2025-26 Arizona Basketball

[Beachcat97]

I started the 2024-25 thread last March, so I'm already a little late with this one.

Expecting some good recruiting news tomorrow, so I thought it could be a good time to get this one burning.

Excited for next season!

[NickyBCats]

Let’s have a day!

[Beachcat97]

Now I just need Carter to announce he’s returning.

[SunnyAZ]

if Carter comes back they will be a big team again, also insanely good

starting a 6'6 PF and 6'8 center last year, with 6'3 KJ and 6'5 ADO playing SF made them really small

6'3, 6'5, 6'8, 6'8, 7'2 is more like it

[Beachcat97]

if Carter comes back they will be a big team again, also insanely good

starting a 6'6 PF and 6'8 center last year, with 6'3 KJ and 6'5 ADO playing SF made them really small

6'3, 6'5, 6'8, 6'8, 7'2 is more like it

If Carter comes back, I will be a believer that this can be a FF team. His decision is one of the more pivotal ones in recent AZ hoops history.

[pc in NM]

if Carter comes back they will be a big team again, also insanely good

starting a 6'6 PF and 6'8 center last year, with 6'3 KJ and 6'5 ADO playing SF made them really small

6'3, 6'5, 6'8, 6'8, 7'2 is more like it

If Carter comes back, I will be a believer that this can be a FF team. His decision is one of the more pivotal ones in recent AZ hoops history.

Relax!!! ADO's coming back!!!

[Beachcat97]

if Carter comes back they will be a big team again, also insanely good

starting a 6'6 PF and 6'8 center last year, with 6'3 KJ and 6'5 ADO playing SF made them really small

6'3, 6'5, 6'8, 6'8, 7'2 is more like it

If Carter comes back, I will be a believer that this can be a FF team. His decision is one of the more pivotal ones in recent AZ hoops history.

Relax!!! ADO's coming back!!!

I have to give ADO credit. He got better as the season progressed. He's a solid backup guard. He shouldn't be starting, though, and he won't next season.

[84Cat]

if Carter comes back they will be a big team again, also insanely good

starting a 6'6 PF and 6'8 center last year, with 6'3 KJ and 6'5 ADO playing SF made them really small

6'3, 6'5, 6'8, 6'8, 7'2 is more like it

If Carter comes back, I will be a believer that this can be a FF team. His decision is one of the more pivotal ones in recent AZ hoops history.

Relax!!! ADO's coming back!!!

Is this confirmed? Would love to see him as 7th or 8th man

[Beachcat97]

if Carter comes back they will be a big team again, also insanely good

starting a 6'6 PF and 6'8 center last year, with 6'3 KJ and 6'5 ADO playing SF made them really small

6'3, 6'5, 6'8, 6'8, 7'2 is more like it

If Carter comes back, I will be a believer that this can be a FF team. His decision is one of the more pivotal ones in recent AZ hoops history.

Relax!!! ADO's coming back!!!

Is this confirmed? Would love to see him as 7th or 8th man

Yeah.

If the starting 5 is JB, BB, CB, KP and MK...

then we'd have Awaka, ADO, Aristode, plus whatever transfers we get. That's looking pretty solid to me.

[azcat49]

I have a really good feeling about next year.

[Frybry02]

Im guessing Carter tests the water. It makes sense for him to. If he gets a lottery guarantee, then stay in the draft. Otherwise come back for another year.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

I have a really good feeling about next year.

Most talented CTL team yet? If CB comes back?
That's 3 first rounders. Maybe 4??
Holy crap

Bradley,
Burries,
Koa,
Carter,
Mo.

That's a frickin' lineup. I really hope that happens. I might have to go to Iowa to see that team.

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Who do we play in the non con this year and are we in a feast week tourney? I know we're going to Maui next year but I can't remember for this fall.

[Alieberman]

Who do we play in the non con this year and are we in a feast week tourney? I know we're going to Maui next year but I can't remember for this fall.

I know we at least play Auburn, Alabama and UCLA. And I think no tourneys this year... Maui in 26 I think

[pc in NM]

I have a really good feeling about next year.

