t mean those are the only two guys we’ll be speaking with.

My fault, I thought players already had to have put their names in to the portal.

I Trust in Tommy. Let’s put this roster together

[Irish27]

Looks like the Cats became BYU overnight.

[RawleArenas]

Geez, I need to take some Tylenol now... I really thought DT was coming back. Wasn't the biggest fan of him coming in. He really shined last year, if he would have stayed this year would have been special. Next year's ceiling is a lot lower, but if we get Ramey and a solid big we can still make some noise.

It seems like '23 is going to be the year. If we get the big three that I expect, that season should be special.

[goslingswagg]

Just want to note: the portal isn’t closed. Guys are still making moves. And with the draft deadline passing we should expect a new wave of transfers as rosters and PT / starting opportunities become clearer.

Just bc we’ve only heard Ramey and Brooks publicly doesn’t mean those are the only two guys we’ll be speaking with.

My fault, I thought players already had to have put their names in to the portal.

I Trust in Tommy. Let’s put this roster together

I thought that was the case as well, but digging into it it seems like players can still join the portal, but they would need a waiver to be granted immediate eligibility if they did. So, in reality, I can't imagine many studs entering the portal this late in the game and risking immediate eligibility...not ideal, but we just have to put our trust in Tommy and good things will happen.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Geez, I need to take some Tylenol now... I really thought DT was coming back. Wasn't the biggest fan of him coming in. He really shined last year, if he would have stayed this year would have been special. Next year's ceiling is a lot lower, but if we get Ramey and a solid big we can still make some noise.

It seems like '23 is going to be the year. If we get the big three that I expect, that season should be special.

Or 2023 could look like 19-20. It's a tough job these days. Too talented and good and people leave. Not talented and good enough and you get fired.

[YoDeFoe]

Just want to note: the portal isn’t closed. Guys are still making moves. And with the draft deadline passing we should expect a new wave of transfers as rosters and PT / starting opportunities become clearer.

Just bc we’ve only heard Ramey and Brooks publicly doesn’t mean those are the only two guys we’ll be speaking with.

My fault, I thought players already had to have put their names in to the portal.

I Trust in Tommy. Let’s put this roster together

I thought that was the case as well, but digging into it it seems like players can still join the portal, but they would need a waiver to be granted immediate eligibility if they did. So, in reality, I can't imagine many studs entering the portal this late in the game and risking immediate eligibility...not ideal, but we just have to put our trust in Tommy and good things will happen.

Grad transfers are still immediately eligible

[Dave]

This off-season is circling the inside of a toilet bowl!

[CatFan1399]

Jacob Grandison (Illinois) entered the portal today. 6’6 G/F who shot 47% overall and 41% from 3pt. He’s 24 years old, but I don’t know if he is a grad transfer or not. He’s from Oakland, so maybe he’d be interested in coming out west.

[UAEebs86]

Jacob Grandison (Illinois) entered the portal today. 6’6 G/F who shot 47% overall and 41% from 3pt. He’s 24 years old, but I don’t know if he is a grad transfer or not. He’s from Oakland, so maybe he’d be interested in coming out west.

Unless he's on the 7 year plan wouldn't he be a grad transfer?

[CatFan1399]

Jacob Grandison (Illinois) entered the portal today. 6’6 G/F who shot 47% overall and 41% from 3pt. He’s 24 years old, but I don’t know if he is a grad transfer or not. He’s from Oakland, so maybe he’d be interested in coming out west.

Unless he's on the 7 year plan wouldn't he be a grad transfer?

Just looked him up…. He’s listed as a senior (Super Duper Senior?). This would be his 5th season of play, plus he sat out a season after transferring to Illinois from Holy Cross.