2025-26 Arizona Basketball

[TucsonClip]

I'll gladly take a solid transfer guard to start at the 3. Some ball skills, some shooting, some defense.

[Winger]

Obviously I prefer Carter to come back, but if not- the best option I’ve seen so far is sarr. We now have a little more versatility in the front court, and having sarr allows us to go 3 guards without one of them being ADO.

I don’t hate ADO, just not a fan of him starting halves against the opponent’s best players.

I like Sarr, but we are already going to be starting 2 guys with no D1 experience. Are we really going to roll with 3?

Good question. Try it this way:

Would you prefer Sarr or Ced Henderson?

And if we’re likely to go off continent for Bryant’s replacement that almost ensures a dude with no D1 experience, no?

Going to look up Rondae later and will post what I find in the Carter thread.

Saw some joker posted a mock with Bryant at #9. Guessing he reads this board.

[pc in NM]

Obviously I prefer Carter to come back, but if not- the best option I’ve seen so far is sarr. We now have a little more versatility in the front court, and having sarr allows us to go 3 guards without one of them being ADO.

I don’t hate ADO, just not a fan of him starting halves against the opponent’s best players.

I like Sarr, but we are already going to be starting 2 guys with no D1 experience. Are we really going to roll with 3?

Good question. Try it this way:

Would you prefer Sarr or Ced Henderson?

And if we’re likely to go off continent for Bryant’s replacement that almost ensures a dude with no D1 experience, no?

Going to look up Rondae later and will post what I find in the Carter thread.

Saw some joker posted a mock with Bryant at #9. Guessing he reads this board.

So far. we're looking like a team that could be really good in two years...

... But, unfortunately, will not be together in two years.

Kinda like this year's team, except for defections.

[ChooChooCat]

Think you all can bank on Bryant not coming back.

Time to move on to: who plays the 3 for Lloyd next season?

If I had to guess, it'll be somebody not living on this continent at the moment.

You thinking Sarr? Or just speaking in generalities?

Could be Sarr for all I know, but just generalities. I genuinely have no name for who could replace Carter, but I am confident that Lloyd & Co. have already ID'd a guy they want and could land to replace him.

[ChooChooCat]

Obviously I prefer Carter to come back, but if not- the best option I’ve seen so far is sarr. We now have a little more versatility in the front court, and having sarr allows us to go 3 guards without one of them being ADO.

I don’t hate ADO, just not a fan of him starting halves against the opponent’s best players.

I like Sarr, but we are already going to be starting 2 guys with no D1 experience. Are we really going to roll with 3?

Good question. Try it this way:

Would you prefer Sarr or Ced Henderson?

And if we’re likely to go off continent for Bryant’s replacement that almost ensures a dude with no D1 experience, no?

Going to look up Rondae later and will post what I find in the Carter thread.

Saw some joker posted a mock with Bryant at #9. Guessing he reads this board.

I get your argument for sure, but the team that Ced Henderson was on had legitimately no great offensive option outside of Tubelis. This Arizona team has two freshmen who are arguably star players and are at least somewhere between options 1 and 3 offensively for next year's team. Carter honestly was probably going to be roughly option 4 regardless. Do you think Arizona needs someone to compete as an alpha or do you think Arizona needs to land somebody to take on Carter's role (not exact role, but offensive option position)?

[Fishclamps]

I thought we were out on Sarr? No way we have the playing time he would want right?

[Beachcat97]

Obviously I prefer Carter to come back, but if not- the best option I’ve seen so far is sarr. We now have a little more versatility in the front court, and having sarr allows us to go 3 guards without one of them being ADO.

I don’t hate ADO, just not a fan of him starting halves against the opponent’s best players.

I like Sarr, but we are already going to be starting 2 guys with no D1 experience. Are we really going to roll with 3?

Worked out okay for Duke this past season.

[Winger]

Obviously I prefer Carter to come back, but if not- the best option I’ve seen so far is sarr. We now have a little more versatility in the front court, and having sarr allows us to go 3 guards without one of them being ADO.