Most talented CTL team yet? If CB comes back?
That's 3 first rounders. Maybe 4??
Holy crap

Bradley,
Burries,
Koa,
Carter,
Mo.

That's a frickin' lineup. I really hope that happens. I might have to go to Iowa to see that team.

As evident from many discussions about this year's team, I really don't care that much about a specific starting lineup...

... rather I focus on the 200 minutes we need to put out there each game. We had a pretty competitive 8-man rotation this year (with two of the lesser-talented players starting). I also think an 8-man rotation is about the minimum that can carry a team through a season, or a tournament.

I'd like to se an expansion to an 9- or 10-man rotation -the above five appear to be a great core.

• ADO, Awaka, Bradley, and Krivas are recognized talents for our rotation

• Burries and Koa are expected to be also - but will have unknown limitations (defense??) like Carter did this year

• Carter is a "Hail Mary" at this point, but, if he returns, a proven talent.

• Aristode and James probably don't measure up as frosh (who knows??)

And, I don't think that's just not enough to achieve the goals we all desire - We still need at least 2 transfers!!!

[Fishclamps]

Aristode should absolutely measure up as a freshman, the big if with him is how he recovers from a foot injury.

[SunnyAZ]

aristode might start if Carter doesn't come back

no way he doesn't play major minutes next year either way.

[IndianaZonaFan]

Aristode should be getting 15-20 minutes…maybe more if Carter leaves and we don’t replace through the portal.

[pc in NM]

How is Aristode on defense?

If he gets 15 minutes (means he'd have to be producing!!) - that leaves 185.

[NickyBCats]

Who do we play in the non con this year and are we in a feast week tourney? I know we're going to Maui next year but I can't remember for this fall.

Auburn at McKale
Bama in Birmingham
UCLA in La I Believe
@Uconn
Trying to add one more big non con game as well

[84Cat]

Now I just need Carter to announce he’s returning.

Well Toppin is reportedly getting $4 mil to return to TTU. We need to make it worth it for CB to return. The top 15 players drafted to the NBA will make over $4 mil. Seems to me we need to find some guys to donate some money to UA BB to keep these guys around

[azgreg]

When is the deadline to declare for the draft?

[84Cat]

When is the deadline to declare for the draft?

The deadline for athletes to apply for early entry is April 26. They have until June 15 to decide whether they want to withdraw from the draft and uphold their college eligibility.

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/colle ... r-deadline

[Postmaster]

Simple, someone needs to kidnap CB and hold him to bail the 27th.

Sounds like a job for Jessie Wildcat.

[Beachcat97]

Who do we play in the non con this year and are we in a feast week tourney? I know we're going to Maui next year but I can't remember for this fall.

Auburn at McKale
Bama in Birmingham
UCLA in La I Believe
@Uconn
Trying to add one more big non con game as well

That's an unbelievable noncon slate!

[RichardCranium]

Tucson has a lot of Notre Dame fans... when is the last time (if ever) we played the Irish? Seems to me that would be a big draw.

[EastCoastCat]

Can’t wait to see the Killer B’s back here in CT.

[Hank of sb]

How is Aristode on defense?

If he gets 15 minutes (means he'd have to be producing!!) - that leaves 185.

Apparently Aristode's ticket has been his defense. His coach at his impressive private school--one with one of the better high school bb programs in the country--as becoming "his 9th player to get to the NBA, due to his defensive abilities alone."

His quote.

Brewster Academy is a real school, BTW. It's been around for a long while, legit academics etc. Gorgeous campus.

[TheCatInTheHat]

Tucson has a lot of Notre Dame fans... when is the last time (if ever) we played the Irish? Seems to me that would be a big draw.

Notre Dame (4-1)
1/4/34 L 24-46 South Bend, Ind.
11/21/90 W 91-61 New York, N.Y.
12/21/93 W 98-79 Lahaina, Hawaii
11/24/99 W 76-60 New York, N.Y.
3/27/03 W 88-71 Anaheim, Calif.

No doubt. But from past history, it looks like it would have to be on a neutral court. Considering the results since 1934, I'd guess there's approximately zero percent chance they'd play us in Tucson. We finished just outside the top ten in attendance nationally, second to Kansas in the Big XII (and with lower capacity), so we're doing fine in that regard.

