Let's talk '23

OriginalAZ · Post by **OriginalAZ** » Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:48 pm

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 12:35 pm CU and LSU over AZ and ucla?

Weird.

They must have some sources to pay him more money or maybe he wants to be the next Ben Simmons?

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Mon Oct 24, 2022 4:31 pm

OriginalAZ wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:48 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 12:35 pm CU and LSU over AZ and ucla?

Weird.
They must have some sources to pay him more money or maybe he wants to be the next Ben Simmons?

It has to be some NIL sh*t. I can't remember AZ or ucla losing recruits to LSU and Colorado. It's like a newly graduated data scientist turning down Google to work for Bed Bath and Beyond.

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:04 pm

When was the last time we lost a recruit to Colorado??? (not counting Simpson from Millers last class)

https://coloradobuffaloeswire.usatoday. ... ce=twitter

ChooChooCat · Post by **ChooChooCat** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:15 pm

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 4:31 pm
OriginalAZ wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:48 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 12:35 pm CU and LSU over AZ and ucla?

Weird.
They must have some sources to pay him more money or maybe he wants to be the next Ben Simmons?
It has to be some NIL sh*t. I can't remember AZ or ucla losing recruits to LSU and Colorado. It's like a newly graduated data scientist turning down Google to work for Bed Bath and Beyond.

It's not NIL, the guy just decided to prioritize the schools that were on him longer. That doesn't matter in most recruitments, but it mattered in this one.

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 1:15 pm

ChooChooCat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:15 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 4:31 pm
OriginalAZ wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:48 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 12:35 pm CU and LSU over AZ and ucla?

Weird.
They must have some sources to pay him more money or maybe he wants to be the next Ben Simmons?
It has to be some NIL sh*t. I can't remember AZ or ucla losing recruits to LSU and Colorado. It's like a newly graduated data scientist turning down Google to work for Bed Bath and Beyond.
It's not NIL, the guy just decided to prioritize the schools that were on him longer. That doesn't matter in most recruitments, but it mattered in this one.

Interesting. And crazy that we weren't on him as long as these others. Is he not the best player in AZ in his class?

OriginalAZ · Post by **OriginalAZ** » Wed Oct 26, 2022 3:40 pm

dmjcat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:04 pm
When was the last time we lost a recruit to Colorado??? (not counting Simpson from Millers last class)

https://coloradobuffaloeswire.usatoday. ... ce=twitter

So everyone was predicting LSU and now they aren't even a consideration?

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Sat Oct 29, 2022 10:49 pm

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Tue Nov 01, 2022 5:14 am

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Tue Nov 01, 2022 10:07 am

Still think it's bonkers we aren't his leader, given AZ's superior status among his finalists and given that he's FROM ARIZONA.

Can't be losing these in-state elite players.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Tue Nov 01, 2022 12:52 pm

Lloyd has been unable to close on in state and most American recruits.

COFFEE IS FOR CLOSERS!!!

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Mon Nov 07, 2022 10:02 am

Does Tad Boyle get it done?
Intel started coming out of Gilbert, Arizona, a couple of weeks ago, that four-star Cody Williams was down to a final two, LSU and Colorado. Williams used a summer that saw him average 14.9 points on Nike’s EYBL Circuit to enter National Signing Day week as the 2023 On3 Consensus No. 26 player.

Williams issued a top eight, and he has announced he will commit on November 9. There was a lot of buzz coming out that Arizona was in a good position, even with taking senior-year official visits to Southern California, LSU, Arizona, and Colorado.

On3s Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Colorado an 86.2 percent chance of landing Williams, and the only expert pick placed into On3s RPM is for Colorado. If Williams does, in fact, sign with Colorado on November 9, that would give the Buffaloes their highest ranked recruit of the Tad Boyle era.

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:18 am

Cody Williams to CU. It’s now official.

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 11:17 am

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:18 am Cody Williams to CU. It’s now official.

Would love to know about the NIL deal he's getting. In what world are we losing 5-star recruits to Tad Boyle?

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 1:53 pm

Definitely a head scratching decision.

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 2:19 pm

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 11:17 am
CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:18 am Cody Williams to CU. It’s now official.
Would love to know about the NIL deal he's getting. In what world are we losing 5-star recruits to Tad Boyle?

So the only way someone would say no to Tommy Lloyd is if they’re getting a bigger check?

MountainCat · Post by **MountainCat** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 2:45 pm

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 2:19 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 11:17 am
CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:18 am Cody Williams to CU. It’s now official.
Would love to know about the NIL deal he's getting. In what world are we losing 5-star recruits to Tad Boyle?
So the only way someone would say no to Tommy Lloyd is if they’re getting a bigger check?

