2024-25 Arizona Basketball

[PHXCATS]

Cronin has said he won't come back to McKale

End of story until he is gone

Good thing we were talking about Phoenix then.

Yes

Phoenix is important to UA, DRF and Lloyd

[ChooChooCat]

Awesome if it is UCLA

Lloyd really loves Phoenix

It is UCLA and I hate it.

I'm fine with a yearly big OOC game in Phoenix. I just don't see the point in it being UCLA. That should be a McKale/Pauley thing only.

[Winger]

Awesome if it is UCLA

Lloyd really loves Phoenix

It is UCLA and I hate it.

I'm fine with a yearly big OOC game in Phoenix. I just don't see the point in it being UCLA. That should be a McKale/Pauley thing only.

On account of what UCLA and SC did to the Pac, if I was Arizona, I would never schedule them in anything ever again. Make them travel for every game in every sport. Further, I’d lobby ASU, CU, and Utah to do the same. Arizona doesn’t need UCLA for access to So Cal for hoops recruiting. There are plenty of programs not named UCLA to play. Cronin is a scheduling pussy/control freak, is never coming to McKale, and you’re fighting uphill for even ground there as well. I am not a fan of neutral site games for the record but playing UCLA in PHX does nothing for Arizona.

[ChooChooCat]

Awesome if it is UCLA

Lloyd really loves Phoenix

It is UCLA and I hate it.

I'm fine with a yearly big OOC game in Phoenix. I just don't see the point in it being UCLA. That should be a McKale/Pauley thing only.

On account of what UCLA and SC did to the Pac, if I was Arizona, I would never schedule them in anything ever again. Make them travel for every game in every sport. Further, I’d lobby ASU, CU, and Utah to do the same. Arizona doesn’t need UCLA for access to So Cal for hoops recruiting. There are plenty of programs not named UCLA to play. Cronin is a scheduling pussy/control freak, is never coming to McKale, and you’re fighting uphill for even ground there as well. I am not a fan of neutral site games for the record but playing UCLA in PHX does nothing for Arizona.

Exactly.

I'm all for never playing them again, but if we have to it sure as shit better be in McKale. Playing UCLA in Phoenix does absolutely nothing for Arizona, nothing at all. I truly have to question wtf Lloyd is thinking with this.

[Chicat]

I’m ok with it if we still get Purdue at some point.

But if we aren’t doing the Purdue game ever so we can play UCLA yearly, fuck everyone.

[ChooChooCat]

I’m ok with it if we still get Purdue at some point.

But if we aren’t doing the Purdue game ever so we can play UCLA yearly, fuck everyone.

I think the Purdue return (in Vegas) will eventually happen. Our road game against Southern has kinda complicated the schedule a bit for us as well as the new Big 12 schedule.

[Merkin]

Why are people thinking the UCLA game will be in Phoenix?

The official explanation was that the Purdue game was canceled due to not having enough home games. Replacing Purdue with UCLA in PHX does not help that at all.

Obviously not an insider, or even very bright, but it seems the UCLA game would have to be in McKale no matter what Cronin says to meet that mininum.

Don't know if Cronin rules the UCLA AD like Lute did at Arizona, but the UCLA chancellor, president and AD might have something to say about wanting Arizona to return to Pauley for financial reasons.

[ChooChooCat]

Why are people thinking the UCLA game will be in Phoenix?

Because it is.

[CopaCat]

Why are people thinking the UCLA game will be in Phoenix?

The official explanation was that the Purdue game was canceled due to not having enough home games. Replacing Purdue with UCLA in PHX does not help that at all.

Obviously not an insider, or even very bright, but it seems the UCLA game would have to be in McKale no matter what Cronin says to meet that mininum.

Don't know if Cronin rules the UCLA AD like Lute did at Arizona, but the UCLA chancellor, president and AD might have something to say about wanting Arizona to return to Pauley for financial reasons.

The Purdue game was going to be in Vegas. So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

[UAEebs86]

FUCLA

[Merkin]

So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

So all the season ticket holders will have to drive up there? I would not be too happy about that.

[CopaCat]

So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

So all the season ticket holders will have to drive up there? I would not be too happy about that.

