2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Moderators: UAdevil, JMarkJohns

Post Reply
RondaeShimmy
Posts: 2637
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:35 pm
Reputation: 432

2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RondaeShimmy »

Even though Arizona would be a very good team with most of these guys coming back, I kind of just want to move on from this core besides some guys like Boz, Veesaar, Bal and maybe Pelle and maybe Ballo

What's the point, we know how it would end up even though they'd be a top 5 team in the reg season
User avatar
Merkin
Posts: 43290
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
Reputation: 1563
Location: UA basketball smells like....victory

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Merkin »

Just need some athletes. Even Lloyd said last season the Cats weren't athletic enough, and that was with Mathurin, Koloko and Terry.

Also some blue collar Mark Madsen types who don't play soft.
User avatar
dovecanyoncat
Posts: 16744
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 12:16 pm
Reputation: 2143
Location: Old Farts and Golf Carts

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by dovecanyoncat »

Image
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition …There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”

~ Wilhoit's Law
User avatar
g32knights
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:55 am
Reputation: 66

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by g32knights »

The regular season means nothing next year.
azcat49
Posts: 11303
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 4:33 pm
Reputation: 1029
Location: Gilbert Az

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by azcat49 »

Best thing is to just end the season after the conference tournament from a fan perspective. Watching this team In March is so disappointing. I am just beside myself trying to figure out how this happened. I was so sure the match ups were in our favor up until Alabama. Once again I feel like Charlie Brown about to kick that football
Waiting at the Rose Bowl patiently for the cats to arrive
"I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more wildcat sports"
2019 BDW Survivor Pool Champion
RondaeShimmy
Posts: 2637
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:35 pm
Reputation: 432

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RondaeShimmy »

Merkin wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:05 pm Just need some athletes. Even Lloyd said last season the Cats weren't athletic enough, and that was with Mathurin, Koloko and Terry.

Also some blue collar Mark Madsen types who don't play soft.
So that means you want most the core gone since they would have to play to show their athleticism right?
User avatar
Merkin
Posts: 43290
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
Reputation: 1563
Location: UA basketball smells like....victory

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Merkin »

RondaeShimmy wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:13 pm
Merkin wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:05 pm Just need some athletes. Even Lloyd said last season the Cats weren't athletic enough, and that was with Mathurin, Koloko and Terry.

Also some blue collar Mark Madsen types who don't play soft.
So that means you want most the core gone since they would have to play to show their athleticism right?
If they leave, fine, if they stay fine. Would like to see Boswell and Larsson return, and the 2 freshmen bigs. Bam-bam and Pelle at least play defense. If Zu leaves, that frees up 2 scholies. Ballo needs another year of strength and conditioning, and lose some of his baby fat, along with some balance drills. Never seen a player fall down so much.

Some good players in the transfer portal. Lots of minutes for them. Maybe find a mid-major gem like Henderson, although he has had terrible games at the worst times.
azcat49
Posts: 11303
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 4:33 pm
Reputation: 1029
Location: Gilbert Az

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by azcat49 »

There are no pro’s in the portal and Henderson and Ramey showed that. We need to recruit some athletic wings and to date LLoyd has not shown the ability to do that. Lewis should be good but he is more of a tweener. He looks like Hassan Adams to me. Lloyd needs to get some Dawg in him and go get some guys. F the slow play, relationship BS
Waiting at the Rose Bowl patiently for the cats to arrive
"I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more wildcat sports"
2019 BDW Survivor Pool Champion
RondaeShimmy
Posts: 2637
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:35 pm
Reputation: 432

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RondaeShimmy »

Next year, I'd go with

Boswell
Lewis
Bal
Larsson
And Tubelis or Ballo

We need to to be faster and bigger on the wings and more dynamic on bother the wings and guards
Last edited by RondaeShimmy on Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
CardiacCats97
Posts: 1227
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2022 6:55 pm
Reputation: 350

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by CardiacCats97 »

Shouldn’t this thread just be a countdown to our eventual March Embarrassment?