I don’t hate ADO, just not a fan of him starting halves against the opponent’s best players.

I like Sarr, but we are already going to be starting 2 guys with no D1 experience. Are we really going to roll with 3?

Good question. Try it this way:

Would you prefer Sarr or Ced Henderson?

And if we’re likely to go off continent for Bryant’s replacement that almost ensures a dude with no D1 experience, no?

Going to look up Rondae later and will post what I find in the Carter thread.

Saw some joker posted a mock with Bryant at #9. Guessing he reads this board.

I get your argument for sure, but the team that Ced Henderson was on had legitimately no great offensive option outside of Tubelis. This Arizona team has two freshmen who are arguably star players and are at least somewhere between options 1 and 3 offensively for next year's team. Carter honestly was probably going to be roughly option 4 regardless. Do you think Arizona needs someone to compete as an alpha or do you think Arizona needs to land somebody to take on Carter's role (not exact role, but offensive option position)?

I want Bryant lol.

I cant predict incoming freshmen contributions worth a darn and Aristode is coming off injury. I’d be cool with a guard that can play the roll/continuity game and is a legit defender. Not sure we need an alpha in part because I have doubts Bryant would have been that guy. Could also use another “4” imo unless Awaka is sliding there some this season.

What are you thinking?

[azcat49]

One thing I agree is that CB is no Alpha and I dont see him ever being that. That is why I don’t get him being a lottery pick unless this draft is super weak. If he came back, he needs to prove he can take over games

[Postmaster]

Do we think Sarr is waiting on CB's decision?

[Fishclamps]

Again, are we even on Sarr at this point?

[EastCoastCat]

He’s pulling the same shit as that Tennessee QB.

[Winger]

Again, are we even on Sarr at this point?

I dont think so.

For one, he is going to be expensive. Allegedly would take a booster step up for Arizona to be able to afford him, like 3 times + the booster step up for Love last season. Some folks still believe that he is NBA bound. Some ‘mo behind Illinois now that the Duke stuff has settled down but that doesn’t feel right. From 10,000 feet he checks almost all the Tommy Lloyd Arizona boxes however.

[ChooChooCat]

Do we think Sarr is waiting on CB's decision?

I don't think Sarr is in the conversation at all for us to fill CB's spot due to everything that Winger has said above me. He's far too expensive.

[ChooChooCat]

Obviously I prefer Carter to come back, but if not- the best option I’ve seen so far is sarr. We now have a little more versatility in the front court, and having sarr allows us to go 3 guards without one of them being ADO.

I don’t hate ADO, just not a fan of him starting halves against the opponent’s best players.

I like Sarr, but we are already going to be starting 2 guys with no D1 experience. Are we really going to roll with 3?

Good question. Try it this way:

Would you prefer Sarr or Ced Henderson?

And if we’re likely to go off continent for Bryant’s replacement that almost ensures a dude with no D1 experience, no?

Going to look up Rondae later and will post what I find in the Carter thread.

Saw some joker posted a mock with Bryant at #9. Guessing he reads this board.

I get your argument for sure, but the team that Ced Henderson was on had legitimately no great offensive option outside of Tubelis. This Arizona team has two freshmen who are arguably star players and are at least somewhere between options 1 and 3 offensively for next year's team. Carter honestly was probably going to be roughly option 4 regardless. Do you think Arizona needs someone to compete as an alpha or do you think Arizona needs to land somebody to take on Carter's role (not exact role, but offensive option position)?

I want Bryant lol.

I cant predict incoming freshmen contributions worth a darn and Aristode is coming off injury. I’d be cool with a guard that can play the roll/continuity game and is a legit defender. Not sure we need an alpha in part because I have doubts Bryant would have been that guy. Could also use another “4” imo unless Awaka is sliding there some this season.

What are you thinking?