All about UofA fighting for the PHX market I would suppose. If that inconveniences a few, so be it.

[CalStateTempe]

Awesome if it is UCLA

Lloyd really loves Phoenix

It is UCLA and I hate it.

I'm fine with a yearly big OOC game in Phoenix. I just don't see the point in it being UCLA. That should be a McKale/Pauley thing only.

On account of what UCLA and SC did to the Pac, if I was Arizona, I would never schedule them in anything ever again. Make them travel for every game in every sport. Further, I’d lobby ASU, CU, and Utah to do the same. Arizona doesn’t need UCLA for access to So Cal for hoops recruiting. There are plenty of programs not named UCLA to play. Cronin is a scheduling pussy/control freak, is never coming to McKale, and you’re fighting uphill for even ground there as well. I am not a fan of neutral site games for the record but playing UCLA in PHX does nothing for Arizona.

Exactly.

I'm all for never playing them again, but if we have to it sure as shit better be in McKale. Playing UCLA in Phoenix does absolutely nothing for Arizona, nothing at all. I truly have to question wtf Lloyd is thinking with this.

Completely wholeheartedly agree with all of this, even if Phx is the epicenter of western civilization.

[CalStateTempe]

Bring Purdue to Mckale.

They basically had a home game last year with Purdue being about 1hrs drive from Indy.

[Beachcat97]

Ucla is a floundering program, and their coach got a job he isn’t qualified for. Maybe this isn’t the best time to start committing to future games with them, mainly because these wins likely won’t do much for our tourney resume.

If we’re determined to play Big 10 teams, gimme Purdue, Michigan (they’ll be on the rise again soon with May there), MSU, Ohio State or Wisconsin.

Also think we should be locking down some home-and-homes with the current top tier: UConn, Gonzaga, Alabama, Marquette, et al.

[SunnyAZ]

KJ and love invited to the next 44. 6 or so players make it to the combine by who plays best

[ChooChooCat]

Ucla is a floundering program, and their coach got a job he isn’t qualified for. Maybe this isn’t the best time to start committing to future games with them, mainly because these wins likely won’t do much for our tourney resume.

If we’re determined to play Big 10 teams, gimme Purdue, Michigan (they’ll be on the rise again soon with May there), MSU, Ohio State or Wisconsin.

Also think we should be locking down some home-and-homes with the current top tier: UConn, Gonzaga, Alabama, Marquette, et al.

I think that Lloyd & Co. are under the impression that the fans just desperately want to keep the UCLA series alive due to the history/tradition and they're partially right, but playing those games away from McKale/Pauley just make zero sense and provide zero benefit to Arizona. I'd rather we never play them again than have to play them in a pro arena. Would much rather play any of the schools you listed in Phoenix than UCLA. The entire allure of playing UCLA is playing them in our house. We don't need to play them to recruit strong in the LA area. So screw this shenanigans.

[Beachcat97]

Ucla is a floundering program, and their coach got a job he isn’t qualified for. Maybe this isn’t the best time to start committing to future games with them, mainly because these wins likely won’t do much for our tourney resume.

If we’re determined to play Big 10 teams, gimme Purdue, Michigan (they’ll be on the rise again soon with May there), MSU, Ohio State or Wisconsin.

Also think we should be locking down some home-and-homes with the current top tier: UConn, Gonzaga, Alabama, Marquette, et al.

I think that Lloyd & Co. are under the impression that the fans just desperately want to keep the UCLA series alive due to the history/tradition and they're partially right, but playing those games away from McKale/Pauley just make zero sense and provide zero benefit to Arizona. I'd rather we never play them again than have to play them in a pro arena. Would much rather play any of the schools you listed in Phoenix than UCLA. The entire allure of playing UCLA is playing them in our house. We don't need to play them to recruit strong in the LA area. So screw this shenanigans.

I mean, even when we were in the Pac, our games against Cronin’s ucla teams have more often been trivial. We’ve won most of them, and the wins were virtually meaningless on Selection Sunday. Now that they’re not even in our league, I’m seeing almost no reason to keep scheduling them. Wait for the next coach to get there or something. Maybe they’ll become relevant again post-Cronin.

