2024-25 Arizona Basketball

[84Cat]

Evan is awesome and many teams subscribe to his service including UA according to his interview with The Wildcat Country podcast





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhB1xIQwBp0

[Chicat]

Again no system or analysis is perfect and is always gonna be missing context.

It's clickbait for internet sports "reporter" wannabes....

Who pissed in your Grapenuts?

[Merkin]

Evan is awesome and many teams subscribe to his service including UA according to his interview with The Wildcat Country podcast

Looks like KJ averages 26.1 MPG therefor not qualifying.

[TucsonClip]

Have to give Lloyd and staff a ton of credit for the 2H adjustments.

1. Deploying the diamond press early in the 2H after the U16 TO

2. Understanding that ASU was loading to the paint with Awaka and TT in the game. They had 4 dudes with a foot in the paint on all actions and drives. The counter, as it has been all year, is to insert Henri and Carter and lift our offense. Meaning, spread the floor, invert the offense, and our bigs are operating on the perimeter, which creates a ton of space to drive, and gives Henri a massive runway to rim run.

3. Late in the 2H, to attack Miller, and confuse the ASU defense by running zipper into a small, small PNR with Love and KJ. Zipper is basically a down screen that is typically to get your scorer a touch on the move, coming up off a pin down, instead of initiating the action top of the key, standstill. So KJ sprints off a wind pin down from Henri on the baseline, directly into a high PNE for Love. That is NBA quality action, and it being a small small PNR off the zipper is high level, even for the pros.

Carter was absolutely unreal today. Forget the offense for a second. @rocky00 I know it wasnt a defensive triple double, but it sure as hell was a defensive double double (based on my definition). 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and at least 6-8 more deflections to combine for a 2x2. Oh yeah, 3 blocks too! This kid is an absolute stud, and this is where I was hoping we would get him to be, come March.

Have to give ASU some credit for their defense most of the night until we out executed them late in the 2H. They were active, their bigs were everywhere, and they did a great job plugging up the lane. I think we would have broken them down earlier had the entire team not been in foul trouble, but alas.

Bradley is starting to transform his attacks off kickouts into what are called Ginobili-s by the Spurs. He does wait for the ball to reach him on a kick out. He attacks the ball and meets it on the pass, which isnt easy to time up. Combine that with his speed and slashing ability and you saw him absolutely shred the ASU offense when we began lifting our offense.

Finally, and I hate to be this negative after a win, and I know this is the third time posting it on the board but... Townsend....

He's been horrible all year, but we are in February and dude:

1. Has no clue where to be on defense in our rotations

2. Still doesn't know how to operate within our offense and either stands in the corner, or doesn't move off the block. Lloyd has yelled at him a few times, because he doesn't leave the paint to come help the perimeter and get into our reversal and DHO action.

3. Stands in his spot for a rebound and doesn't chase any outside of his space.

4. Highest TO% of his career and second lowest AST% and Reb% of his career

5. The possession early 2H where he is standing by himself top of the key, the shot goes up, and he FINALLY decides to crash the offensive glass... The problem being, he should have been the first man back to cover the rim in transition defense, decides to crash the glass out of no where, doesnt even come close to being in on the rebound, AND THEN gets beat all the way down the floor for an easy layup because he isnt sprinting back. That was the end of him, until we ran into foul trouble.

[AZCatGirl]

BYU is going to be tough without Love. Hope our guys can win it for him.

[gouacats]

So, let me get this right. Love will get suspended for the next game because he got 2 Ts on the play where he was head butted and ASu dude won’t because he only got 1 T?!?

[AZCatGirl]

Okay Brian Jeffries said according to the rules Love can't play, but Scheer just tweeted this. Is this true?

[Postmaster]

I think you only miss next game if ejected for a punch or headbutt or kick.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

I saw you miss next game if you are involved in a fight but I don't know if that's right.

[Merkin]

I know it's not even a good stat, but interesting 3 of the starters ended up negative in +/-. Believe Townsend had the worst +/- last game. Like Clip said, just not a good player.

Henri leading in +/- two games in a row.

Didn't see anyone complaining about ADO today for his D, so again, not a good stat. Had some good looks too, ball just didn't go in.

[Fishclamps]

Has anyone mentioned that we are WAY better at making our FTs lately? Really helping a lot in these games

[Macho Grande]

"Agreed"
I call bullshit.

[Merkin]

Yea, Tommy's shrug gave it away as BS.

[Chicat]

Agreed?

I saw Tommy give Hurley a “what the fuck did we do?” look and then waved him off as the lunatic he is.