I'm not sure what the plan is. I have an inkling it's an international prospect, but part I still think a transfer makes the most sense due to experience. We no longer need a guy who can man the 4 behind Peat now that we've landed Gueye, as he can fill that role for us defensively, so we can be a bit more flexible in regards to what we want at that 3 spot.

[SunnyAZ]

Mike Luke says someone is going to commit Friday, I think it's probably a walk-on

[Hank of sb]

Again, are we even on Sarr at this point?

I dont think so.

For one, he is going to be expensive. Allegedly would take a booster step up for Arizona to be able to afford him, like 3 times + the booster step up for Love last season. Some folks still believe that he is NBA bound. Some ‘mo behind Illinois now that the Duke stuff has settled down but that doesn’t feel right. From 10,000 feet he checks almost all the Tommy Lloyd Arizona boxes however.

Well I assume we're sitting on at least $2MM or we wouldn't stand a chance to get Carter back.

[Winger]

I dont know that you can believe any of this; but the rumor for CB for this season was in the $1.25-1.50 mil range and the rumor for what its going to take to sign Sarr, assuming he doesnt go pro, is > $3 mil.

[pc in NM]

The Athletic addressed teams waiting on NBA Draft: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/632754 ... dailyemail

2025 NBA Draft stay-or-go decisions: 11 that loom large for 2025-26 college basketball season

By Jim Root

The call of the NBA is an ever-present threat for college basketball rosters. What can look like a stacked roster for next season could lose a surprising piece that undercuts a possible national championship contender.

Note: To illustrate the significance of each decision, we’ve included each team’s national ranking at BartTorvik.com with and without the player on the roster using Torvik’s Roster Cast tool, which allows you to alter teams’ roster constructions to see the impact of individual players.

5. Carter Bryant, Arizona

Torvik rank with Bryant: 4
Torvik rank without: 15

Like Florida, Arizona has two players testing the draft waters, with Jaden Bradley joining Bryant in that endeavor. Bradley is strongly expected to return, though, while the uber-talented Bryant feels like a true coin flip. He came on strong as Arizona’s season progressed; he logged 20-plus minutes just once in Arizona’s first 10 games, but he cracked that mark in 16 of the final 18 contests. In doing so, he displayed the kind of versatility and floor-stretching game that will make pro scouts pay attention.

That seemed like just the beginning for the high-upside forward. He was frequently deferential to Arizona’s veterans on the offensive end, registering the lowest usage in the team’s rotation. Should he return, he’s an obvious breakout candidate with more touches and shots headed his way. If he’s back for that potential star turn, Arizona will be in the Big 12 and national mix, but if not, the Wildcats will be in the second tier of both.

[Fishclamps]

I dont know that you can believe any of this; but the rumor for CB for this season was in the $1.25-1.50 mil range and the rumor for what its going to take to sign Sarr, assuming he doesnt go pro, is > $3 mil.

Yeah he's crazy expensive, its why most teams keep passing on him. Will be interesting to see where he finally lands and if he gets even close to the asking price.

[TucsonClip]

The Athletic addressed teams waiting on NBA Draft: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/632754 ... dailyemail

2025 NBA Draft stay-or-go decisions: 11 that loom large for 2025-26 college basketball season

By Jim Root

The call of the NBA is an ever-present threat for college basketball rosters. What can look like a stacked roster for next season could lose a surprising piece that undercuts a possible national championship contender.

Note: To illustrate the significance of each decision, we’ve included each team’s national ranking at BartTorvik.com with and without the player on the roster using Torvik’s Roster Cast tool, which allows you to alter teams’ roster constructions to see the impact of individual players.

5. Carter Bryant, Arizona

Torvik rank with Bryant: 4
Torvik rank without: 15

Like Florida, Arizona has two players testing the draft waters, with Jaden Bradley joining Bryant in that endeavor. Bradley is strongly expected to return, though, while the uber-talented Bryant feels like a true coin flip. He came on strong as Arizona’s season progressed; he logged 20-plus minutes just once in Arizona’s first 10 games, but he cracked that mark in 16 of the final 18 contests. In doing so, he displayed the kind of versatility and floor-stretching game that will make pro scouts pay attention.