I do expect Tommy to keep scheduling monster OOC slates, though. This past season we played Duke, Purdue, MSU, Wisconsin, Bama and FAU…that’s what I’m here for.

[CalStateTempe]

I’m really sick of boomers making decisions based on nostalgia/feelings.

Keeping some garbage game with ucla in Phx is more evidence of such

[dmjcat]

KJ and love invited to the next 44. 6 or so players make it to the combine by who plays best

[Beachcat97]

As has been stated in other threads, next year’s roster is a giant question mark at the moment.

[UAEebs86]

I'm just glad we got Winger from the transfer portal.

[Merkin]

Glad to see Adama Bal doing well. Too bad the UA whiffed on him.

[SunnyAZ]

As has been stated in other threads, next year’s roster is a giant question mark at the moment.

I would be surprised if it isn't the ppl on the roster rn w/ KJ and Caleb back.
only real question is if Sanon comes or not.

[Winger]

So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

So all the season ticket holders will have to drive up there? I would not be too happy about that.

Almost positive that a game in PHX ca not count toward the home slate for season ticket holders.

[PHXCATS]

So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

So all the season ticket holders will have to drive up there? I would not be too happy about that.

All about UofA fighting for the PHX market I would suppose. If that inconveniences a few, so be it.

Lloyd said Phoenix is important

Brennan said Phoenix is important

DRF said Phoenix is important

Maybe everyone needs to listen to them

Lloyd pretty much said there will be a game in Phoenix every year

[PHXCATS]

So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

So all the season ticket holders will have to drive up there? I would not be too happy about that.

Almost positive that a game in PHX ca not count toward the home slate for season ticket holders.

It doesn't and never will

[PHXCATS]

I’m really sick of boomers making decisions based on nostalgia/feelings.

Keeping some garbage game with ucla in Phx is more evidence of such

Gonna listen to Lloyd on this.....

[Postmaster]

I don’t think a phoenix game is a bad idea, but I would prefer a different victim.

Maybe in 4-5 years it would make a better story but we just played them so I don’t get the need to do it now.
Like others have said, no need to reward these jokers with a game. Let them enjoy New Jersey.

[ChooChooCat]

So a game against UCLA in PHX would count as a defacto home tilt.

So all the season ticket holders will have to drive up there? I would not be too happy about that.

All about UofA fighting for the PHX market I would suppose. If that inconveniences a few, so be it.

Lloyd said Phoenix is important

Brennan said Phoenix is important

DRF said Phoenix is important

Maybe everyone needs to listen to them

Lloyd pretty much said there will be a game in Phoenix every year

Phoenix is very important, because if Arizona ever wants a shot at the B1G or SEC it has to argue it holds enough of a sizeable portion of the Phoenix market. It is extremely clear that if and when that day ever comes it's an either/or situation between us and ASU.

[ChooChooCat]

I don’t think a phoenix game is a bad idea, but I would prefer a different victim.

Maybe in 4-5 years it would make a better story but we just played them so I don’t get the need to do it now.
Like others have said, no need to reward these jokers with a game. Let them enjoy New Jersey.

Very much agreed.

[CalStateTempe]

Agree with both of Choi’s posts above

[Beachcat97]

Choo, do you happen to know if Tommy's trying to get some new OOC opponents in the mix? Would love to see us play some new teams from the SEC, Big East or ACC.

[ChooChooCat]

Choo, do you happen to know if Tommy's trying to get some new OOC opponents in the mix? Would love to see us play some new teams from the SEC, Big East or ACC.

Not for this non-conference season, no, outside of UCLA in Phoenix.

Purdue has been postponed at the very least if not cancelled. Got @Southern, in Birmingham against Alabama, @Wisconsin, Duke in McKale, Battle of Atlantis (Creighton, Davidson, Gonzaga, Indiana, Louisville, Oklahoma, West Virginia).

[Merkin]

Since UCLA in PHX does not count as a home game, aren't they one game short?

[TheCat]

Choo, do you happen to know if Tommy's trying to get some new OOC opponents in the mix? Would love to see us play some new teams from the SEC, Big East or ACC.

Not for this non-conference season, no, outside of UCLA in Phoenix.