Who writes checks anymore? In today's market it is either cash or credit...

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 5:10 pm

Apparently he likes to be the best player at a losing program.

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Wed Nov 09, 2022 5:12 pm

And speaking of checks.... Love them. We HATE processing cards. 3% is a lot to give a CC company when your margin is 8% over cost, and that doesn't include the cost or time for delivery.

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 9:31 am

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 2:19 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 11:17 am
CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:18 am Cody Williams to CU. It’s now official.
Would love to know about the NIL deal he's getting. In what world are we losing 5-star recruits to Tad Boyle?
So the only way someone would say no to Tommy Lloyd is if they’re getting a bigger check?

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:19 am

LOL my dude, whatever makes you feel better.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 7:06 pm

RaisingArizona · Post by **RaisingArizona** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 9:20 pm

84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 10, 2022 7:06 pm

His physicality on the perimeter will be a nice, new wrinkle. Reminds me of a Ben Howland era Pitt Guard or something like that. But with more juice.

ChooChooCat · Post by **ChooChooCat** » Wed Nov 16, 2022 11:08 am

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:18 am Cody Williams to CU. It’s now official.

The #1 player in the class, from Georgia, just committed to USC. Recruits and their circles are just dumb.

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Wed Nov 16, 2022 11:17 am

Someone must have sold them on the supposed exposure you get from playing in LA.

RaisingArizona · Post by **RaisingArizona** » Wed Nov 16, 2022 6:18 pm

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 16, 2022 11:17 am Someone must have sold them on the supposed exposure you get from playing in LA.

They took his best friend and high school teammate as well. Not sure if that kid was actually USC good or whether it was a 2 for 1 to get Collier.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Wed Nov 16, 2022 7:10 pm

Isn't it all about the NIL money? UA alums need to pony up.

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:26 pm

Merkin wrote: ↑Wed Nov 16, 2022 7:10 pm Isn't it all about the NIL money? UA alums need to pony up.

That's what I've been thinking too. If we don't get our act together soon, our recruiting is going to decline. Maybe just need to be patient?

ChooChooCat · Post by **ChooChooCat** » Thu Nov 17, 2022 8:37 am

Merkin wrote: ↑Wed Nov 16, 2022 7:10 pm Isn't it all about the NIL money? UA alums need to pony up.

Williams’s decision had nothing to do with NIL. There’s no world that exists where going to Colorado would net him more money than going to Arizona. He’s just a different type of kid. He saw his brother’s path and decided that’s the route he wanted to take.

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Thu Nov 17, 2022 9:37 am

I’d be willing to bet the money is the same pre- and post-NIL. The difference is that it’s out in the open now.

If a kid the coaches wanted really wanted to be a Wildcat, we’d find the money to match whatever a Colorado or LSU was offering. Of that I have no doubt.

arizonawildcats · Post by **arizonawildcats** » Tue Dec 13, 2022 11:09 pm

KJ Lewis is playing well for #1 Duncanville. Any update on Thierry Darlan or new names to keep an eye on?

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Sun Dec 18, 2022 1:54 pm

https://youtu.be/N8O9q52-z-Y

https://247sports.com/Article/Elite-202 ... 200812545/

Thierry Darlan might not be well known just yet, but he’s one of the best prospects in class the class of 2023 and has a decision ahead of him that could have serious ramifications on college basketball next year.

The 6-foot-6, 195-pound combo guard out of the NBA Africa Academy went from an unknown prospect to a highly coveted target between the G League Ignite and the Arizona Wildcats seemingly overnight.

The two have been in contention since the NBA Academy Games in July but there's another option on the table as he is also eligible to go straight to the 2023 NBA Draft this coming June.

Just six months ago, Darlan's only pursuant was Santa Clara who had brought him on an official visit during his junior year.

Now he has three premier options at his fingertips which he very briefly discussed with 247Sports in Las Vegas on Saturday.

"I am going to Arizona very soon. I think in the next month," said Darlan. "I talk to the coaches, he's [Tommy Lloyd] a very good coach and he would make me good."

Darlan was expected to take his official visit to Arizona during the fall (September 30-October 2nd) but was eventually pushed back.

He still doesn't know the exact date of when that visit will come but he is intent on taking a visit as Arizona remains heavily in the mix.

On the other hand, Darlan has to weigh the options of going straight to the pro route.