That seemed like just the beginning for the high-upside forward. He was frequently deferential to Arizona’s veterans on the offensive end, registering the lowest usage in the team’s rotation. Should he return, he’s an obvious breakout candidate with more touches and shots headed his way. If he’s back for that potential star turn, Arizona will be in the Big 12 and national mix, but if not, the Wildcats will be in the second tier of both.

This is how I see it too, unfortunately

[dmjcat]

[U.P. Zona Fan]

https://247sports.com/college/florida/a ... 249556451/

This sounds fun!!

[Alieberman]

Auburn, Florida, UConn and UCLA...

Damn... Our SOS will not be an issue

[pc in NM]

A early season double hitter in Vegas - I'll be there!!

[Hank of sb]

After watching Dame Sarr's mixtape he looks like he'd be the best player on Arizona's squad.

Seriously.

Further, Kansas and North Carolina are now contacting Sarr so I imagine he'll get close to his requested money. He's also draft eligible but I don't know if it's too late for that.

He's different but he looks 'Cooper Flagg' good with better hops, defense is solid, handle is incredible and he shoots. He's an NBA player, IMO.

[Fishclamps]

Yeah man Sarr would be fun to have, but we're not gonna pay what he wants.

[NickyBCats]

Auburn, Florida, UConn and UCLA...

Damn... Our SOS will not be an issue

Don’t forget Bama as well and I also heard were trying to add one more game in Phoenix

[EastCoastCat]

I will pull a Merkin…

“That’s the way Lute used to schedule our non-conference games to better prepare the team for the Tourney in March.”

[Alieberman]

Auburn, Florida, UConn and UCLA...

Damn... Our SOS will not be an issue

Don’t forget Bama as well and I also heard were trying to add one more game in Phoenix

Holy crap... So we are basically playing against the top3 SEC schools from this past year?!!!!

[Hank of sb]

Yeah man Sarr would be fun to have, but we're not gonna pay what he wants.

Yes. And whoever gets him becomes top-4 all year long (whatever that's worth).

And then he'll advance his team in the tourney. For sure, Duke didn't win with their studs, but they won the eye test.

That said, I like Lloyd's guts with his scheduling.

And I like the way he's dealing with his budget.

What can you do? ( I guess we're next tier stuff).

Be interesting to see if St.John's can buy their way ($10 Mil+ NIL) into 'relevance.'

[Postmaster]

I will pull a Merkin…

“That’s the way Lute used to schedule our non-conference games to better prepare the team for the Tourney in March.”

You should always get permission before you pull a merkin.

[84Cat]

Scheer: Carter Bryant has been invited to the NBA Draft combine.

[dovecanyoncat]

I will pull a Merkin…

“That’s the way Lute used to schedule our non-conference games to better prepare the team for the Tourney in March.”

You should always get permission before you pull a merkin.

And after pulling a Merkin, the rehab is really important.

[AZCatGirl]

Love how Tommy is scheduling. Being battle tested helped us win that Oregon game IMO, so I'm happy we're keeping it up.

I don't know how we'll look without Carter, but if we can keep up that gritty boyz mindset we'll be in every game.

[Winger]

The Athletic addressed teams waiting on NBA Draft: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/632754 ... dailyemail

2025 NBA Draft stay-or-go decisions: 11 that loom large for 2025-26 college basketball season

By Jim Root

The call of the NBA is an ever-present threat for college basketball rosters. What can look like a stacked roster for next season could lose a surprising piece that undercuts a possible national championship contender.

Note: To illustrate the significance of each decision, we’ve included each team’s national ranking at BartTorvik.com with and without the player on the roster using Torvik’s Roster Cast tool, which allows you to alter teams’ roster constructions to see the impact of individual players.

