2024-25 Arizona Basketball

[AzCatFan2]

We need Townsend to eat up 15-20 minutes and his 5 fouls. When the bench is really short, and you know you need to play long minutes, you tend to let up a little on D so you don't get into foul trouble. You also want to save yourself a bit to have energy on O. Have Townsend eat up 8-10 minutes a half allows KJ and Carter to play 100% on D and not worry quite as much about foul trouble.

We also need ADO to hit some outside shots. Every 2-point shot and assist he gets is a bonus. But his real contribution to the team is hitting the 3. If he's not hitting from outside, he's all but worthless out there. Hate to say it, because I think he's a good kid who is trying. But his game just isn't attuned to this level of basketball, but a guy who can knock down 3s consistently at least has that to offer.

[TheCatInTheHat]

I tend to agree with not going bonkers trying to make some statement in the Big XII tourney. As the Big XII commercial goes, "every conference game is like an NCAA tournament game." It's a tough grind, and while there are legit complaints about officiating errors and inconsistency, at least they let them play all season long. You had plenty of blowouts spaced throughout the Pac-12 season, and you also had plenty of games that deteriorated into free throw contests where the players spent a lot of time walking from one end of the court to the other for a nice chunk of the time toward the end of both halves. The tournament in Vegas was supposedly to toughen up contending teams for the tourney after such a season, and it was special for Arizona fans with their annual takeover. But no such deal in freezing KC near the Kansas schools. Nobody says to tank anything. But you show up, let the chips fall where they may, accept the final loss of your regular season whenever it comes, and focus on rest and NCAA prep.

[Merkin]

I know Martinez and Stephen really lack defense skills, but when Awaka was in foul trouble, and Stonehands Veesaar was gassed, it would have been good to bring in Stephen just for a couple of minutes. Same with Conrad, who is very pesky out there. Just maybe 4 minutes a half.

That 13-0 KSU run to end the half was killer and wore the Cats out trying to make it up.

Unforced errors end of game too were due to fatigue.

[MrKyle]

Busted our ass to win the P12 tourney, Kriisa got hurt as well during that tournament.

I was literally yelling at Lloyd to put in Boswell the last 5 minutes of the Princeton game. Believe Kriisa had a twisted ankle, and really could not do anything end of game. Tubelis was gassed too.

Yep... Boz should have seen way more run in that Princeton game. I think the twisted ankle was the year before, the Princeton game he separated his shoulder in the P12 tourney. Tubelis just looked lost in that Princeton game, couldn't get anything going.

That was a tough one to watch, I was in Vegas for a trade show - had just wrapped up my week in time to run to the hotel bar to catch the Cats game. Watched them choke it away and lose, and then had to drive home the 4 hours to Southern CA...

[pc in NM]

I think the message from last nights game is that the Cats NEED the 8-man rotation - absense of any one of those 8 players seriously extends the rest of the team.

Martinez and Stephen aren't gonna be sufficient to plug the deficits from a 7-man rotation, while they might offer a couple of valuable minutes otherwise. When ADO is the sole sub behind the top-6, that is not a sufficient cushion. 15-18 more minutes from Townsend would have made a BIG difference.

The team was tired last night. I think that really affected three-point shooting the most. Maybe passing too, though I myself didn't see that as much.

Our defense was very good most of the game - both teams took too many contested threes. But the energy required for that defense wore us out.

I did like our rebounding - Carter had 11, BTW, that helped to ameliorate Awaka's having to sit so much in the first half. The 14-point run was more about our live-ball turnovers than poor defense, per se.

We should get Townsend back for the Houston game, and we'll have the home crowd!!

BIGGEST GAME OF THE YEAR!!! BTFD!!!!

[PHXCATS]

Townsend is needed

Lloyd knows what he is doing

Arizona win with him yesterday

[TheCat]

Winning against Houston will be unexpected even a home. They have 3 guys that basically hit the boards hard every play, get the rebound and spray it out to really good 3 point shooters. Tobey will be critical but if he picks up quick fouls we will have little chance. Seeing more of the two bigs was interesting and it is clear they're still learning to play together. That might counter Houston's glass eaters. Based on Tommy's prior comments that was part of the strategy when Mo was around.