The Ignite have landed multiple Academy prospects in recent years, most notable being Dyson Daniels, and have had their eyes set on him since July but he is also eligible to go to the 2023 NBA Draft.

As of today, if Darlan were to bypass college the expectation would be that he goes to the G League to give him an extra year of development and preparation for the Draft.

While he does have some major decisions in his future, he says he hasn't given it much thought.

"Seriously, I don't know," Darlan shared of his thoughts on going straight to the pros. "Maybe I will think about it."

Sources around Darlan attest that he hasn't given much thought into where he will be next year and that his focus has remained on the court.

As is stands today, it appears to be a toss-up as to whether he will go to college or sign a professional contract next year and there isn't expected to be any movement on that front until he takes his visit to Arizona.

If Darlan were to choose Arizona, based on 247Sports' policy of ranking international players, he would find his name near - possibly at - the very top of the 2023 rankings.

TheCat · Post by **TheCat** » Sun Dec 18, 2022 7:47 pm

Oh yeah.......me likes his size. Needs 15 lbs of muscle but that should be easy. Hope we get him.

arizonawildcats · Post by **arizonawildcats** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 6:32 am

In Las Vegas, 2023 guard Thierry Darlan looks like the real deal

By ERIC BOSSI Dec 19, 2:50 AM

LAS VEGAS -- Back in July while covering the NCAA live period in Georgia, my phone started buzzing. Friends in the industry who were in Atlanta to see the NBA Academy programs were buzzing about a guard named Thierry Darlan. That night, my coworker Travis Branham gave me the rundown on Darlan, raving about the 6-foot-5 guard at the NBA Academy Africa's feel, size and long-term upside.

Over the weekend I was able to check out Darlan for myself at both the Tarkanian Classic on Saturday and during a Global Academy workout on Sunday night. I can see why my coaching friends and Branham -- who updated the latest on how Darlan is eventually going to have to choose between college and the pros on Sunday -- were so high on him.

The class of 2023 is lacking for starpower and sure things. I'm not saying that Darlan is a sure thing or bound for stardom, but he's likely just as good and has just as much long-term upside, maybe even more, than any of his American counterparts.

Sure, Darlan still needs some seasoning and to play against more competition, but he's certainly as naturally gifted as any player in the current senior class.

Darlan really surprised me with his ability to handle the ball and his passing feel. He's also pretty humble. After wowing a gym full of media and double digit scouts from the NBA on Saturday, Darlan wanted to redirect any credit and focus on his team.

"I think I played very well. I don't like to talk about me. I like to talk about my teammates because without them we lose the game."

I wasn't surprised to see his shot making, length and athleticism. Those traits combined with everything else would lead me to believe that he could be at least a top five to ten player in the class of 2023 if he chooses to go the college route. If not higher.

For all we know, Darlan may never end up playing a game on the college level. But, should he do so we are talking about the best player in the senior class that most people have no idea about.

Darlan isn't going to be under the radar for much longer and you had better believe that the hype is building for very real reasons.

https://247sports.com/college/basketbal ... 200858589/

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Fri Dec 23, 2022 1:29 pm

Beachcat97 · Post by **Beachcat97** » Fri Dec 23, 2022 2:02 pm

Um...do we have a shot at this guy? Looks like a perfect guard for our team next season.

ChooChooCat · Post by **ChooChooCat** » Fri Dec 23, 2022 10:08 pm

Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 2:02 pm Um...do we have a shot at this guy? Looks like a perfect guard for our team next season.

Yes

Ned Zissou · Post by **Ned Zissou** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 12:52 pm

ChooChooCat wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 10:08 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 2:02 pm Um...do we have a shot at this guy? Looks like a perfect guard for our team next season.
Yes

But what about Bronny James?

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Mon Jan 16, 2023 3:18 pm

If we stick with foreign kids, we don’t have to worry about NIL money.

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Sat Jan 21, 2023 5:04 pm

Thierry Darlan was in for a visit today

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:28 pm

Here he is visiting this past weekend with his 5 star team mate

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:59 pm

dmjcat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:28 pm

I don't know anyone, or have seen anyone, but that's my town! My son in law went to the same school.

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:56 pm

Ned Zissou wrote: ↑Fri Dec 30, 2022 12:52 pm
ChooChooCat wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 10:08 pm
Beachcat97 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 23, 2022 2:02 pm Um...do we have a shot at this guy? Looks like a perfect guard for our team next season.
Yes
But what about Bronny James?

He was just named to the McDonalds All-American team and is down to deciding between Oregon, USC, and Ohio State.

