Bear Down Wildcats

Does Tobe Awaka remind anyone of Charles Oakley who played for the Knicks with Ewing

Chicat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:09 am

Alieberman wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:15 am As soon as we got into McKale last night and made our trek around to find our seats... something was different.... Everyone in white except many little pockets of yellow. I've been to many games at McKale... but I've never seen this many opposing fans. It was kind of shocking.

This shock continued as the game started going on. When Iowa St made a few good plays, you could hear people yelling, screaming and clapping. I have NEVER heard this before at McKale. Cat fans started looking around in confusion almost saying "What the fuck is this about?" I now understand what other fans feel when "Bear Down" breaks out in their arenas. But I felt this just gave Cats fans more reason to loud and rowdy.

You couldn’t hear it on TV because you guys drowned them out. Frascilla and Giambi talked about how many ISU fans there were but honestly you would have thought it was 100% Cat fans.

You all were LOUD. Maybe the loudest tip to whistle I’ve heard since the Aaron Gordon/TJ McConnell season. The roof sounded like it was about to come off. It was beautiful.

The crowd standing from 8mins to go in was vintage Mckale crowd. Freaking willed the team to bear down and win

Made me proud. And I was standing at home as well.

Merkin wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:22 am

Chicat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:09 am You all were LOUD. Maybe the loudest tip to whistle I’ve heard since the Aaron Gordon/TJ McConnell season. The roof sounded like it was about to come off. It was beautiful.

Someone posted this on FB.

From occupational health safety standards:

NIOSH would recommend limiting the 8 hour exposure to less than 85 dBA. At 100 dBA, NIOSH recommends less than 15 minutes of exposure per day.

Fishclamps wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:10 am Everyone talking about Love but the real MVP of that game for me was Awaka.

Guy is an absolute demon and unstoppable when allowed to play physical. He is 100% what we were hoping for when he transferred in, a hard nosed bruiser that will absolutely fuck you up if you piss him off.

Just perfect for the Big 12.

Hope he’s ready to eat come Houston.

We’ll need him

Today is just a bit brighter in my life

Thank you CATS

To me, there’s 3 most memorable, big play, UofA moments. Last night with Love, Miles Simon’s heave to beat Cincy, and the Hill Mary in football. Watched the first two on TV and was there for the Hill Mary. Wish I could have been there last night. An amazing, intense, physical game.

We have a damn good defense!

Djcat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:01 am Only criticism is Tommy allowing Delly to start in the second half and letting him stay till the under 16 time out. Literally lost the lead and put us against our backs. It was clear to even the casual fans that Delly can’t guard any of the ISU players and add to the fact he was getting nothing on offense, a total liability. Not to mention his very suspect handles.

Agreed. What I dont understand is that Lloyd KNOWS ADO can't play in this game. You could predict his 12 minutes. He had no chance and isn't a part of a meaningful rotation in a game like this. So why start him to begin both halves? This is and always was a game for KJ. Starting ADO was downright idiotic and almost cost the Cats the game (what what his +/-? Minus 10 or more?). Would be my first ? to Lloyd in the postgame presser.

As idiotic was Veesaar's 3 to end the 1st half. I about puked on the ISU fans in front of me when he let that go. WTF was that? The Cats had just given up a bucket trimming their newfound 9-point lead to 7, and rather than running the clock down and taking a reasonable shot as the half expired (maybe a TO here next time Tommy tho I get that isnt what you do) he jacks a semi-contested 3 from 4 feet beyond the arc with like 23 seconds to go in the half leading to a made 3 on the other end as time expires. 9 point lead down to 4. Terrible. And the worst thing is he did the same thing at the end of UCLA (twice).

Arizona won this with its defense and rebounding. I was worried about our guards being able to handle the ISU defense after that 1st possession TO by Bradley but other than making a few more silly TOs we handled the ISU defense pretty well imo. Especially Arizona's steals. ISU doesnt turn the ball over much (37th nationally) and almost never has a non-steal TO (9th nationally) so this was big --> 13 steals as a part of their 18 TOs.

Awaka's 12 boards were huge but so was his 5-6 from the line and his 17 points and all around dogness. KJ had 8 boards, 6 assists, and got to the line 9 times (tho if he never takes another 3 I would be happy -- he has made 1 3FG since Dec 7th).

Best game in McKale history?