-364
User avatar
OSUCat
Posts: 4001
Joined: Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:12 pm
Reputation: 104

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by OSUCat »

RondaeShimmy wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:01 pm Next year, I'd go with

Boswell
Lewis
Bal
Larsson
And Tubelis or Ballo

We need to to be faster and bigger on the wings and more dynamic on bother the wings and guards
But it will be:
Boswell
Krissa
Larsson
Tubelis
Ballo
Formerly Lynx Rufus.
User avatar
IndianaZonaFan
Posts: 1032
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:14 pm
Reputation: 182

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by IndianaZonaFan »

Anyone have a feel for players leaving early (overseas or transfer)?
Kerr?
Tubelis (and brother)?
Bal?
Beachcat97
Posts: 8591
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 8:20 pm
Reputation: 470
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Beachcat97 »

Tubelis and Kriisa are future Euro league players.

I once thought Larsson had nba potential. He’s tall and athletic, and he used to be a pretty good shooter. Feel like his game regressed this year, and he could probably benefit from another year of college.

I hope Ballo is back. Love that dude.

Boswell is the future.
User avatar
CatsbyAZ
Posts: 2507
Joined: Sat Jul 05, 2014 12:35 pm
Reputation: 171
Location: San Diego CA

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by CatsbyAZ »

Merkin wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:05 pm Just need some athletes. Even Lloyd said last season the Cats weren't athletic enough, and that was with Mathurin, Koloko and Terry.

Also some blue collar Mark Madsen types who don't play soft.
Some athletes aka bruisers. Pretty much every Big 10/12 school has these types on hand for the dirty work and for providing a hostile presence inside. If TCU and Houston and Baylor can load up their 3 and 4 spots with these guys I don't see why CTL and staff can't find a few (in Texas?). Bob Huggins always had guys like these, and whenever I watched a run of Huggins' better Mountaineer squads (2013 - 2017) the inside was anchored by a guy named Devin Williams. Wasn't dynamic enough or tall enough for the NBA but anybody who went inside had to pay. Anybody challenging him for a rebound had to pay. Anybody trying to box him out on free throw attempts had to pay. I'd see him bully the inside and think - we need guys like that!
And I said, ‘That last thing is what you can't get...Nobody can get to that last thing. We keep on living in hopes of catching it once and for all.’ Jack Kerouac, On The Road
User avatar
LuteIsGod
Posts: 249
Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2017 12:09 pm
Reputation: 60
Location: Tempe, AZ

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by LuteIsGod »

I really loved our season. I love the quick tempo and hope Lloyd doesn’t adjust that philosophy. Lloyd can show coaching improvement next year if he can get players like Zu and Kriisa to play D next year and limit mistakes. I did not enjoy the miller years, as others did and felt he only allowed for offensive freedom the year we crushed Duke. The east coast grind strategy is boring to me and I’m glad it’s gone and has been replaced with a fun, watchable pace.
I will see you there, or I will see you on another time
User avatar
FreeSpiritCat
Posts: 4568
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:22 pm
Reputation: 467
Location: Augusta, Maine

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by FreeSpiritCat »

I am not sure I want to get as involved in sports anymore. Losing yesterday hurt. I am more inclined to watch from distance. It would save a lot of money having to buy streaming services, ones that I don't watch much anything else except the local morning news. It isn't worth the cost.
User avatar
Merkin
Posts: 43290
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
Reputation: 1563
Location: UA basketball smells like....victory

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Merkin »

CatsbyAZ wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:18 am
Merkin wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:05 pm Just need some athletes. Even Lloyd said last season the Cats weren't athletic enough, and that was with Mathurin, Koloko and Terry.