5. Carter Bryant, Arizona

Torvik rank with Bryant: 4
Torvik rank without: 15

Like Florida, Arizona has two players testing the draft waters, with Jaden Bradley joining Bryant in that endeavor. Bradley is strongly expected to return, though, while the uber-talented Bryant feels like a true coin flip. He came on strong as Arizona’s season progressed; he logged 20-plus minutes just once in Arizona’s first 10 games, but he cracked that mark in 16 of the final 18 contests. In doing so, he displayed the kind of versatility and floor-stretching game that will make pro scouts pay attention.

That seemed like just the beginning for the high-upside forward. He was frequently deferential to Arizona’s veterans on the offensive end, registering the lowest usage in the team’s rotation. Should he return, he’s an obvious breakout candidate with more touches and shots headed his way. If he’s back for that potential star turn, Arizona will be in the Big 12 and national mix, but if not, the Wildcats will be in the second tier of both.

This is how I see it too, unfortunately

Its more difficult than ever to estimate team quality preseason but when I read the Athletic’s take my first thought was: too soon.

Dont they/you/we have to know who CB’s replacement is first?

It seems most folks are assuming a player of far lesser quality — accounting for the drop above from first to second tier (that’s a pretty big drop) — but what if he is replaced by someone of the same quality as say a Keyshad or a Larson?

We keep hearing that Arizona has an amazing backup plan (!!warning!!warning!!). What if that is in fact true?

Also, is CB more important than say Bradley learning how to control and finish off games? More important than Krivas becoming the monster he can be? More important than the freshmen becoming something close to what Duke’s freshmen were this season as opposed to the typical 8 and 4 in 22 minutes players they usually are? More important than Lloyd finding an assistant that can be what Fois was — the bad cop to Lloyd’s Eddie Haskell? (I dont know anything about the dude from UT ftr maybe he is that guy). Can any of these myriad newcomers defend at the level required to compete in the B12?

Is ADO going to start?

Imo “1st tier” is a big leap/stretch for Arizona given that we are replacing essentially everything save PG. But there seem to be a lot of questions aside from Bryant. And, Lloyd and Murph have had some time to work on this. I am probably being a homer “nothing to worry about here” Arizona fan with this but as good as I think CB could have been I dont put his loss/replacement as make or break.

Not yet.

[TheCat]

Another guy to help. Needs to gain weight but has a decent outside shot. South Sudanese big man Mabilmawut Kon Mabil committed to Arizona on Friday.

[Chicat]

Imo “1st tier” is a big leap/stretch for Arizona given that we are replacing essentially everything save PG. But there seem to be a lot of questions aside from Bryant. And, Lloyd and Murph have had some time to work on this. I am probably being a homer “nothing to worry about here” Arizona fan with this but as good as I think CB could have been I dont put his loss/replacement as make or break.

Not yet.

Lloyd needs guys with solid handles that are adept at creating shots for themselves and others. Our current roster doesn’t have a ton of that from what I can see (although I’ll admit I’m not well versed on how Burries and Aristode are in that respect).

My fear is that we just get developmental prospects from here out and we roll with a Bradley, Burries, ADO, Awaka, Krivas starting lineup and our 3/4 matchups just fucking kill us early in the season until Aristode and Peat start getting some major run.

[Winger]

Agree on your first sentence Chi. Especially given the offense Lloyd runs most often, which is designed to create mismatches and then, assuming you can recognize them real time - which is something most of his teams have struggled with - take advantage of the mismatch you have created. Something me and Clip (yes I am propping myself by claiming an association of idea with Clip, shame is something long lost on me as you know) have pined for for years now is not having a guy (or 2) on the roster that can create for himself when tish breaks down and - like for the Rebellion - the chances have run out. Is there 1 or more of those on this roster?

There is at least potentially 1. We saw Bradley when at his best, especially vs the better defensive teams we faced, at times kill folks with his ability to repeatedly drive and finish. Now, Cronin and Sampson in particular were able to take this away (Cronin during the game and Sampson before it started), but this is one facet that imv Bradley can use to help finish off games.