[azgreg]

Has anyone mentioned that we are WAY better at making our FTs lately? Really helping a lot in these games

It's because of the "Curtain of Confidence."

[Chicat]

Has anyone mentioned that we are WAY better at making our FTs lately? Really helping a lot in these games

It's because of the "Curtain of Confidence."

Might be time to give up the gimmick when your opponent goes 21-22.

[UAdevil]

That gimmick has been tired for a decade.

[AZCatGirl]

Has anyone mentioned that we are WAY better at making our FTs lately? Really helping a lot in these games

I was going to mention it right after the game but then the headbutt happened.

And yes, being perfect from the line really helped us stay in the game when ASU went on their runs. Thankfully by the time Vessar missed the one free throw the game was over. REALLY hope we can stay consistent from the line as that will be even bigger in March.

[Beachcat97]

Hurley is such a miserable prick. How does he still have that job? Not like it’s a good job, but ffs, you’d think even ASU could do better. Cronin should be available soon.

[Bangkok Wildcat]

Hurley is such a miserable prick. How does he still have that job? Not like it’s a good job, but ffs, you’d think even ASU could do better. Cronin should be available soon.

While I agree with you, I also like where he is and is perfectly suited for the Scummies

[Alieberman]

Give Hurley a lifetime contract. He is perfect for this rivalry.

He’s a shitty coach and a miserable prick… what else can you ask for ?

[Lute4God]

Give Hurley a lifetime contract. He is perfect for this rivalry.

He’s a shitty coach and a miserable prick… what else can you ask for ?

^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

I love the crying and whining during games.

"Don't throw the tie, Bobby"

[dovecanyoncat]

Bobby Hurley is the Steve Alford of Tad Boyles.

[CalStateTempe]

So what got him so incensed? Was it just just that we closed out and beat them?

[azcat49]

He has been used by Arizona like a two dollar whore on dollar day. I think he really felt he had the talent to beat us and he lost again and the frustration boiled over.

Love fouled his guy(I think it was Freeman) on a 3 point attempt right before but no call was made. Bradley made a lay up to salt the game a way and then Freeman came down and head butted Love. It was Freeman’s third time this year he got a T for unsportsmanlike conduct with an opposing player.

Hurley just felt disrespected I think. He should be for being a mediocre coach, a mediocre human who stands for nothing and is a coach who is playing out the string

[MountainCat]

Question - Now that we have the NIL, and players are essentially being paid, when will the NCAA or Conference Commissioners issue fines or penalties against the players for actions actions like we had tonight (Freeman).

Is a headbutt worth a $10k fine? Or even a 2-3 game suspension? You’re all considered a semi pro. Go act like it.

PS - The Big 12 Commish needs to headbutt Hurley with a major fine for his actions. That’s embarrassing….

[MountainCat]

On another note. Who the hell would ever be afraid retaliation from the opposition team to the point of removing their whole team from the court…….

…..on their home court?

Did we just see ASU surrender their court? I guess Hurley truly believes in the name McKale North.

[Djcat]

He has been used by Arizona like a two dollar whore on dollar day. I think he really felt he had the talent to beat us and he lost again and the frustration boiled over.

Love fouled his guy(I think it was Freeman) on a 3 point attempt right before but no call was made. Bradley made a lay up to salt the game a way and then Freeman came down and head butted Love. It was Freeman’s third time this year he got a T for unsportsmanlike conduct with an opposing player.

Hurley just felt disrespected I think. He should be for being a mediocre coach, a mediocre human who stands for nothing and is a coach who is playing out the string

I saw that Love foul and thought we were lucky the soft refs didn’t call it.

ASU has good players and a good coach would have them in the Top25. Hurley is clearly not it. Imagine Tommy with that center. Maybe Sanon will transfer over after the season. Ha

[Winger]

I know it's not even a good stat, but interesting 3 of the starters ended up negative in +/-. Believe Townsend had the worst +/- last game. Like Clip said, just not a good player.

Henri leading in +/- two games in a row.

Didn't see anyone complaining about ADO today for his D, so again, not a good stat. Had some good looks too, ball just didn't go in.

More objective data for the “why does Lloyd start these guys?” Bandwagon.

Beyond the +/- take a look at the (lack of) minutes played. Another game that wasn’t for ADO and Townsend, and evidently Awaka as well which was a surprise to me. And if you listed +/- adjusted by time played it would look even worse. ADO was > -1 point per minute he played. Which is awesome in its patheticness.