Also some blue collar Mark Madsen types who don't play soft.
Some athletes aka bruisers. Pretty much every Big 10/12 school has these types on hand for the dirty work and for providing a hostile presence inside. If TCU and Houston and Baylor can load up their 3 and 4 spots with these guys I don't see why CTL and staff can't find a few (in Texas?). Bob Huggins always had guys like these, and whenever I watched a run of Huggins' better Mountaineer squads (2013 - 2017) the inside was anchored by a guy named Devin Williams. Wasn't dynamic enough or tall enough for the NBA but anybody who went inside had to pay. Anybody challenging him for a rebound had to pay. Anybody trying to box him out on free throw attempts had to pay. I'd see him bully the inside and think - we need guys like that!

Need another Gene Edgerson! Without breaking any jaws anyway.
User avatar
phxcat23
Posts: 400
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2017 5:26 pm
Reputation: 102

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by phxcat23 »

It's frustrating watching Kerr at times. He is the type of player that you're glad he's on your team since he can be obnoxious, but can be a huge letdown in big moments as well. Like others have said here, we are soft. Guys constantly looking for foul calls instead of just being aggressive and playing through contact. I think Boswell brings an edge and will drive to the basket unlike Kerr, but if Kerr sticks around, he needs to be more than just a shooter. He needs to be able to take the ball to the basket because everyone knows he won't right now. Also, I don't understand why we don't show some different looks on defense. Why not show zone or press and mix it up to keep teams off balance. Kind of a shame Bal didn't develop more and contribute more this year. I though he did well against Indiana and may have turned a corner there.
RawleArenas
Posts: 411
Joined: Mon Nov 05, 2018 6:17 pm
Reputation: 220

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RawleArenas »

Catintheheat wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 11:07 am I am not sure I want to get as involved in sports anymore. Losing yesterday hurt. I am more inclined to watch from distance. It would save a lot of money having to buy streaming services, ones that I don't watch much anything else except the local morning news. It isn't worth the cost.
^^^This ^^^

I remember Iggy's freshman year when he came in and was playing in the rec on the second court with the rest of the team. Everybody kind of stopped and was watching the team play pick up. There was one play where Jason Gardner threw an alley oop pass to Iggy from halfcourt and Iggy caught the oop from the baseline, turned sideways a la MJ in the dunk contest and threw it down with such ferocity the whole gym felt it. Iggy did this, as a FRESHMAN. This is what Arizona basketball means to me, and is the reason I came to the Old Pueblo. To be inspired by great culture, great players, while winning in games that matter: the tournament.

I have UofA gear but don't want to wear it now. The loss is much bigger than our program, we're the laughing stock of college basketball. We will be memed from here on out about how the Cats (like the Zags) play in a weak conference and choke in the tournament. Now, thousands of alumni have to hear the jokes about this loss even if they're not into basketball. This loss was plastered on all the major websites and all of our rivals are just eating it up. Now we have to wait another 12 months to prove that we've learned from our mistakes,even though the writing was on the wall earlier this season. All of our players (including Zu) are 'B' players. Highly skilled and talented players with limited athleticism that overachieved in the regular season in a good system. Zu and Ballo and even Kriisa are much better being the Robin to someone else's Batman. When they are forced to play a major leadership role in a serious game, they wilt and falter. I blame the coaching staff for not recognizing this and for not bringing in guys who complemented them, while bringing some toughness as well.

The players we have would be awesome complementary players to high level athletes that are typical of the kind we always get. If Kriisa was a backup to a strong NBA level point guard on this team, fans would love him. He could come in as a microwave guy and heat it up and give some relief to the starters. It's telling that after three years he hasn't made any award lists for a conference that's the weakest among the Power 5. I think he's pretty much reached his ceiling here. I know that CTL is loyal to his players, however he needs to do some soul searching and figure out how he's going to the right this ship. He may need to have some conversations with the players like Miller did and gut the roster. Our recruiting is weak, and he can only joyride with CSM's leftovers for so long. People forget that when CSM brought in Romar what a huge coup that was. Two master recruiters on the same sideline bringing in high level players. CSM understood that as good as he was as a recruiter (leagues better than CTL at this point) Romar could help him get that one player that he wouldn't normally get (think Mathisse Thybull), that would push the team over the edge and get him a FF or a title. CTL needs to find people to help him get over the hump because getting a five star here and there is not enough. We're used to reloading every year. We had three draft picks in the 2019 class and three more in the class after that (assuming Zu goes in the second round where he's projected). The guys he's bringing in are good, but its nowhere near the level that we need.