Dude becoming a legit PG is a major part of Arizona becoming a “1st tier” squad. Every bit as important as finding a legit replacement for Bryant.

If Bradley can become that guy, Arizona, and not Uzan and Houston, win the game in McKale as 1 example.

[Hank of sb]

________________________________________________

My fear is that we just get developmental prospects from here out and we roll with a Bradley, Burries, ADO, Awaka, Krivas starting lineup and our 3/4 matchups just fucking kill us early in the season until Aristode and Peat start getting some major run.

___________________________________________________________

In my book there's no way the starting five are NOT as follows:

Bradley
Burries
Aristode
Peat
Krivas.............................with Awaka, Gueye and ADO coming off the bench in that order.

There will will be plenty of time for ADO to mess up being the #8 man (unless he's acquired foot speed in the off-season).

In any event this lineup looks to me as a better squad than last year's team--potentially by far. Especially so if we have/get another guard coming for the money still left on the table.

[Fishclamps]

Isnt Peat supposed to be the most plug n play freshman we have this upcoming season? Feel like I'm not very worried about him.

[AZCatGirl]

Some easy games in-between our gantlet of a schedule:

[TucsonClip]

The Athletic addressed teams waiting on NBA Draft: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/632754 ... dailyemail

2025 NBA Draft stay-or-go decisions: 11 that loom large for 2025-26 college basketball season

By Jim Root

The call of the NBA is an ever-present threat for college basketball rosters. What can look like a stacked roster for next season could lose a surprising piece that undercuts a possible national championship contender.

Note: To illustrate the significance of each decision, we’ve included each team’s national ranking at BartTorvik.com with and without the player on the roster using Torvik’s Roster Cast tool, which allows you to alter teams’ roster constructions to see the impact of individual players.

5. Carter Bryant, Arizona

Torvik rank with Bryant: 4
Torvik rank without: 15

Like Florida, Arizona has two players testing the draft waters, with Jaden Bradley joining Bryant in that endeavor. Bradley is strongly expected to return, though, while the uber-talented Bryant feels like a true coin flip. He came on strong as Arizona’s season progressed; he logged 20-plus minutes just once in Arizona’s first 10 games, but he cracked that mark in 16 of the final 18 contests. In doing so, he displayed the kind of versatility and floor-stretching game that will make pro scouts pay attention.

That seemed like just the beginning for the high-upside forward. He was frequently deferential to Arizona’s veterans on the offensive end, registering the lowest usage in the team’s rotation. Should he return, he’s an obvious breakout candidate with more touches and shots headed his way. If he’s back for that potential star turn, Arizona will be in the Big 12 and national mix, but if not, the Wildcats will be in the second tier of both.

This is how I see it too, unfortunately

Its more difficult than ever to estimate team quality preseason but when I read the Athletic’s take my first thought was: too soon.

Dont they/you/we have to know who CB’s replacement is first?

It seems most folks are assuming a player of far lesser quality — accounting for the drop above from first to second tier (that’s a pretty big drop) — but what if he is replaced by someone of the same quality as say a Keyshad or a Larson?

We keep hearing that Arizona has an amazing backup plan (!!warning!!warning!!). What if that is in fact true?

Also, is CB more important than say Bradley learning how to control and finish off games? More important than Krivas becoming the monster he can be? More important than the freshmen becoming something close to what Duke’s freshmen were this season as opposed to the typical 8 and 4 in 22 minutes players they usually are? More important than Lloyd finding an assistant that can be what Fois was — the bad cop to Lloyd’s Eddie Haskell? (I dont know anything about the dude from UT ftr maybe he is that guy). Can any of these myriad newcomers defend at the level required to compete in the B12?

Is ADO going to start?

Imo “1st tier” is a big leap/stretch for Arizona given that we are replacing essentially everything save PG. But there seem to be a lot of questions aside from Bryant. And, Lloyd and Murph have had some time to work on this. I am probably being a homer “nothing to worry about here” Arizona fan with this but as good as I think CB could have been I dont put his loss/replacement as make or break.