[Fishclamps]

Townsend is needed

Lloyd knows what he is doing

Arizona win with him yesterday

We very clearly still would have not won, we turned the ball over 17 times and shot 5% from 3

[dirtbags]

Townsend is needed

Lloyd knows what he is doing

Arizona win with him yesterday

We very clearly still would have not won, we turned the ball over 17 times and shot 5% from 3

yikes - yeah, turnovers have been a little bit of an issue this season. gotta take care of the ball

[pc in NM]

Townsend is needed

Lloyd knows what he is doing

Arizona win with him yesterday

We very clearly still would have not won, we turned the ball over 17 times and shot 5% from 3

In fact, Arizona shot 9.1% from three (2/22), vs. 5.3% for KSU (1/19).

THREE-POINT SHOOTING WAS NOT THE DIFFERENCE IN THE GAME!

AZ outrebounded KSU 46-33, and 13-7 on O boards - keeping us in the game.

KSU lead steals 14-7, and in TO's 10-17.

That is the most significant statistical difference, and why Arizona lost!

[Merkin]

TOs:
JB 5
ADO 2
KJ 3
CB 3
Veesaar 4

Good to see Love and Tobe with none.

Would Trey coming in reduce the number of turnovers? Perhaps. Veesaar might not have been gassed so much since he had to play the 4 for several stretches. But Henri had 12 points, and Bryant had 11 rebounds. Townsend is averaging 1.8 TO per game.

[Lute4God]

Townsend is needed

Lloyd knows what he is doing

Arizona win with him yesterday

We very clearly still would have not won, we turned the ball over 17 times and shot 5% from 3

No we shot 80% better from 3 point range than KSU did:

9 to 5

...percent

[dirtbags]

McKale better be rocking on Saturday.

i don't have any sense of how houston's fanbase travels but i wouldn't be surprised to see a sizeable visiting contingent in town with the holiday weekend and all. i saw on socials this AM that there are a bunch of resale tix up for grabs. hope the 'zoo turns up, weekenders be damned!

[PHXCATS]

Townsend is needed

Lloyd knows what he is doing

Arizona win with him yesterday

We very clearly still would have not won, we turned the ball over 17 times and shot 5% from 3

Okay coach. I am sure none of the turnovers were due to mental and physical fatigue

[pc in NM]

TOs:
JB 5
ADO 2
KJ 3
CB 3
Veesaar 4

Good to see Love and Tobe with none.

Would Trey coming in reduce the number of turnovers? Perhaps. Veesaar might not have been gassed so much since he had to play the 4 for several stretches. But Henri had 12 points, and Bryant had 11 rebounds. Townsend is averaging 1.8 TO per game.

A lot of the impact from Townsend's absence was from his absence from the hard-fought TT game (e. g., Love and Bradley each played 39 minutes with only seven players getting minutes in another very highly contested and physically demanding game with 2 days rest and travel added.

[pc in NM]

TOs:
JB 5
ADO 2
KJ 3
CB 3
Veesaar 4

Good to see Love and Tobe with none.

Would Trey coming in reduce the number of turnovers? Perhaps. Veesaar might not have been gassed so much since he had to play the 4 for several stretches. But Henri had 12 points, and Bryant had 11 rebounds. Townsend is averaging 1.8 TO per game.

A lot of the impact from Townsend's absence was from his absence from the hard-fought TT game (e. g., Love and Bradley each played 39 minutes with only seven players getting minutes in another very highly contested and physically demanding game with 2 days rest and travel added.

In my own playing experience, tired legs didn't much affect ball handling or passing; but jump-shooting could really be affected; even though I felt normal on the release, the shot would be way off from normal. I was a good shot from 15 19 feet. but never played much with threes...

[Postmaster]

JB and Love had 38 and 39 minutes last night. Combined 0-10 3 PT.

ADO played 15 minutes, and has gone 5 games now without a made 3 pointer.

UA is 282nd in made 3 PT %. https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-baske ... -point-pct

This season reminds me so much of when UA was bounced in the tourney in the first round v. Princeton playing 7.

Maybe Tommy should do what Lute used, not really give a rats ass about the conference tourney and save the players for the NCAAs. Tommy focusing on winning the regular season PAC, and winning the PAC tourney just wore the players down too much.

This was exactly what I was thinking of, seems very reminiscent of that team losing to Princeton. Busted our ass to win the P12 tourney, Kriisa got hurt as well during that tournament.

We need to have a reliable 7-8 deep who can be counted on for points and minutes. Also need to find some way to bring in some shooters in the next year, its been our kryptonite for what seems like forever now (was York the last real gunner we had from 3PT?)