I'm not say this to be negative towards CTL, but I hope this is a wake up call. Because I want him to be focused and restless and spend every waking hour on the phone selling Arizona to recruits that can actually play. I don't want any interviews or cute stories, because fans are tuning out because the coaching staff is not doing their jobs. Unfortunately, I can sympathize with Catintheheat because these losses are much bigger than program. Our fans are heavily invested in tournament success and when that's not a reality, even the most loyal CTL supporters will eventually check out.
Beachcat97
Posts: 8591
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 8:20 pm
Reputation: 470
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Beachcat97 »

At some point, winning games in the ncaa tourney became more surprising than losing. It's crazy to say that, but it's true. After 2+ decades, we are USED to being upset in the ncaa tourney. Sean Miller made some nice runs, and I had a blast watching those teams. But more often, we've lost to teams everyone expected us to defeat. And I say this only going back to the late 90s, when I was a student at UofA. I can't speak for the earlier part of the Lute era, which also had its share of upsets in the tourney.

I like Tommy Lloyd and think he's the right guy for this job (in spite of his poor performance yesterday). But we need tougher players, ffs. Toughness, smart play, and overall team philosophy...this is what the best tourney teams have, and it's what AZ has hardly ever had.
User avatar
dovecanyoncat
Posts: 16744
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 12:16 pm
Reputation: 2143
Location: Old Farts and Golf Carts

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by dovecanyoncat »

We stopped by a roadside woodfired pizza guy today. He pulls the oven on a trailer behind his pickup truck and sets up a gazebo to peddle his pies. He glanced at my AZ gear while shuffling pies in and around the oven:

"You feel the way I do?" he said.
"Shoot me in the head, please?" I answered.
"Yup."

Love CTL. Love our team. Hate this shit.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition …There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”

~ Wilhoit's Law
User avatar
IndianaZonaFan
Posts: 1032
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:14 pm
Reputation: 182

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by IndianaZonaFan »

Without knowing any possible transfers right now I would prefer this lineup:

Starters:
Boswell
Lewis
Larsson
Tubelis
Ballo

Bench:
Kerr
Veesaar
Bal
Borovicanin

I think Kylan should get the nod at PG and Kerr may be better coming off the bench. He’s definitely a good spark of energy.

But I want to see Pelle be more aggressive on offense.

We still need to find a guy who can get his own shot when a possession breaks down.
User avatar
Dave
Posts: 433
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 9:28 pm
Reputation: 56

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Dave »

We have two open scholarships even if we bring everyone back. With those open scholarships we have to improve our athleticism at the guard/wing position with guys that can create their own shot. The other priority has to be to get out of this mid major conference.
User avatar
Merkin
Posts: 43290
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
Reputation: 1563
Location: UA basketball smells like....victory

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Merkin »

Isn't it only one available, with Ramey and Henderson out of eligibility, and KJ Lewis coming in?
User avatar
IndianaZonaFan
Posts: 1032
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:14 pm
Reputation: 182

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by IndianaZonaFan »

I think we had an empty spot this year.
User avatar
Dave
Posts: 433
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 9:28 pm
Reputation: 56

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Dave »

We were holding two scholarships open until Boswell took one of them.
User avatar
azgreg
Posts: 26553
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:01 pm
Reputation: 1554

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by azgreg »

IndianaZonaFan wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:35 am Without knowing any possible transfers right now I would prefer this lineup:

Starters:
Boswell
Lewis
Larsson
Tubelis
Ballo

Bench:
Kerr
Veesaar
Bal
Borovicanin

I think Kylan should get the nod at PG and Kerr may be better coming off the bench. He’s definitely a good spark of energy.