Purdue has been postponed at the very least if not cancelled. Got @Southern, in Birmingham against Alabama, @Wisconsin, Duke in McKale, Battle of Atlantis (Creighton, Davidson, Gonzaga, Indiana, Louisville, Oklahoma, West Virginia).

We could be playing against Omar in the Battle of Atlantis. Interesting.

[ChooChooCat]

Since UCLA in PHX does not count as a home game, aren't they one game short?

Wisconsin was the "marquee" non-conference home game last season. This season it'll be Duke. The rest of the home games will be the Belmonts & Colgates of the world.

[Beachcat97]

Choo, do you happen to know if Tommy's trying to get some new OOC opponents in the mix? Would love to see us play some new teams from the SEC, Big East or ACC.

Not for this non-conference season, no, outside of UCLA in Phoenix.

Purdue has been postponed at the very least if not cancelled. Got @Southern, in Birmingham against Alabama, @Wisconsin, Duke in McKale, Battle of Atlantis (Creighton, Davidson, Gonzaga, Indiana, Louisville, Oklahoma, West Virginia).

This is still a pretty sexy non-conference schedule, imo.

[Merkin]

[SunnyAZ]

KJ opted out of the combine tryout thing. should mean he's coming back officially

[Beachcat97]

KJ opted out of the combine tryout thing. should mean he's coming back officially

Where did you see this?

[84Cat]

KJ opted out of the combine tryout thing. should mean he's coming back officially

Where did you see this?

[IndianaZonaFan]

Starters:
Bradley
Love
Lewis
Townsend
Krivas

Bench:
Phillips
Bryant
Dell’Orso
Awaka
Veesaar

Is this believable that 10 players can get 10 min+?

Or are we thinking someone gets relegated to garbage time?

[ChooChooCat]

Starters:
Bradley
Love
Lewis
Townsend
Krivas

Bench:
Phillips
Bryant
Dell’Orso
Awaka
Veesaar

Is this believable that 10 players can get 10 min+?

Or are we thinking someone gets relegated to garbage time?

In the land of rainbows, sunshine, and lollipops, sure why not? In reality, I'm staring at an 8 man rotation.

[MrKyle]

Starters:
Bradley
Love
Lewis
Townsend
Krivas

Bench:
Phillips
Bryant
Dell’Orso
Awaka
Veesaar

Is this believable that 10 players can get 10 min+?

Or are we thinking someone gets relegated to garbage time?

In the land of rainbows, sunshine, and lollipops, sure why not? In reality, I'm staring at an 8 man rotation.

I agree, I think 8 maybe 9 man

So I guess Stephen would get little/no minutes in this case - maybe RS?

If that roster is what plays out then no Sanon this year either (hopefully he sticks to 2025 class?)

[ChooChooCat]

Starters:
Bradley
Love
Lewis
Townsend
Krivas

Bench:
Phillips
Bryant
Dell’Orso
Awaka
Veesaar

Is this believable that 10 players can get 10 min+?

Or are we thinking someone gets relegated to garbage time?

In the land of rainbows, sunshine, and lollipops, sure why not? In reality, I'm staring at an 8 man rotation.

I agree, I think 8 maybe 9 man

So I guess Stephen would get little/no minutes in this case - maybe RS?

If that roster is what plays out then no Sanon this year either (hopefully he sticks to 2025 class?)

If Sanon is on that roster then it's probably a 9 man rotation.

Stephen definitely a redshirt candidate.

[SunnyAZ]

Starters:
Bradley
Love
Lewis
Townsend
Krivas

Bench:
Phillips
Bryant
Dell’Orso
Awaka
Veesaar

Is this believable that 10 players can get 10 min+?

Or are we thinking someone gets relegated to garbage time?

no way both Awaka and Henri are in the rotation imo. One or the other. Think Carter will be the backup PF so Awaka or Henri will be the backup C.

[Beachcat97]

Not that the rankings matter all that much, but Sanon would be the highest rated player in our ‘24 class. Hope we can hang on to him.

[84Cat]

[Chicat]

Are we going to Baton Rouge to face Southern?

If we keep fucking around rescheduling these home-&-homes other schools are going to get leery about agreeing to put us on their schedule.