This type of game and win can change a season….

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:27 am
Best game in McKale history?

I've been to plenty of games at McKale when AZ was ranked 1,2... top 10.... playing other top 10 teams....but IMO... last night's game, watching unranked AZ, topped them all.

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:31 am This type of game and win can change a season….

Especially if they cut that player who, according to you "SUCKS SO BAD" eh?

Fishclamps wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:10 am Everyone talking about Love but the real MVP of that game for me was Awaka.

Guy is an absolute demon and unstoppable when allowed to play physical. He is 100% what we were hoping for when he transferred in, a hard nosed bruiser that will absolutely fuck you up if you piss him off.

Just perfect for the Big 12.

Eugene 2.0

IrishAzCat wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2025 11:45 pm Here is a wider version:

svp on sportscenter last night: "hold up, we're not going to dirtbags yet!"

84Cat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:26 am I don't know why everyone is shocked about the ISU fans. We are in the middle of snowbird season and people in the midwest love their college sports. I have an uncle in Nebraska that has a house in Lincoln just to go to games, especially football games. Small farming towns my relatives lived in would practically shut down for football games. Car traffic would be 10% of the norm.

they mentioned the snowbirds during the broadcast, but someone on socials also said there were a lot of young cyclone fans at mckale last night. that was kind of surprising - i guess when i think of snowbirds, i imagine old people overwintering in AZ and other warm climes, but not so much younger adults.

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:43 am

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:31 am This type of game and win can change a season….

Especially if they cut that player who, according to you "SUCKS SO BAD" eh?

Opinions are like butthole, we all have one and they stink.

Sorry my comment triggered you so much, but I stand by my conviction that we live and die by Caleb. The Caleb love experience. It is what it is.

Before he hit that shot yesterday, he stunk. Hitting that shot doesn’t change that he shot selection and decision making is suspect more often than not.

Don’t let my opinion let you stop root root root for the home team.

From the ASU SID, probably a big factor in why there were so many at both games in Arizona.

The Arizona cardinals effect wrt away fans

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:27 am Starting ADO was downright idiotic and almost cost the Cats the game (what what his +/1? Minus 10 or more?).

ADO is a perfect example on what matador defense is. They can make a coaching video on him. Can't remember seeing a defensive player running after his man so many times.

I would have thought his +/- was around -10 too, but looking it up after the game it was only -3.

Townsend had the worst +/- at -6. Made some poor offensive decisions in the paint, and often had to cover that much bigger player. And a good example of why most coaches don't have the center covering the guard throwing the ball in.

Awaka was at 0, everyone else was positive. Figure that. I think Veesaar was in the teens.

+/- almost always never seems to make sense for a player or two every game, but it's fun to use if it benefits your opinion

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:31 am This type of game and win can change a season….

i hope so, bc the back half of the conf schedule looks a lot tougher than the first half. not to be a downer or anything; just hoping to see the team peak, and not battered & worn down, by march

Alieberman wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:40 am

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:27 am
Best game in McKale history?

I've been to plenty of games at McKale when AZ was ranked 1,2... top 10.... playing other top 10 teams....but IMO... last night's game, watching unranked AZ, topped them all.

To me it's really close to the Florida game.

Chicat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:09 am

Alieberman wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:15 am As soon as we got into McKale last night and made our trek around to find our seats... something was different.... Everyone in white except many little pockets of yellow. I've been to many games at McKale... but I've never seen this many opposing fans. It was kind of shocking.

This shock continued as the game started going on. When Iowa St made a few good plays, you could hear people yelling, screaming and clapping. I have NEVER heard this before at McKale. Cat fans started looking around in confusion almost saying "What the fuck is this about?" I now understand what other fans feel when "Bear Down" breaks out in their arenas. But I felt this just gave Cats fans more reason to loud and rowdy.

You couldn’t hear it on TV because you guys drowned them out. Frascilla and Giambi talked about how many ISU fans there were but honestly you would have thought it was 100% Cat fans.

You all were LOUD. Maybe the loudest tip to whistle I’ve heard since the Aaron Gordon/TJ McConnell season. The roof sounded like it was about to come off. It was beautiful.