But I want to see Pelle be more aggressive on offense.

We still need to find a guy who can get his own shot when a possession breaks down.
I don't think there's a world that exists that Kriisa comes back to be the backup.
User avatar
FreeSpiritCat
Posts: 4568
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:22 pm
Reputation: 467
Location: Augusta, Maine

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by FreeSpiritCat »

Although Kriisa was fun to watch and he has improved, I don't see him as a high level college basketball player. There are too many big holes in his game.
User avatar
IndianaZonaFan
Posts: 1032
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 12:14 pm
Reputation: 182

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by IndianaZonaFan »

azgreg wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 2:25 pm
IndianaZonaFan wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:35 am Without knowing any possible transfers right now I would prefer this lineup:

Starters:
Boswell
Lewis
Larsson
Tubelis
Ballo

Bench:
Kerr
Veesaar
Bal
Borovicanin

I think Kylan should get the nod at PG and Kerr may be better coming off the bench. He’s definitely a good spark of energy.

But I want to see Pelle be more aggressive on offense.

We still need to find a guy who can get his own shot when a possession breaks down.
I don't think there's a world that exists that Kriisa comes back to be the backup.
We already lost to a 15 seed. Let me have this little moment of a dream would ya?
Beachcat97
Posts: 8591
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 8:20 pm
Reputation: 470
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Beachcat97 »

Catintheheat wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 2:27 pm Although Kriisa was fun to watch and he has improved, I don't see him as a high level college basketball player. There are too many big holes in his game.
Agree. Every good game he has is followed by several unsteady, unproductive ones. He's not good enough to be a starting PG for a team with aspirations like AZ's. He's given us some good years in Tucson. Are we really gonna roll him with as PG *again*??

Hopefully that transfer portal has some diamonds.
User avatar
Merkin
Posts: 43290
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
Reputation: 1563
Location: UA basketball smells like....victory

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Merkin »

Lloyd does seem to have Dick Tomey style loyalty to upperclassmen. If Veesaar could have had real minutes, he would have to been better in the last 5 minutes than a one handed Ballo. How do you get a rebound with one hand? Same with Boswell over a one armed Kriisa.


Reminds me of a player that Lute had. Big bruiser white guy, but hurt his shoulder where he couldn't lift his arm up. Played with one arm. Even then I was thinking, put Kirk Walters out there, at least he can rebound.
User avatar
pc in NM
Posts: 5526
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 6:33 am
Reputation: 659
Location: Roswell, NM

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by pc in NM »

There are still a couple of likely additions, but…

I see Kerr as starting PG, and saavy floor leader next year

I see Boswell as the leader to replace Ramey in the starting line-up

i see Lewis and Bol as most likely competitors for Boswell’s first-guard-off-the-bench role

I hope Carter Bryant is here to take Henderson Jr.’s wing role; Borovicanin should be competing there, too.

I hope Pelle returns - and shows as much improvement again as he did this year.

I hope Zu returns. Period.

I want to see another year-over-year improvement from Oumar - scary!!

And one can only dream about the improvement of Henri and Dylan after a year of practice and exposre at the collegiate level.

Of course, there are so many unpredictable changes that can happen in today’s college game, that this fantasy is subject to revision!!

The future’s so bright we have to wear shades! 8-) BTFD!!!!
“If you have the choice between humble and cocky, go with cocky. There's always time to be humble later, once you've been proven horrendously, irrevocably wrong.”

― Kinky Friedman
User avatar
dovecanyoncat
Posts: 16744
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 12:16 pm
Reputation: 2143
Location: Old Farts and Golf Carts

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by dovecanyoncat »

IndianaZonaFan wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 2:41 pm
azgreg wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 2:25 pm
IndianaZonaFan wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:35 am Without knowing any possible transfers right now I would prefer this lineup:

Starters:
Boswell
Lewis
Larsson
Tubelis
Ballo

Bench:
Kerr
Veesaar
Bal
Borovicanin

I think Kylan should get the nod at PG and Kerr may be better coming off the bench. He’s definitely a good spark of energy.