[pc in NM]

How is Aristode on defense?

If he gets 15 minutes (means he'd have to be producing!!) - that leaves 185.

Apparently Aristode's ticket has been his defense. His coach at his impressive private school--one with one of the better high school bb programs in the country--as becoming "his 9th player to get to the NBA, due to his defensive abilities alone."

His quote.

Brewster Academy is a real school, BTW. It's been around for a long while, legit academics etc. Gorgeous campus.

You might have just made my day!! (I'm recalling similar commentary re: Aaron Gordon after he signed)...

[pc in NM]

Tucson has a lot of Notre Dame fans... when is the last time (if ever) we played the Irish? Seems to me that would be a big draw.

Notre Dame (4-1)
1/4/34 L 24-46 South Bend, Ind.
11/21/90 W 91-61 New York, N.Y.
12/21/93 W 98-79 Lahaina, Hawaii
11/24/99 W 76-60 New York, N.Y.
3/27/03 W 88-71 Anaheim, Calif.

No doubt. But from past history, it looks like it would have to be on a neutral court. Considering the results since 1934, I'd guess there's approximately zero percent chance they'd play us in Tucson. We finished just outside the top ten in attendance nationally, second to Kansas in the Big XII (and with lower capacity), so we're doing fine in that regard.

I don't see any attraction with ND in basketball. And, who cares whose fans live nearby? Home games are for Arizona fans!!

[Beachcat97]

Tucson has a lot of Notre Dame fans... when is the last time (if ever) we played the Irish? Seems to me that would be a big draw.

Notre Dame (4-1)
1/4/34 L 24-46 South Bend, Ind.
11/21/90 W 91-61 New York, N.Y.
12/21/93 W 98-79 Lahaina, Hawaii
11/24/99 W 76-60 New York, N.Y.
3/27/03 W 88-71 Anaheim, Calif.

No doubt. But from past history, it looks like it would have to be on a neutral court. Considering the results since 1934, I'd guess there's approximately zero percent chance they'd play us in Tucson. We finished just outside the top ten in attendance nationally, second to Kansas in the Big XII (and with lower capacity), so we're doing fine in that regard.

I don't see any attraction with ND in basketball. And, who cares whose fans live nearby? Home games are for Arizona fans!!

Yeah, I agree. Notre Dame in basketball is pretty irrelevant. So many other programs I'd rather see on our schedule. I'd still like us to be playing Gonzaga every year.

[Fishclamps]

I'd also like to point out I was born in Tucson and still live here, and have never once seen a ND fan anywhere.

[TheCat]

Lot of Catholics in Tucson....lol.

[Postmaster]

I think ND is a football draw. Back in 70s-90's they were a big name in college football. They attracted viewers who weren't necessarily ND fans or even regular everyday football fans. It's like watching the Jordan era Bulls.
And most of the chatholics around Tucson are not golden domers

[U.P. Zona Fan]

Tucson has a lot of Notre Dame fans... when is the last time (if ever) we played the Irish? Seems to me that would be a big draw.

Notre Dame (4-1)
1/4/34 L 24-46 South Bend, Ind.
11/21/90 W 91-61 New York, N.Y.
12/21/93 W 98-79 Lahaina, Hawaii
11/24/99 W 76-60 New York, N.Y.
3/27/03 W 88-71 Anaheim, Calif.

No doubt. But from past history, it looks like it would have to be on a neutral court. Considering the results since 1934, I'd guess there's approximately zero percent chance they'd play us in Tucson. We finished just outside the top ten in attendance nationally, second to Kansas in the Big XII (and with lower capacity), so we're doing fine in that regard.

I don't see any attraction with ND in basketball. And, who cares whose fans live nearby? Home games are for Arizona fans!!

Yeah, I agree. Notre Dame in basketball is pretty irrelevant. So many other programs I'd rather see on our schedule. I'd still like us to be playing Gonzaga every year.

Why can't that happen, maybe the coaches need to meet up somewhere and get to know each other a little. But seriously, it only makes sense that the two premier programs on the West Coast play each other.

[Chicat]

If I was Tommy I wouldn’t want to play Few. One of you comes out a loser.