I'm honestly surprised the TV didn't pick them up because they were so loud I thought for sure ESPN would laugh at us for opposing fans taking over. I guess they were mostly in my section. I was impressed with how organized their chants were and how respectful they were. They even made some funny jokes like, "Get off your knees ref you're blowing the game!". They also took some fun shots about how we're not in the Pac 12 anymore, but I'm not sure they realized just how happy we are to be in a real basketball conference now lol. Fun group and I'm glad to know how many of them live up near Tempe so they can annoy ASU fans forever.

Also, these are crazy rankings:

dirtbags wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:01 am

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:31 am This type of game and win can change a season….

i hope so, bc the back half of the conf schedule looks a lot tougher than the first half. not to be a downer or anything; just hoping to see the team peak, and not battered & worn down, by march

I’m salivating for Kansas, Houston, Iowa st part 2 along with the rest.

We’ll know where we are after and if we can get some wins and stay healthy, be battle hardened for March.

Can’t wait.

So much better then pac12 schedule

Fishclamps wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:58 am +/- almost always never seems to make sense for a player or two every game, but it's fun to use if it benefits your opinion

Agreed it is a lousy metric for hoops and esp for 1 game.

What I was thinking was, with ADO starting:
1. Arizona went down X number of points to begin the 1st half when he was in.
2. Arizona coughed up its 4-point halftime with him in.
3. He didn't play much aside from those 2 runs.
4. ADO was 0-3 on 3FG, didn't attempt a FT, no boards, 1 TO to 2 AST -- i.e. didn't do anything offensively to make up for it.

EDIT:
Looked it up:
1. With ADO starting the first half Arizona was outscored 8-4 when he was subbed out.
2. With ADO starting the second half Arizona was outscored 12-9 when he was subbed out.
So: the Cats with ADO starting the halves were -7.



Brothers and I were taking greatest games in McKale history.

Closest one I can remember was 1991 Ariz #9 vs Duke #7 double OT win, Sunday midday nationally televised game. Fight b/w Olson and coach k at midcourt. k was so pissed he said in the presser postgame that Duke would never come back to Tucson.

Also had the McMiracle but that trails these 2 imo.

Wow…

That’s a hot take PC.

I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:29 am

Fishclamps wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:58 am +/- almost always never seems to make sense for a player or two every game, but it's fun to use if it benefits your opinion

Agreed it is a lousy metric for hoops and esp for 1 game.

What I was thinking was, with ADO starting:
1. Arizona went down X number of points to begin the 1st half when he was in.
2. Arizona coughed up its 4-point halftime with him in.
3. He didn't play much aside from those 2 runs.
4. ADO was 0-3 on 3FG, didn't attempt a FT, no boards, 1 TO to 2 AST -- i.e. didn't do anything offensively to make up for it.

EDIT:
Looked it up:
1. With ADO starting the first half Arizona was outscored 8-4 when he was subbed out.
2. With ADO starting the second half Arizona was outscored 12-9 when he was subbed out.
So: the Cats with ADO starting the halves were -7.



Brothers and I were taking greatest games in McKale history.

Closest one I can remember was 1991 Ariz #9 vs Duke #7 double OT win, Sunday midday nationally televised game. Fight b/w Olson and coach k at midcourt. k was so pissed he said in the presser postgame that Duke would never come back to Tucson.

Also had the McMiracle but that trails these 2 imo.

One game.

In his PT in the first half, the Cats were playing very sloppy, making TO's. He made one bad inbounds pass for his single TO. He also often was handling the ball in PG position, and kept it moving well.

He was getting destroyed by Jefferson when isolated - but so was Bryant when he replaced him in the second half.

Falling behind was NOT solely ADO's fault.

So, when do you think he should play.

Are you recommending a 7-man rotation instead?

What is your solution?

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am Wow…

That’s a hot take PC.

I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

You mean like Steve Kerr did against OU in the Final Four??

IMNSHO, a mature sports fan feels disappointment when his/her team or player underperforms. And, it's not uncommon for a new player not living up to expectations, and disappointment results for the fan...

But when disappointment is converted to disrespect, anger, etc., by the disappointed fan, that reflects on the character of the fan, not at all upon the player! That's what's happening to you.

azcat49 wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:14 am Does Tobe Awaka remind anyone of Charles Oakley who played for the Knicks with Ewing

Good call on this

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

I went back and looked at some UNC posts when Love missed 19 shots against Kansas in the natty including the 3 that would have tied the game. Saying Love sucks is a Mother Theresa comment compared to some of those comments. And in truth, probably the beginning of the end for the Love era there. The following season they were preseason #1, and for various reasons didn't even make the NCAA tourney, and Love received the brunt of the negative comments. Don't recall too many tears from NC when he left.