But I want to see Pelle be more aggressive on offense.

We still need to find a guy who can get his own shot when a possession breaks down.
I don't think there's a world that exists that Kriisa comes back to be the backup.
We already lost to a 15 seed. Let me have this little moment of a dream would ya?
If your dreams are in Greg's hands you're in deep shit brother.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition …There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”

~ Wilhoit's Law
User avatar
Dave
Posts: 433
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2014 9:28 pm
Reputation: 56

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Dave »

Carter Bryant is a 2024 recruit unless he reclassifies.
dmjcat
Posts: 5538
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 9:58 pm
Reputation: 458

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by dmjcat »

TheCat
Posts: 3512
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2018 8:11 pm
Reputation: 594

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by TheCat »

Merkin wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:36 pm
RondaeShimmy wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:13 pm
Merkin wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:05 pm Just need some athletes. Even Lloyd said last season the Cats weren't athletic enough, and that was with Mathurin, Koloko and Terry.

Also some blue collar Mark Madsen types who don't play soft.
So that means you want most the core gone since they would have to play to show their athleticism right?
If they leave, fine, if they stay fine. Would like to see Boswell and Larsson return, and the 2 freshmen bigs. Bam-bam and Pelle at least play defense. If Zu leaves, that frees up 2 scholies. Ballo needs another year of strength and conditioning, and lose some of his baby fat, along with some balance drills. Never seen a player fall down so much.

Some good players in the transfer portal. Lots of minutes for them. Maybe find a mid-major gem like Henderson, although he has had terrible games at the worst times.
Idiocy to want the best player in the conference to leave (ZU). You want Larrson after his worst game in the tourney... surprised would be an understatement.
RondaeShimmy
Posts: 2637
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:35 pm
Reputation: 432

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RondaeShimmy »

Now that Kerr is gone, Lloyd needs to go after an attacking guard that can score off the dribble

We can't be weak there anymore, this is how games in March are always won

Larsson can't really do that either, so it's best he stays at the 3. Hopefully he's actually good starting this time, if he's better off the bench, go after a super athletic slashing wing in the portal and give them the starting job
PHXCATS
Posts: 6985
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 7:29 pm
Reputation: -63

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by PHXCATS »

Who is gonna run point when Boswell isn't on the floor. Banking on a transfer is incredibly risky

Congrats to the haters though and the podcaster who fucks over UA everyday
2018 Bear Down Wildcats Conference Championship Challenge Champion
User avatar
g32knights
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:55 am
Reputation: 66

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by g32knights »

He was too volatile of a player and his defense could never make up for when he was off offensively.

Good riddance.
User avatar
pc in NM
Posts: 5526
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 6:33 am
Reputation: 659
Location: Roswell, NM

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by pc in NM »

PHXCATS wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 10:52 am Who is gonna run point when Boswell isn't on the floor. Banking on a transfer is incredibly risky

Congrats to the haters though and the podcaster who fucks over UA everyday
Boswell's growth this season, and his performance, overall, were just amazing!!

But, let's be honest, he will have to make a huge leap to surpass Kerr's floor generalship, and assist performance.

I sincerely hope he does so, but it may require some patience from the coaches and fans...
“If you have the choice between humble and cocky, go with cocky. There's always time to be humble later, once you've been proven horrendously, irrevocably wrong.”