CatMG · Post by **CatMG** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 7:45 pm

Merkin wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:59 pm
dmjcat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:28 pm

I don't know anyone, or have seen anyone, but that's my town! My son in law went to the same school.

Me too!

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:39 pm

CatMG wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 7:45 pm
Merkin wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:59 pm
dmjcat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:28 pm

I don't know anyone, or have seen anyone, but that's my town! My son in law went to the same school.
Me too!

Hey homie! My 3 kids all went across the street to Righetti.

U.P. Zona Fan · Post by **U.P. Zona Fan** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 5:42 am

That's crazy!!!

You guys daughters are married to the same guy!?!?!?

What a coincidence!!

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:51 am

I would rather have the younger James (Bryce). He's 6-6 at 15 years of age and maybe more talented than Bronny.

Btw, when I say "I" I don't mean Arizona. I'm not a fan of going through the circus which comes along with having a Lebron James kid.

Think of the Ball family fiasco.

CardiacCats97 · Post by **CardiacCats97** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:43 am

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:51 am I would rather have the younger James (Bryce). He's 6-6 at 15 years of age and maybe more talented than Bronny.

Btw, when I say "I" I don't mean Arizona. I'm not a fan of going through the circus which comes along with having a Lebron James kid.

Think of the Ball family fiasco.

No doubt it could be a circus, but I think the difference between the James family and the Ball family is that one is already rich and has “made it” while the other was desperately trying to get rich and famous off their sons.

I’m guessing the circus around Bronny or Bryce will be external (press, fans, etc) while with the Balls it was the family acting like idiots.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 12:03 pm

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:43 am
EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:51 am I would rather have the younger James (Bryce). He's 6-6 at 15 years of age and maybe more talented than Bronny.

Btw, when I say "I" I don't mean Arizona. I'm not a fan of going through the circus which comes along with having a Lebron James kid.

Think of the Ball family fiasco.
No doubt it could be a circus, but I think the difference between the James family and the Ball family is that one is already rich and has “made it” while the other was desperately trying to get rich and famous off their sons.

I’m guessing the circus around Bronny or Bryce will be external (press, fans, etc) while with the Balls it was the family acting like idiots.

The circus will be all-consuming!!! He's the second l0west ranked recruit on the McD Team, yet ESPN headline: "Bronny headlines (???) McDonalds All-American Lists"

And he's ranked (#28) much higher than his skill/performance warrants. I hope CTL doesn't even reach out, let alone make any kind of an offer.

As far as "offers" go, he, by all rights, should be a walk-on - they're filthy rich!!!

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 12:05 pm

CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:43 am
EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:51 am I would rather have the younger James (Bryce). He's 6-6 at 15 years of age and maybe more talented than Bronny.

Btw, when I say "I" I don't mean Arizona. I'm not a fan of going through the circus which comes along with having a Lebron James kid.

Think of the Ball family fiasco.
No doubt it could be a circus, but I think the difference between the James family and the Ball family is that one is already rich and has “made it” while the other was desperately trying to get rich and famous off their sons.

I’m guessing the circus around Bronny or Bryce will be external (press, fans, etc) while with the Balls it was the family acting like idiots.

So, would you, as a coach, be comfortable telling the "family" - "Bronny's coming off the bench - he should get about 15 minutes a game."

Consider Maya Nnaji 's playing time this year - the highest ranked recruit (#9) in U of A history!!! Adia, fortunately, is not in a "circus"!!!

dmjcat · Post by **dmjcat** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 1:14 pm

pc in NM wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 12:03 pm
CardiacCats97 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:43 am
EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:51 am I would rather have the younger James (Bryce). He's 6-6 at 15 years of age and maybe more talented than Bronny.

Btw, when I say "I" I don't mean Arizona. I'm not a fan of going through the circus which comes along with having a Lebron James kid.

Think of the Ball family fiasco.
No doubt it could be a circus, but I think the difference between the James family and the Ball family is that one is already rich and has “made it” while the other was desperately trying to get rich and famous off their sons.

I’m guessing the circus around Bronny or Bryce will be external (press, fans, etc) while with the Balls it was the family acting like idiots.
The circus will be all-consuming!!! He's the second l0west ranked recruit on the McD Team, yet ESPN headline: "Bronny headlines (???) McDonalds All-American Lists"

And he's ranked (#28) much higher than his skill/performance warrants. I hope CTL doesn't even reach out, let alone make any kind of an offer.

As far as "offers" go, he, by all rights, should be a walk-on - they're filthy rich!!!

Agree completely.........not to mention the fact that his dad is a prima donna head case

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