But Fran made a great comment on how much his teammates love him. That was great to hear. I wasn't thrilled when he came back, but who do the Cats have that can do that?

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:45 am One game.

So, when do you think he should play.



What is your solution?

When Arizona plays teams like ISU it is every game.

Witness his 4 min vs Duke, 14 min vs UCLA, 11 min vs TCU, and 13 min vs OSU; to go with last night's 12 minutes. Even his 20 min vs TTech and Cinci hold here.

By not playing ADO vs athletic, long, strong, and good on perimeter the teams Lloyd is confirming for you my take that he can't play.

The, quite obvious, solution is to not start him, and play him as little as possible vs these kinds of opponents.

You ok with giving a team like ISU 7 free points on account of starting ADO? That is playing with fire given all the additional issues this squad has. I have zero clue what Lloyd is doing/thinking here and that is why this would be the first question I'd ask him in a presser.

Did you know that ADO neither started nor played not 1 second in OT last night?

Why do you think that was?

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:46 am

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am Wow…

That’s a hot take PC.

I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

You mean like Steve Kerr did against OU in the Final Four??

IMNSHO, a mature sports fan feels disappointment when his/her team or player underperforms. And, it's not uncommon for a new player not living up to expectations, and disappointment results for the fan...

But when disappointment is converted to disrespect, anger, etc., by the disappointed fan, that reflects on the character of the fan, not at all upon the player! That's what's happening to you.

So so triggered.

I guess we found the booster that payed 1million solely contingent on Love’s return.

Merkin wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:04 pm

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

I went back and looked at some UNC posts when Love missed 19 shots against Kansas in the natty including the 3 that would have tied the game. Saying Love sucks is a Mother Theresa comment compared to some of those comments. And in truth, probably the beginning of the end for the Love era there. The following season they were preseason #1, and for various reasons didn't even make the NCAA tourney, and Love received the brunt of the negative comments. Don't recall too many tears from NC when he left.

But Fran made a great comment on how much his teammates love him. That was great to hear. I wasn't thrilled when he came back, but who do the Cats have that can do that?

This is a reasonable take, and one I 100%agree with

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:05 pm

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:45 am One game.

So, when do you think he should play.



What is your solution?

When Arizona plays teams like ISU it is every game.

Witness his 4 min vs Duke, 14 min vs UCLA, 11 min vs TCU, and 13 min vs OSU; to go with last night's 12 minutes. Even his 20 min vs TTech and Cinci hold here.

By not playing ADO vs athletic, long, strong, and good on perimeter the teams Lloyd is confirming for you my take that he can't play.

The, quite obvious, solution is to not start him, and play him as little as possible vs these kinds of opponents.

You ok with giving a team like ISU 7 free points on account of starting ADO? That is playing with fire given all the additional issues this squad has. I have zero clue what Lloyd is doing/thinking here and that is why this would be the first question I'd ask him in a presser.

Did you know that ADO neither started nor played not 1 second in OT last night?

Why do you think that was?

Why don't you note each time ADO gives an opponent "free points" - good discussion topic.

I'm content to let CTL determine the sequence of player rotation.. I do believe we need AT LEAST 8 players in that rotation.

BTW, what is Arizona's record since ADO become a starter?? It's 10-1

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:36 pm Why don't you note each time ADO gives an opponent "free points".

BTW, what is Arizona's record since ADO become a starter?? It's 10-1

This board's server doesn't have the bandwidth for me to post every instance where ADO has given Arizona's opposition free points.

Good point on the 10-1 record.

Guessing that would be part of Lloyd's answer to my question regarding why the F he starts him versus opponents he knows he can't play against.

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:17 pm

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:46 am

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am Wow…

That’s a hot take PC.

I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

You mean like Steve Kerr did against OU in the Final Four??

IMNSHO, a mature sports fan feels disappointment when his/her team or player underperforms. And, it's not uncommon for a new player not living up to expectations, and disappointment results for the fan...

But when disappointment is converted to disrespect, anger, etc., by the disappointed fan, that reflects on the character of the fan, not at all upon the player! That's what's happening to you. FUCK YOU!