― Kinky Friedman
Ned Zissou
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2017 5:32 pm
Reputation: 9

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Ned Zissou »

PHXCATS wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 10:52 am Who is gonna run point when Boswell isn't on the floor. Banking on a transfer is incredibly risky
Dedan Thomas Jr.?
PHXCATS
Posts: 6985
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 7:29 pm
Reputation: -63

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by PHXCATS »

pc in NM wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:29 am
PHXCATS wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 10:52 am Who is gonna run point when Boswell isn't on the floor. Banking on a transfer is incredibly risky

Congrats to the haters though and the podcaster who fucks over UA everyday
Boswell's growth this season, and his performance, overall, were just amazing!!

But, let's be honest, he will have to make a huge leap to surpass Kerr's floor generalship, and assist performance.

I sincerely hope he does so, but it may require some patience from the coaches and fans...
Very well said
2018 Bear Down Wildcats Conference Championship Challenge Champion
User avatar
Merkin
Posts: 43290
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
Reputation: 1563
Location: UA basketball smells like....victory

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Merkin »

pc in NM wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:29 am But, let's be honest, he will have to make a huge leap to surpass Kerr's floor generalship, and assist performance.

One thing Kriisa did excel at was his court vision. Boswell doesn't even come close to it, at least yet.
RondaeShimmy
Posts: 2637
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:35 pm
Reputation: 432

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RondaeShimmy »

Arizona became very predictable by the second half of Pac 12 play because of Kerr imo. Because he's incapable of driving to the basket, his playmaking was hindered and the sets were thus easy to figure out because of this.

In the full court, there's no match for Kerr. But in the half court, you knew he was either chucking a 3 or giving it to the bigs (or handing it off)

But teams figured out quickly not to let Arizona go fast or the defense allowed buckets and the defense could get set
Last edited by RondaeShimmy on Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
arizonawildcats
Posts: 1633
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2022 5:11 pm
Reputation: 269

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by arizonawildcats »

No doubt in my mind Boswell will put in the work this offseason. He has to level up to be ready for starting PG duties, but he was better than Kerr in every other way as a 17 YEAR OLD coming off injury.
User avatar
KaibabKat
Posts: 1864
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:48 pm
Reputation: 216

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by KaibabKat »

Boswell should be good for 38 mpg next year - he's got Jason Gardner to show him how it's done.
RawleArenas
Posts: 411
Joined: Mon Nov 05, 2018 6:17 pm
Reputation: 220

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by RawleArenas »

I don't think Boswell is ready just yet, but it's key that we get an athletic, versatile PG on the court who can help ease him into the role. For the record, I'm not keen on just letting Kriisa go. I just felt he was being used incorrectly due to poor recruiting and roster management. He would be a much better player if he was given 20-25 minutes a game, with far less wear and tear on the body. Like PJC, I don't think he's built for the heavy duty stuff, which is why he's always injured going into the tournament. There's ZERO shame in understanding your limits and embracing your natural talents. When Kerr is behind great players who take pressure off of him (like his freshman year with Akinjo and Terrell Brown), he shines so much brighter.

From my perspective, if Zu comes back (and I hope he will), the staff should find a way to restructure Tautvilas scholarship and get him an NIL deal
(and give him preferred walk on status) so they can free up another roster spot. He would pretty much gets the same benefits and we could get some more roster flexibility. We also need a combo forward. An athletic 6'7'' guy who is a blue collar player who can guard the perimeter. We get eaten up by guys who are too big for our wings. CTL should understand this well because he knows how effective Anton Watson is for the Zags.
I'm much bigger on getting true point guards than wings. I'd prefer to have three on the team. We've gotten away from that quite a while and need to get back to what made this program strong to begin with.
Postmaster
Posts: 3480
Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2017 3:25 pm
Reputation: 340

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Postmaster »

6 man rotation?
Beachcat97
Posts: 8591
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 8:20 pm
Reputation: 470
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by Beachcat97 »

Bal just announced he's leaving.
User avatar
arizonawildcats
Posts: 1633
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2022 5:11 pm
Reputation: 269

Re: 2023-2024 Arizona Basketball

Post by arizonawildcats »

Beachcat97 wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:12 pm Bal just announced he's leaving.
Post Reply