Didn’t the Zags just sign a home & home with ASU?

[Postmaster]

I would not mind playing St Mary's, better than IUPUI.

[TheCat]

St. Mary's would be a great challenge in the OOC each year. Very well coached team with good talent. Nice call.

[Winger]

Now I just need Carter to announce he’s returning.

Well Toppin is reportedly getting $4 mil to return to TTU. We need to make it worth it for CB to return. The top 15 players drafted to the NBA will make over $4 mil. Seems to me we need to find some guys to donate some money to UA BB to keep these guys around

If CB is truly #20 right now that is roughly $3.3 mil guaranteed for 2 years with team options for seasons 3 and 4 and a total value of $16.2 mil. Move in to the lotto, say the 5th pick, and you’re looking at roughly $8.5 guaranteed for 2 years with the options for seasons 3 and 4 taking it to $38 mil. I think most often the options are picked up by the teams but I also think someone told me that the higher you are picked in round 1 the more the team will be committed to your success.

Biggest thing for me if I was advising him (which I am not qualified to do) would be to think hard about going if you are not lotto and lack the skills to get on the court right away. But I am a biased Arizona fan who selfishly would love to see Bryant excel in an Arizona uniform next season lol. And, if his agent gets a promise 1st round pick by a team that the Bryant circle thinks he would have a good chance to succeed playing for you probably have to go.

[EastCoastCat]

Nbadraft.net currently has CB as the 23rd pick by Orlando.

[Chicat]

I would not mind playing St Mary's, better than IUPUI.

I don’t see the upside of playing St. Mary’s other than fan appreciation of a good game. They’d likely want a return game and they’re not really in a recruiting hotbed. Seems like a good way to risk losing a game against a lower ranked program.

[mofo]

Simple, someone needs to kidnap CB and hold him to bail the 27th.

Sounds like a job for Jessie Wildcat.

Haha I bet Chin Nuts is up to the task. CB might get to meet Ivan Radenovic too if Jessie still has him locked in the basement. Wonder how many times he roofied Ivan over the years

[AZCatGirl]

Revenge game coming up.

[Postmaster]

I would not mind playing St Mary's, better than IUPUI.

I don’t see the upside of playing St. Mary’s other than fan appreciation of a good game. They’d likely want a return game and they’re not really in a recruiting hotbed. Seems like a good way to risk losing a game against a lower ranked program.

Well it's a quality team from whatever conference. Fan appreciation was one of my factors. Also, I mentioned SM because someone brought up Gonzaga. I think it is good competition and I don't think AZ should ever worry about losing a road game like that.
Seems like the UCLA games have less upside.

With the advent of television, does recruiting get bolstered by playing in some hotbed area? Serious question. Is that still much of a factor?

[Postmaster]

Now I just need Carter to announce he’s returning.

Well Toppin is reportedly getting $4 mil to return to TTU. We need to make it worth it for CB to return. The top 15 players drafted to the NBA will make over $4 mil. Seems to me we need to find some guys to donate some money to UA BB to keep these guys around

If CB is truly #20 right now that is roughly $3.3 mil guaranteed for 2 years with team options for seasons 3 and 4 and a total value of $16.2 mil. Move in to the lotto, say the 5th pick, and you’re looking at roughly $8.5 guaranteed for 2 years with the options for seasons 3 and 4 taking it to $38 mil. I think most often the options are picked up by the teams but I also think someone told me that the higher you are picked in round 1 the more the team will be committed to your success.

Biggest thing for me if I was advising him (which I am not qualified to do) would be to think hard about going if you are not lotto and lack the skills to get on the court right away. But I am a biased Arizona fan who selfishly would love to see Bryant excel in an Arizona uniform next season lol. And, if his agent gets a promise 1st round pick by a team that the Bryant circle thinks he would have a good chance to succeed playing for you probably have to go.

I would hate for him to end up like Dalen Terry, where you don't get to develop but also don't get to play because you aren't ready.

[dmjcat]

ADO returning

[azgreg]

[84Cat]

Keep the good news coming! Now do CB

[azgreg]

Now do CB

Coach Brennan already announced as returning.