Lavender

[Postmaster]

TL needs to get more guys in the game. Especially with TT out. It's s odd that he is ok with ADO getting 15-20 mpg but won't give CM or ES 5-8 minutes. I'd like them to get a few minutes even if TT is back. We replaced the minutes MK was getting with HV, but haven't really replaced those minutes with anyone.

[84Cat]

TL needs to get more guys in the game. Especially with TT out. It's s odd that he is ok with ADO getting 15-20 mpg but won't give CM or ES 5-8 minutes. I'd like them to get a few minutes even if TT is back. We replaced the minutes MK was getting with HV, but haven't really replaced those minutes with anyone.

He played CM last night and his guy drove right by him for a layup. He just isn't good enough for the Big12 right now

[Merkin]

York was a career 40% 3PT, with 42% as a senior.

B-Lav was career 42%, 49% as senior.


But those were with the old 3 point line.

[Postmaster]

TL needs to get more guys in the game. Especially with TT out. It's s odd that he is ok with ADO getting 15-20 mpg but won't give CM or ES 5-8 minutes. I'd like them to get a few minutes even if TT is back. We replaced the minutes MK was getting with HV, but haven't really replaced those minutes with anyone.

He played CM last night and his guy drove right by him for a layup. He just isn't good enough for the Big12 right now

I know cm and ES have gotten in for a few seconds but that doesn't help .people blow by ADO and TT quite often. They won't improve on the bench. I guess the other choice is to get a S/C that can get the starters ready to play 45 minutes a night.

I agree he isn't able to hang at this level, but that's what we have right now. I feel like CTL chooses to play too short of a bench overall and it hurts the team when injuries pop up.

[pc in NM]

TL needs to get more guys in the game. Especially with TT out. It's s odd that he is ok with ADO getting 15-20 mpg but won't give CM or ES 5-8 minutes. I'd like them to get a few minutes even if TT is back. We replaced the minutes MK was getting with HV, but haven't really replaced those minutes with anyone.

He played CM last night and his guy drove right by him for a layup. He just isn't good enough for the Big12 right now

I know cm and ES have gotten in for a few seconds but that doesn't help .people blow by ADO and TT quite often. They won't improve on the bench. I guess the other choice is to get a S/C that can get the starters ready to play 45 minutes a night.

I agree he isn't able to hang at this level, but that's what we have right now. I feel like CTL chooses to play too short of a bench overall and it hurts the team when injuries pop up.

It was a one possession Big-12 road loss with an unavailable starter to a very hot team that just smacked KU at home for the third consecutive year and one of only 4 Big-12 teams with a winning record vs top-25 ranked team, reducing our second place conference record to 11-2.

Chill out, y'all!!! CTL is doing pretty well, and, IMNSHO, has earned your compliments and full-throated support more than this nitpicking bs negativity.

BTFD!!!!

[UAdevil]

Good thing we have PC policing the fanbase!

[Fishclamps]

TL needs to get more guys in the game. Especially with TT out. It's s odd that he is ok with ADO getting 15-20 mpg but won't give CM or ES 5-8 minutes. I'd like them to get a few minutes even if TT is back. We replaced the minutes MK was getting with HV, but haven't really replaced those minutes with anyone.

He played CM last night and his guy drove right by him for a layup. He just isn't good enough for the Big12 right now

I know cm and ES have gotten in for a few seconds but that doesn't help .people blow by ADO and TT quite often. They won't improve on the bench. I guess the other choice is to get a S/C that can get the starters ready to play 45 minutes a night.

I agree he isn't able to hang at this level, but that's what we have right now. I feel like CTL chooses to play too short of a bench overall and it hurts the team when injuries pop up.

It was a one possession Big-12 road loss with an unavailable starter to a very hot team that just smacked KU at home for the third consecutive year and one of only 4 Big-12 teams with a winning record vs top-25 ranked team, reducing our second place conference record to 11-2.

Chill out, y'all!!! CTL is doing pretty well, and, IMNSHO, has earned your compliments and full-throated support more than this nitpicking bs negativity.

BTFD!!!!

No one is calling for Tommy's head, it was just a shitty game and we lost.

[Winger]

The excuse for KSU is convoluted.

The reason Arizona lost (as if there is only 1 reason) is:

Lloyd couldn't play a player ...

... who ...

... has demonstrated that he can't play at this level.

You know this to be true because Lloyd himself has shown you. All you need for proof is to go look at the minutes Townsend has (not) played vs the better teams in the B12 conference.

This is made worse by ADO being the same exact thing and there being no one on the bench besides Lewis who can play at this level.

