2024-25 Season Thread

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Fri Jul 12, 2024 11:50 am

Cats take a bit of a hit with Florida International transfer small forward Ajea Yoakum out with a knee injury. She averaged 10 ppg last season, which is more than any other incoming transfer, FWIW.

Arizona loses 5 of its top 6 scorers from last season. They return 7, led by PG Jada Williams, 6-4 C Breya Cunningham (61 blocks), SG Skylar Jones, and 6-3 PF Isis Beh. Hopefully, the heralded SF Montaya Dew will be healthy and able to make a big contribution. 6-0 Brooklyn Rhodes rounds out the returnees, along with 6-1 track team javelin thrower Erin Tack, who joined the team last year at mid-season, but suffered a knee injury.

Incoming transfers include 6-3 Jorynn Ross (6.1 ppg at Pepperdine), 5-9 Paulina Paris 5.9 ppg at North Carolina), and 6-0 Sahnya Jah (3.1 ppg at South Carolina.) Freshmen are 5-7 Lauryn Swann and 6-0 Katarina Knezevic.

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Fri Jul 12, 2024 12:24 pm

Scheer just reported on Mike's show that Ajae Yoakum left practice with a knee injury. Hopefully it's not too serious.

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Fri Jul 12, 2024 2:15 pm

Don't know if this has been discussed elsewhere, but love 'em or hate 'em, ESPN has their national pre-season Top 25 out. They also predict that 9 Big XII teams will make the NCAA tournament field. Of note, their pre-season favorite Baylor will have Aaronette Vonleh on their team. She signed with Arizona, then spent last season at Colorado, and now she's in Waco.

9. Baylor
10. Iowa St
14. Kansas St
16. West Virginia
22. Utah
(Votes: Arizona)

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Sat Jul 13, 2024 9:58 am

Timely update from the Star. I missed one on the roster (since she wasn't/isn't yet listed on the official roster.) But Mailien Rolf, a 5-10 incoming freshman from Germany, led her under 20 Eurobasket team to the semi-finals, losing to France 64-55.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Oct 03, 2024 12:14 pm

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 6:13 pm

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Tue Nov 12, 2024 8:00 pm

Cats go to 4-0 as they beat UNLV 75-66. Lauryn Swann scored all 19 of her points in the second half as the Cats came from behind to win.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Tue Nov 12, 2024 9:56 pm

This team is going to be fun to follow! Lots of interesting talent and, so, looks like they're developing cohesiveness...

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Wed Nov 13, 2024 11:51 am

Caught my first WBB game on ESPN+ last night. Considering how many of the top scorers had to be replaced, I was a little concerned going into the season, but they looked pretty good. Lauryn Swann made a legit NBA move in the lane to score; she's tough. Cunningham and Beh give a decent presence in the paint, and Jada Williams and Skylar Jones are nifty perimeter players. While she's getting minutes as one of the few players with some size coming off the bench, Montaya Dew looks a little slow and awkward with the brace on her knee. Hopefully she can eventually recover to the level she was at before her injury. Solid win over a pretty good UNLV team that's in the mix in the MWC. Our remaining "big" non-conference games are in Palm Springs prior to Thanksgiving. Vanderbilt on the 26th, and either Michigan St or Cal on the 27th, both on TruTV.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Wed Nov 20, 2024 8:05 pm

Can someone explain how we just lost to NAU?

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Wed Nov 20, 2024 8:15 pm

I watched the NAU game and the Cats got spanked. The offense looks so lost. They were taking terrible shots. When they drove to the basket, it seemed like they would leave their feet a dribble or two early, which they would then have an awkward shot at the basket. They were playing too fast while NAU played it at a better pace. Their offense looked more in control. This was an ugly game.

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Wed Nov 20, 2024 10:36 pm

I thought Yahoo got the score backwards. WTF?

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Nov 21, 2024 8:22 am

Jada Williams was out. Breya Cunningham fouled out in 14 minutes and Isis Beh fouled out in 17 minute. We still should have beat them

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:05 am

84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 8:22 am Jada Williams was out. Breya Cunningham fouled out in 14 minutes and Isis Beh fouled out in 17 minute. We still should have beat them

They outplayed the Cats for 3 of 4 quarters. The foul situation was horrible - definitely homer refs.

After the onslaught of fouls in the second quarter, the Cats' defense was passive and ineffective. The talented young players were overwhelmed - yet this could be a good learning experience. Of course, as Adia tries to toughen them up, we'll have to see if these new team members respond...

And, why was Jada benched?? I have seen no explanation in any of several reports of the game.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:11 am

pc in NM wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:05 am
84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 8:22 am Jada Williams was out. Breya Cunningham fouled out in 14 minutes and Isis Beh fouled out in 17 minute. We still should have beat them
And, why was Jada benched?? I have seen no explanation in any of several reports of the game.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:17 am

84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:11 am
pc in NM wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:05 am
84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 8:22 am Jada Williams was out. Breya Cunningham fouled out in 14 minutes and Isis Beh fouled out in 17 minute. We still should have beat them
And, why was Jada benched?? I have seen no explanation in any of several reports of the game.