To reiterate I understand that +/- is a nearly worthless stat, but Lloyd starting 2 guys who can’t play in the majority of Arizona’s games will never make any sense to me.

But, 11-1 !!

Partial story of yesterday’s game might have been something I used to post about long ago. From afar it looked like a game where a fanbase, knowing it was going to be on national TV, on a weekend day, was trying to make itself matter after a long time lost in the desert (technically forever for ASU). And, it seemed the invective from the stands infected the players on the court, and further that the refs didn’t do a good job of policing things (admittedly that may not have been possible).

Thanks to Clip for the 2nd half adjustment breakdown posted above.

I have never met Hurley, but I have heard both that he is a good person off the court and that he and Lloyd have a good/solid relationship. Open to being educated on this but I think some of the comments regarding what kind of person he is outside of game day might be off. As fun as they are to type and read lol.

My new theme for the next 36 hours is Arizona going on the road and putting a beatdown on single booster - paid roster - trying to buy a good team - for a lousy program.

As a quasiblueblood we need to do our part and help to squash the BYUs, St Johns, etc of the world so this phenomenon is as short-lived as possible.

[Djcat]

Based on what the eyes can see Townsend was terrible yesterday. Just in back to back offensive series for ASU, he backed away from the ASU player for no reason and he shot a three to not being in front of another who drove for a 2.

At least Tommy took him out and stayed with the lineup that was good till KJ picked up his 4th. Surprised he put on Townsend instead of Awaka

[azcat49]

My big gripe with Hurley is that he and his coaches went to the locker room with the players. They should have stayed and shook hands with the AZ coaches. Maybe he thought he couldn’t control himself.

I get guys that hate to lose but the poor sportsmanship after competing hard bugs the heck out of me.

[Chicat]

I know it's not even a good stat, but interesting 3 of the starters ended up negative in +/-. Believe Townsend had the worst +/- last game. Like Clip said, just not a good player.

Henri leading in +/- two games in a row.

Didn't see anyone complaining about ADO today for his D, so again, not a good stat. Had some good looks too, ball just didn't go in.

More objective data for the “why does Lloyd start these guys?” Bandwagon.

The subjective data was the first 2 minutes 45 seconds of the second half when that lineup turned a one point lead into a 5 point deficit which would have been larger had it not been for some one-on-one play by Love and Bradley. Lloyd calls the timeout after we give up two 3s and two dunks, subs in the correct lineup and we turn on the jets and win.

[84Cat]

Up to 12 in KenPom

[azcat49]

Wonder if Yormark will comment at all about this weekend. Tech coach tossed on a bad flagrant call and Love tossed on a bad over reactionary call. The XII calls for sportsmanship from fans but not from coaches?

[KaibabKat]

We are #6 in the ESPN power index.

[pc in NM]

I predict Arizona goes undefeated in Big-12 this year until March 8th in Lawrence. (That is a toss-up!!)

Bet the house on it!!!

(Fair Warning: Note my signature below!)

I certainly didn't think we'd be playing Houston for first place either!!

I thought it would be KU!!

And, damn!! I was wrong about our trip to Lubbock. My sincere apologies!



BTFD!!!!

[pc in NM]

Wonder if Yormark will comment at all about this weekend. Tech coach tossed on a bad flagrant call and Love tossed on a bad over reactionary call. The XII calls for sportsmanship from fans but not from coaches?

From the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt issues statement after ejection of JT Toppin in Houston win

"Immediately after the ejection, I spoke with Commissioner (Brett) Yormark, who assured me that the situation would be addressed and there would be accountability. On behalf of Red Raider Nation, we are extremely proud of our team and the leadership of Coach McCasland."

[Chicat]

Any further word on if Love can play at BYU?

[Lute4God]

Any further word on if Love can play at BYU?

Can't find it right now, but UA (somewhere) had said he is playing at BYU and not suspended.

This article quotes the Jason Sheer tweet, but I think UA announced too:

https://athlonsports.com/college/arizon ... zona-state

Also Tucson.com/ Pascoe has:

Ultimately, while Arizona’s two technical fouls didn’t cost the Wildcats the game, and Love’s ejection did not mean he faces a suspension Tuesday against BYU, they did obscure the fact that Love stayed on a high level for two games, improving his candidacy for a possible Big 12 Player of the Week award.

[PHXCATS]

The best part of the game yesterday was when the student in game host said “they can’t even decide if they are Wildcats or BearCats. What does that even mean” and the entire arena booed him. asu fans. asu students. The thousands of UA fans. All of them booed that fuck

[TheCat]

I know it's not even a good stat, but interesting 3 of the starters ended up negative in +/-. Believe Townsend had the worst +/- last game. Like Clip said, just not a good player.