The issue isn't and wasn't an injury, rather it's roster makeup. Which some of us have been saying since day 2.

Imo Lloyd has done a great job in conference coaching these guys up and coaching them during games. But that is a different thing than the fact that he only has 6 guys on the roster who can play at this level. And even with the 6 guys he can play he lacks shooters galore which is a big big part of why Arizona lost to KSU. And why we need to not take so many 3s.

And Saturday is likely to be the culmination for this issue as this season Houston appears to be the best of the kinds of teams that the ADOs and Townsends and Martinez's can not play against.

If you want to watch for something watch for how Houston blows apart the screen and roll action of its opponents/Arizona (the so-called "blitz"). They aggressively switch and attack the ballhandler straight up, often jumping in to the air with their arms extended in an attempt to make things as difficult as possible in terms of trying to drive, pass, etc. And they will do this 25 feet + from the hoop. No hedging and recover, no playing off, no leveling off the screen by their bigs, no ice-ing, etc.

Like ISU on steroids.

One of the reasons Arizona lost to KSU was because of its turnovers, many of which imo were soft. The Cats are highly likely to need to rein that in Saturday to win the game. And part of that is being able to handle Houston's switching and straight up man D following the switch.

[AzCatFan2]

TT, ADO, and Martinez can't play at the top level. Doesn't mean they can't play a few minutes and give the guys who can play at this level a rest. Because players like Love, Bradley, and KJ can't play at a top level for 38 minutes a game apiece. Much better to give TT and ADO 10 to 15 minutes a game so that our top players aren't gassed down the stretch. And ADO and TT have five fouls each, which allows top players to have to worry less about fouling and playing solid D.

Rather have 8 guys all ready to play at top levels. But that doesn't happen every year. We're Arizona, so it happens more often than many other schools. But sometimes, you just have to make do and steal some rest while playing some not-ready-for-primetime guys.

[LuteIsGod]

TT, ADO, and Martinez can't play at the top level. Doesn't mean they can't play a few minutes and give the guys who can play at this level a rest. Because players like Love, Bradley, and KJ can't play at a top level for 38 minutes a game apiece. Much better to give TT and ADO 10 to 15 minutes a game so that our top players aren't gassed down the stretch. And ADO and TT have five fouls each, which allows top players to have to worry less about fouling and playing solid D.

Rather have 8 guys all ready to play at top levels. But that doesn't happen every year. We're Arizona, so it happens more often than many other schools. But sometimes, you just have to make do and steal some rest while playing some not-ready-for-primetime guys.

Force Krivas to come back and play.

Have him lay down by our basket parallel with the baseline and have him take up space - he doesn’t have to move. Just lay there.

Our opponents will be utterly confused. Sure we will play offense 4 on 5, but we should win easily using the confusion factor.

[Merkin]

It seems we are all pretty much in agreement. Tommy is doing a great job with the hand he has been dealt, but he dealt it to himself.

It's OK to criticize players, after all this is a discussion board, not a pep rally.

You know who used to criticize players? Lute Olson.

You know who also does? Tommy Lloyd.

"He didn't play great. We'll have to go back and look why. I thought he had some good opportunities. I thought he had a few of those threes, kind of towards the end of that game, the second half, I thought looked really good. We're going to hang with it just like we always do and hope for a better outcome next time."

Although I am not sure what kind of coaching strategy "hope" is.

[azgreg]

Per Scheer:
Dave Pasch and Fran Fraschilla on the call for Arizona-Houston

[Winger]

“Hanging with him” is one of the phrases I will always associate Lloyd with.

While he doesn’t mean it literally (see the paltry minute allocation for 2 of our 5 starters) he does seem to want to convey a sense of confidence — both in his players and his system. He clearly believes that what he believes in and executes works and isn’t backing away from it without good reason.

What happened this offseason was a product of multiple things but you’re right Merkin that Lloyd is (in conference, to date) doing a great job with the hand he dealt himself. I am going to add that to the lengthening list of things I wished I had thought of and posted.

After possession #1 of the ISU game I thought Arizona’s guards and wings did a pretty good job of handling the Cyclone pressure perimeter D. Houston is going to take that up a notch Saturday.

While I am an admirer of Sampson, Arizona has some receipts stemming from his post-game S16 comments. I know Lloyd still has those receipts and I am hoping we can give a couple of them back on Saturday.

[AZCatGirl]

And let's not forget the face stomp!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEuGOM4RK30

[AZCatGirl]

Looks like Trey will be back tomorrow. Big games heal all.