Thanks. (I am off of "X" - and this site should be also!)

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Thu Nov 21, 2024 12:19 pm

pc in NM wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:17 am
84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:11 am
pc in NM wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 9:05 am
84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 8:22 am Jada Williams was out. Breya Cunningham fouled out in 14 minutes and Isis Beh fouled out in 17 minute. We still should have beat them
And, why was Jada benched?? I have seen no explanation in any of several reports of the game.

Thanks. (I am off of "X" - and this site should be also!)

It'd be much easier to move if all the U of A sports people would. Literally the only thing keeping me there.

But more on topic, Adia's seat is going to get very hot if we can't even beat NAU with a few good players out. Big 12 isn't the gauntlet the Pac was, so that could end up really exposing this team if yesterday was any indication.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Tue Nov 26, 2024 5:33 pm

Women looked very sloppy today. So many unforced errors. I really have to question Adia's coaching ability once again because we should've been much more competitive in this game.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Wed Nov 27, 2024 4:29 pm

Breya Cunningham unfortunately had a family emergency and didn't play. With her absence we didn't have enough to overcome former Pac 12 rival, Cal.

It was nice having an opportunity to watch the women the past few days, but unfortunately there's a lot of work to be done with this team.

Lute4God · Post by **Lute4God** » Thu Dec 05, 2024 2:54 pm

Really fun watching the fast pace this team generates (Paris shades of McDonald turning TOs into points!)

Tonight GCU will press them again so should be another fast paced game!

ARIZONA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | SCOUTING REPORT

She said it

Arizona coach Adia Barnes on GCU: 'They're a really good team and they're playing at a high level. They're going to press us; they're going to be in our shorts, and we're turning the ball over, so we have to take care of the ball or else it's going to be a long, long night. But we're at home, which is positive. We're just coming off a pretty good game and recouping after the losses, so I think we're ready. But we know they're really good and they can beat us, and we have to play a good game to beat them. We know that taking care of the ball, rebounding and transition defense is going to be really important.'

On the sidelines

More movement: In the 78-43 win over Seattle on Monday, the Wildcats shared the ball more and looked for the high-percentage shot. Still, they have a ways to go to have more movement without the ball on the offense end. We did see it at times with a drive and a short pass, but for the most part, this is a work in progress.

'I think we just tend to get really stagnant against the zone,' Barnes said. '(It's) just understanding where to pass the ball, not playing so high, not just having the ball pass around the perimeter. But I thought we moved it better than we have in the past, and we turned it over less than we had been. I look and it's like 'Oh we did better,' but we still had 19 (turnovers) but we are even — we've had a negative assist- to-turnover ratio for a while. This is a work in progress.'

Barnes went on to say that you could see individuals like Skylar Jones' balance much better on Monday night.

'Sky was jump stopping on under control,' Barnes said. 'She had one offensive foul, but I'll take that was a jump stop instead of running in. I thought she did a great job of that.'

Calm presence: As Montaya Dew is getting back into the swing of things after not playing for nearly two years — coming to Arizona early and then tearing her ACL — Barnes and her teammates can count on her to bring steadiness and calmness on the court.

'A lot of times against, like, a zone press or against, like, a 1-31, everybody's moving the ball, like a hot potato we're turning it over,' Barnes said. '(Dew) is a calm presence that's not rushed and plays at the same pace, which I like. Her and Paulina (Paris) do that well together.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Thu Dec 05, 2024 8:04 pm

And just like NAU, GCU beats the ladies. This season is looking to be as painful as football.

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Sat Dec 07, 2024 2:23 pm

Is it bad if I nitpick that Arizona Basketball can't type McKale correctly?

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sat Dec 07, 2024 4:35 pm

Postmaster wrote: ↑Sat Dec 07, 2024 2:23 pm Is it bad if I nitpick that Arizona Basketball can't type McKale correctly?

Nah. If we can't win games, the least the social media people can do is type the name right.

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Tue Dec 31, 2024 2:18 pm

We should not be losing to anyone by 20+ at home. And yet here we are.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Tue Dec 31, 2024 6:45 pm

Gotta wonder how hot Adia's seat is getting.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Wed Jan 08, 2025 8:30 pm

Shame the women couldn't get it done after the dramatic way they tied it up to get to OT.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Thu Jan 09, 2025 10:15 am

I think Adia has a really difficult coaching challenges right now.

Williams, the clear emotional leader and "floor-general" has repeatedly been shooting the team into deep deficits - then, often performing late 4th quarter heroics to rally them. She did this again horribly last nite repeatedly going one-on-team....

When she was relieved in the third quarter, the team responded with great ball movement and getting good shots for several players. Even with 4th quarter heroics, she was 6-16 FG's & 5 TO's.

This has to change, or the season will go downhill, and I'd expect other players to become discouraged.

Meanwhile, one of the most physically talented players on the team, Skylar Jones, has been benched; hasn't started recent games, and got 1 minute PT yesterday. ( And that was with two key players out with flu!!)