Not yet.

Best case scenario, and team - IMO, is with Carter back. Without Carter, and seeing what is left in the portal, we're going 3 guards and that replacement seems likely to be a Euro. I'm all for the 3 guards, because I've been asking for years for more shot creators. There are some interesting Euros out there that I have seen. I'd be happy to get a legit 3rd guard, add shot creation and shooting/spacing, albeit lose the sky high ceiling on Carter, length, athleticism, Big 12 worthy defense, ect.

I just think the only way we were a legitimate title contender was keeping Carter and bringing in a 6th man guard. Not saying we can't win a title, and the roster looks far better to me than the one entering this season. I think we're gonna be good, 2 seed caliber, in the Big 12 hunt again. But the other iteration of those roster was legit 1 seed worthy.

[TucsonClip]

Imo “1st tier” is a big leap/stretch for Arizona given that we are replacing essentially everything save PG. But there seem to be a lot of questions aside from Bryant. And, Lloyd and Murph have had some time to work on this. I am probably being a homer “nothing to worry about here” Arizona fan with this but as good as I think CB could have been I dont put his loss/replacement as make or break.

Not yet.

Lloyd needs guys with solid handles that are adept at creating shots for themselves and others. Our current roster doesn’t have a ton of that from what I can see (although I’ll admit I’m not well versed on how Burries and Aristode are in that respect).

My fear is that we just get developmental prospects from here out and we roll with a Bradley, Burries, ADO, Awaka, Krivas starting lineup and our 3/4 matchups just fucking kill us early in the season until Aristode and Peat start getting some major run.

Yeah, I definitely hear you. And from what I've seen from Burries, he's gonna be really fucking good. Don't remember if I posted this here, but reminds me of a smaller Cade Cunningham. He has that feel for the game, shot making prowess, never gets sped up, awesome in ball screens, physical, high IQ, can make all the reads, ect.

[TucsonClip]

Agree on your first sentence Chi. Especially given the offense Lloyd runs most often, which is designed to create mismatches and then, assuming you can recognize them real time - which is something most of his teams have struggled with - take advantage of the mismatch you have created. Something me and Clip (yes I am propping myself by claiming an association of idea with Clip, shame is something long lost on me as you know) have pined for for years now is not having a guy (or 2) on the roster that can create for himself when tish breaks down and - like for the Rebellion - the chances have run out. Is there 1 or more of those on this roster?

There is at least potentially 1. We saw Bradley when at his best, especially vs the better defensive teams we faced, at times kill folks with his ability to repeatedly drive and finish. Now, Cronin and Sampson in particular were able to take this away (Cronin during the game and Sampson before it started), but this is one facet that imv Bradley can use to help finish off games.

Dude becoming a legit PG is a major part of Arizona becoming a “1st tier” squad. Every bit as important as finding a legit replacement for Bryant.

If Bradley can become that guy, Arizona, and not Uzan and Houston, win the game in McKale as 1 example.

Great minds... Lol

Bradley is obviously key, but I also think reloading with another guard (Burries) who can legitimately be a lead ball handler (like Love) was crucial. Adding a third shot creator takes even more load off him, allows him to pick his battles, reserve more for the defensive end, and get back to being an awesome 2 way guard.

One other thing I want to bring up, since you mentioned Uzan and Houston, and why I have always wanted another shot creator....

Not only does is rev up Lloyds offense with all those built in ball screens and empty corner PNRs. But it allows us to pull a Houston... We are going to play predatory basketball when we want. We are going to hunt your weak links, get them switched on the matchup we want, and abuse you until you adjust. This is what Houston did to ADO nonstop.

Even if we can't force a switch, our offense is designed to get those matchups in a PNR, and now you can't hide on an ADO, Carter, ect who struggle to get downhill and create in ball screens.