Henri leading in +/- two games in a row.

Didn't see anyone complaining about ADO today for his D, so again, not a good stat. Had some good looks too, ball just didn't go in.

More objective data for the “why does Lloyd start these guys?” Bandwagon.

Beyond the +/- take a look at the (lack of) minutes played. Another game that wasn’t for ADO and Townsend, and evidently Awaka as well which was a surprise to me. And if you listed +/- adjusted by time played it would look even worse. ADO was > -1 point per minute he played. Which is awesome in its patheticness.

To reiterate I understand that +/- is a nearly worthless stat, but Lloyd starting 2 guys who can’t play in the majority of Arizona’s games will never make any sense to me.

But, 11-1 !!

Partial story of yesterday’s game might have been something I used to post about long ago. From afar it looked like a game where a fanbase, knowing it was going to be on national TV, on a weekend day, was trying to make itself matter after a long time lost in the desert (technically forever for ASU). And, it seemed the invective from the stands infected the players on the court, and further that the refs didn’t do a good job of policing things (admittedly that may not have been possible).

Thanks to Clip for the 2nd half adjustment breakdown posted above.

I have never met Hurley, but I have heard both that he is a good person off the court and that he and Lloyd have a good/solid relationship. Open to being educated on this but I think some of the comments regarding what kind of person he is outside of game day might be off. As fun as they are to type and read lol.

My new theme for the next 36 hours is Arizona going on the road and putting a beatdown on single booster - paid roster - trying to buy a good team - for a lousy program.

As a quasiblueblood we need to do our part and help to squash the BYUs, St Johns, etc of the world so this phenomenon is as short-lived as possible.

Agree that plus / minus can be deceiving. Tobey I believe had a negative in his best game in an Arizona uniform. The most egregious in buying a team is Rutgers that basketball powerhouse. They have two players that are suppose to be lottery picks on that team. First I don't think they are lottery picks but when they were bought they looked like it.

I really liked Phillips that dumped us at the last minute for Oregon. He has done nothing there and is barely playing and that is not a typical high end Oregon team. I thought he was a can't miss player from the video I saw. You just never know. Carter's development has been steady and his role has grown. He wouldn't get off the court is he played better defense because he can rebound and block shots as well as shoots

While I admit there is plenty of controversy around ADO starting I think his minutes overall are good. I would also tell you 11-1 trumps the controversy (to me). Would like 4 minutes a game to go to Martinez.

This game against BYU will tell me if we can live with success or not. BYU is not a pushover and if our guys are not focussed they will lose. They have a guy I call a junkyard dog that gets points numerous ways. I can see him being a problem but if our defense comes to play I think we will carry the day. Their point guard is a Russian that is 6'10'' but from watching him a couple of games his handles look suspect. Think our guards will be okay.

[azgreg]

Halfway there.

1) Houston 9-1 17-4
2) Arizona 9-1 15-6
3) Texas Tech 8-2 17-4
4) Iowa St 7-3 17-4
5) BYU 6-4 15-6
6) Kansas 6-4 15-6
7) Baylor 6-4 14-7
8) West Virginia 5-5 14-7
9) Central Florida 4-6 13-8
10) Utah 4-6 12-9
11) Texas Christian 4-6 11-10
12) Kansas St 4-6 10-11
13) Arizona St 3-7 12-9
14) Oklahoma St 3-7 11-10
15) Cincinnati 2-8 12-9
16) Colorado 0-10 9-12

[CalStateTempe]

When’s the Houston game?

That’s setting up to be a delicious one.

[CalStateTempe]

Btw why are we still not ranked?

[azgreg]

I don't think this weeks rankings have been released yet.

[Fishclamps]

Btw why are we still not ranked?

New rankings aren't out yet

[CalStateTempe]

Thx

[gouacats]

Cats are in at 20 in both polls.

[azgreg]

Btw why are we still not ranked?

1. Auburn
2. Duke
3. Alabama
4. Tennessee
5. Houston
6. Florida
7. Purdue
8. Iowa State
9. Michigan State
10. Texas A&M
11. Marquette
12. St. John's
13. Texas Tech
14. Kentucky
15. Missouri
16. Kansas
17. Memphis
18. Maryland
19. UConn
20. Arizona
21. Wisconsin
22. Mississippi State
23. Illinois
24. Michigan
25. Ole Miss

Happy now?

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Yes, just above Wisconsin!!

Would be behind them if they counted the Kohl center refs too!