Tough decisions pending!!!

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Thu Jan 09, 2025 10:29 am

Sounds like the sane old drama that has plagued the team recently

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Thu Jan 09, 2025 10:30 am

azcat49 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2025 10:29 am Sounds like the sane old drama that has plagued the team recently

Please say more. This looks totally different with this group so far...

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Thu Jan 09, 2025 11:13 am

Granted I have not watched them play so my take might be wrong but it seems in recent year the ball would die in one players hands as she pounded it into the floor. Players in the dog house for poor attitudes and a seemingly dysfunctional team

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Thu Jan 09, 2025 12:52 pm

azcat49 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2025 11:13 am Granted I have not watched them play....

FIFY

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sat Jan 11, 2025 3:58 pm

While the women lost again, Swann did make this amazing half court shot before halftime.

And to be a bit fair to the women, the refs sounded like ass. Still, Adia's seat has got to be getting pretty hot.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sat Jan 11, 2025 5:35 pm

Oh yay more drama...

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Sat Jan 11, 2025 11:07 pm

AZCatGirl wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2025 5:35 pm drama...

The overriding theme of her tenure.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sun Jan 12, 2025 11:38 am

RE: "Drama"

Obviously, we don't know what's going on behind the scenes...

Skyler Jones got 17 minutes yesterday. Initially, she looked emotionally flat, and was immediately getting ticky-tacked by the refs - 3 fouls in mere minutes!! And her frustration was HUGE!! But she played hard when in. I think she's one of the most talented players we've had, and I hope her frustrations subside.

I really think that what we've seen publicly from Adia on this situation has been good coaching.

Sahnya Jah was "DNP/coach's-choice" yesterday. I've heard no word on specifics. Sahnya appears to have awesome potential - highly athletic, raw basketball talent, high energy - but she is also very excitable and impatient. She's made significant contributions, and lots of trying to do too much, too soon.

I have high hopes for her, but she appears to be a coaching challenge.

JadaWilliams, I've already addressed some cost-benefit concerns with her. I'm curious about her relationship with the other guards.

Lauryn Swann is an awesome talent, but limited by size. I perceive there is tension between her and Jada. Big coaching challenge, IMNSHO

Whatever "drama" that is going on, it appears to me to be different than in prior seasons. But, since MOST of whatever is going on is behind-the-scenes, it bears watching.

This is a VERY young team (3 frosh & 7 sophomores), so one would expect that competition for PT could easily lead to drama, but I like the talent that's there - this is a team building for a future!

Even so, yesterday (and probably Utah, which I missed) was a disappointing performance.

Siempre Verde · Post by **Siempre Verde** » Mon Jan 13, 2025 8:51 pm

Amazing how some of the drama queens do so well at other universities. I’m over Adia. (This is not a new take). She rode three talented players to her reputation for far too long. Time to answer the ferryman. It can’t be only the players for this many seasons. I’ll never get over sitting behind the bench in Eugene a couple of years ago hearing what her now former players were saying…not to mention one flipping her off. Nor shall I forget her statement that she can’t teach them how to shoot. She and her husband have wasted so much gravitas.

PS. She can also stop blaming NIL for UofA failing. Time for her to look in the mirror.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Tue Jan 14, 2025 9:21 am

Siempre Verde wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2025 8:51 pm Amazing how some of the drama queens do so well at other universities. I’m over Adia. (This is not a new take). She rode three talented players to her reputation for far too long. Time to answer the ferryman. It can’t be only the players for this many seasons. I’ll never get over sitting behind the bench in Eugene a couple of years ago hearing what her now former players were saying…not to mention one flipping her off. Nor shall I forget her statement that she can’t teach them how to shoot. She and her husband have wasted so much gravitas.

PS. She can also stop blaming NIL for UofA failing. Time for her to look in the mirror.

So, do you have any specific observations (positive or negative) on her coaching of the current players this season?

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:54 pm

Women kept it surprisingly close until the 4th quarter. Very proud of them for making it a game for so long. Not many teams are going to beat Kansas St.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:10 pm

Jayhawks aren't good and the Cats take advantage, stopping the 3 game losing streak.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Wed Jan 22, 2025 8:07 pm

Cats were blowing out the Bearcats to start, but unfortunately Swann went down right before half and looked VERY disoriented. Wouldn't be shocked if she had a concussion. Thankfully the ladies were able to win, but the status of Swann will be big.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sat Jan 25, 2025 8:36 pm

Women pull off the upset of WVU and do so fairly easily. But now they go on the road to the Mountain schools which is never easy.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sun Jan 26, 2025 12:59 pm

AZCatGirl wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 8:36 pm Women pull off the upset of WVU and do so fairly easily. But now they go on the road to the Mountain schools which is never easy.

Controlled the game from tipoff to buzzer.

Jones, who's benn subject of benching and obvious attitude issues appears to have responded positively.

Jah who might have been having similar issues looked to be into it too.

Youngest team in the Big-12, and showing improvement.

BTFD!!!!

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