[Winger]

Agree on your first sentence Chi. Especially given the offense Lloyd runs most often, which is designed to create mismatches and then, assuming you can recognize them real time - which is something most of his teams have struggled with - take advantage of the mismatch you have created. Something me and Clip (yes I am propping myself by claiming an association of idea with Clip, shame is something long lost on me as you know) have pined for for years now is not having a guy (or 2) on the roster that can create for himself when tish breaks down and - like for the Rebellion - the chances have run out. Is there 1 or more of those on this roster?

There is at least potentially 1. We saw Bradley when at his best, especially vs the better defensive teams we faced, at times kill folks with his ability to repeatedly drive and finish. Now, Cronin and Sampson in particular were able to take this away (Cronin during the game and Sampson before it started), but this is one facet that imv Bradley can use to help finish off games.

Dude becoming a legit PG is a major part of Arizona becoming a “1st tier” squad. Every bit as important as finding a legit replacement for Bryant.

If Bradley can become that guy, Arizona, and not Uzan and Houston, win the game in McKale as 1 example.

Great minds... Lol

Bradley is obviously key, but I also think reloading with another guard (Burries) who can legitimately be a lead ball handler (like Love) was crucial. Adding a third shot creator takes even more load off him, allows him to pick his battles, reserve more for the defensive end, and get back to being an awesome 2 way guard.

One other thing I want to bring up, since you mentioned Uzan and Houston, and why I have always wanted another shot creator....

Not only does is rev up Lloyds offense with all those built in ball screens and empty corner PNRs. But it allows us to pull a Houston... We are going to play predatory basketball when we want. We are going to hunt your weak links, get them switched on the matchup we want, and abuse you until you adjust. This is what Houston did to ADO nonstop.

Even if we can't force a switch, our offense is designed to get those matchups in a PNR, and now you can't hide on an ADO, Carter, ect who struggle to get downhill and create in ball screens.

Yeah and it also opens up more of the back door/end line game that used to be such a staple of Lloyd’s offenses.

As was the rim running big (Tubelis in particular). And duckins (both Tubelis and Ballo masters of this art). Will we see these return in 2025-26?

But even with all of that, in close gritty games you need a legit PG (or combo) with a good feel for the game, an offensive set that cant be ignored (issue for Miller w TJMC, really his only limitation), and vision; to deliver points when possessions are at a premium.

During the season our fans noticed a propensity to kick winable games away at the end and attributed that to fatigue. Some of it might have been. And some of it might have been playing too many guys that were offensively limited. But a big part of it imo was not having a legit PG. It’s harder to observe something that isnt there than it is a mistake or a missed shot; but the lack of assists, shot attempts, mismatch creation, and in Bradley’s case dribble dives was a problem for Arizona.

Lloyd replaced Terry with Ced and Tubelis with Johnson. That’s your track record for Bryant. Hoping Lloyd can replicate that.

But I am fully prepared to see ADO in the starting lineup and his minutes upped this season.

And you’re most definitely not getting to 1st level with that.

[ChooChooCat]

If what I heard for possible CB replacements is accurate, I wouldn’t expect ADO to start, assuming Arizona wraps up one of the options.

[Chicat]

If what I heard for possible CB replacements is accurate, I wouldn’t expect ADO to start, assuming Arizona wraps up one of the options.

Hallelujah

[SunnyAZ]

Should go after this guy. Sure he's 22 and has already been draft eligible but he'd be the best player on the lol

https://x.com/gsole14/status/1919456371981828345

[Winger]

Word on new assistant Chappell:

Hungry. Aggressive. Confident. Looking forward to working with and elevating Bradley’s game in particular. Aggressive recruiter that knows how to play in the game, especially for Texas recruits, and especially around Houston. I will be watching for Texas-based prep commits to Arizona going forward. Motivated to win now. Sounds like he is well liked and respected by those in the business (limited/bottlenecked there a bit wrt sourcing). Don’t know if Miller tried to hire him (his staff is to date all dudes with Miller - Arizona - Xavier connections). I have the sense that he might be a bit like Fois in providing a bit of bad cop type motivation/coaching. He is in town now.