[azgreg]

Houston opens as a 1.5 point favorite.

[Merkin]

Today's presser: https://www.youtube.com/live/sxIyR7qTkb0

Tells ADO to just be a catch and shoot guy, don't be a playmaker.

And let's not forget the face stomp!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEuGOM4RK30

Best thing that could have happened to Chase. He really turned it up after that.

[dirtbags]

the early(ish) tip-off is messing with my plans bc i'm an idiot and had down the wrong game time. now i'm wondering if i should pull the diarrhea card tomorrow to watch the game, or if i should save it for march

[UAdevil]

I'll be at work, but luckily we have cable. Lol

[Winger]

And let's not forget the face stomp!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEuGOM4RK30

Always have a difficult time getting fired up over that one as you could argue it saved the season, but good pull.

Sampson’s “we werent going to let them do what they wanted to do because that is what we do” and “I dont know what the coaches in the Pac were doing” burn me a little more.

[Alieberman]

Today's presser: https://www.youtube.com/live/sxIyR7qTkb0

Tells ADO to just be a catch and shoot guy, don't be a playmaker.

And let's not forget the face stomp!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEuGOM4RK30

Best thing that could have happened to Chase. He really turned it up after that.

I love how CTL always like's to give Bruce shit!

[Postmaster]

Maybe we could do more zone with some of the third string guys?

[Winger]

Three hours from tip.

Will the Cats be able to handle Houston’s blitzing of its screen actions and hyper-aggressive perimeter defense?

How much did Lloyd learn from Sampson taking away his offense rim running/transition, big man duckins, and backdoor actions last time?

Can Arizona force Houston to adapt to its size as opposed to playing down to the Cougars?

It is highly likely that Arizona is going to need to be better than it was vs ISU and KSU to have a chance today, can the Cats get to that level?

[PHXCATS]

I support Lloyd and Townsend fully

Let's have a day Wildcats

Bear the fuck down

[Alieberman]

I don't have any idea what's going to happen in this game today... But certainly agree to pull out the W it will have to be a great performance and outside shots will need to fall.

[Chicat]

Three hours from tip.

Will the Cats be able to handle Houston’s blitzing of its scree actions and hyper-aggressive perimeter defense?

How much did Lloyd lear from Sampson taking away his offense rim running/transition, big man duckins, and backdoor actions last time?

Can Arizona force Houston to adapt to its size as opposed to playing down to the Cougars level?

It is highly likely that Arizona is going to need to be better than it was vs ISU and KSU to have a chance today, can the Cats get to that level?

To me the question is can we rebound against their frontline of long-arms. Houston neutralizes almost every team with a height advantage because of their collective reach. They’re like a goddamn giant octopus sucking up rebounds and we have to move them way off the block to overcome that.

[Merkin]

Look for some catch and shoot 3 point plays called for ADO. Got to get him going again.

Same for Love too after his 0-7 KSU game.

Yes, I know UA is one of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the nation, but points in the paint are going to be hard to come by.

[PHXCATS]

Many will blame Lloyd

Lloyd has no blame today. 100% on the players

[Alieberman]

Many will blame Lloyd

Lloyd has no blame today. 100% on the players

I think everyone played with tremendous heart and effort today.

I think we lost because we ran out of gas with Tommy not trusting Delly and TT at all in the 2nd half.

[PHXCATS]

Many will blame Lloyd

Lloyd has no blame today. 100% on the players

I think everyone played with tremendous heart and effort today.

I think we lost because we ran out of gas with Tommy not trusting Delly and TT at all in the 2nd half.

Most fans say to play them less

At least the followers of the lowest common denominator podcast

[Chicat]

Many will blame Lloyd

Lloyd has no blame today. 100% on the players

I think everyone played with tremendous heart and effort today.

I think we lost because we ran out of gas with Tommy not trusting Delly and TT at all in the 2nd half.

100% this. Hard to blame the players when some don’t see the floor and the others who do are exhausted.

ADO and Townsend are who they are. Not sure why they are good enough to play in the first half but not the second when guys need a rest.

[AZCatGirl]

Was at the game and completely agree. We just tired out because Tommy can't trust enough players in crunch time. Hope that's something he can address with recruiting.

[MrKyle]

Depth going to be the storyline for this year - we can hang with almost anyone based on what we’ve seen in spurts.

We only hit a handful more 3s and we win both these games - abysmal 3PT shooting on good looks

CTL has got to bring in some top tier sharpshooter next year (and not a mid major guy)