So so triggered.

I guess we found the booster that payed 1million solely contingent on Love’s return.

You shouldn't use words that you don't understand.

I've expressed this type of sentiment since the '80's. The first player I defended against such behavior was Kenny Lofton; that happened in the stands, confronting another asshole for disrespecting an Arizona player.

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:42 pm

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:36 pm Why don't you note each time ADO gives an opponent "free points".

BTW, what is Arizona's record since ADO become a starter?? It's 10-1

This board's server doesn't have the bandwidth for me to post every instance where ADO has given Arizona's opposition free points.

Good point on the 10-1 record.

Guessing that would be part of Lloyd's answer to my question regarding why the F he starts him versus opponents he knows he can't play against.

That idea of "starts him versus opponents he knows he can't play against" would be a valuable real-time discussion topic. I maintain that ADO brings a lot to the table that doesn't get captured in stats. He's a good check against too much standing and dribbling.

And, I readily agree that he has defensive weaknesses, though I believe they are overstated most of the time. But, Bryant has similar weakness too, at present.

I really like KJ and Bryant coming in off the bench, too.

For me it's all about having a viable 8-man rotation. And, I think we have that now.

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:45 pm

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:17 pm

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:46 am

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am Wow…

That’s a hot take PC.

I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

You mean like Steve Kerr did against OU in the Final Four??

IMNSHO, a mature sports fan feels disappointment when his/her team or player underperforms. And, it's not uncommon for a new player not living up to expectations, and disappointment results for the fan...

But when disappointment is converted to disrespect, anger, etc., by the disappointed fan, that reflects on the character of the fan, not at all upon the player! That's what's happening to you. FUCK YOU!

So so triggered.

I guess we found the booster that payed 1million solely contingent on Love’s return.

You shouldn't use words that you don't understand.

I've expressed this type of sentiment since the '80's. The first player I defended against such behavior was Kenny Lofton; that happened in the stands, confronting another asshole for disrespecting an Arizona player.

Using in more appropriate manner than your pop psychology to analyze a message board rando.

Your crusade to protect the lil feelings of adults playing big boy ball are quite trite. Caleb Love gives two shits what I think, so should you.

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:05 pm

By not playing ADO vs athletic, long, strong, and good on perimeter the teams Lloyd is confirming for you my take that he can't play.

The, quite obvious, solution is to not start him, and play him as little as possible vs these kinds of opponents.

My thoughts on why to keep ADO starting- We must ALWAYS have 2 of 3 of Love, Bradley and KJ on the court at ALL times

We saw early on in the season when Tommy was still trying to figure out what he was working with, that whenever he experimented with having 2of those 3 out of the lineup- we were a complete disaster. By starting ADO, it helps with spacing out the rest between those 3 so we are never in a position where 2 of them need to be on the bench.

It was obvious very quickly that last night's game was not an ADO game and there will certainly be more in the future. But there will also be games later this year that we will win because of his hot shooting.

I say keep doing what we are doing... I'm seeing improvement almost every game.

I don't get why some people must always hate on certain players

Podcast culture has ruined things I guess

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:46 am IMNSHO, a mature sports fan feels disappointment when his/her fellow poster on a forum underperforms. And, it's not uncommon for another poster not living up to expectations, and disappointment results for the fan...

FIFY in preface for ....

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:46 am But when disappointment is converted to disrespect, anger, etc., by the disappointed fan, that reflects on the character of the fan, not at all upon the poster! That's what's happening to .... whom?

You do recognize a mirror, don'tcha mate?

Alieberman wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 1:08 pm

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:05 pm

By not playing ADO vs athletic, long, strong, and good on perimeter the teams Lloyd is confirming for you my take that he can't play.

The, quite obvious, solution is to not start him, and play him as little as possible vs these kinds of opponents.

My thoughts on why to keep ADO starting- We must ALWAYS have 2 of 3 of Love, Bradley and KJ on the court at ALL times

We saw early on in the season when Tommy was still trying to figure out what he was working with, that whenever he experimented with having 2of those 3 out of the lineup- we were a complete disaster. By starting ADO, it helps with spacing out the rest between those 3 so we are never in a position where 2 of them need to be on the bench.

It was obvious very quickly that last night's game was not an ADO game and there will certainly be more in the future. But there will also be games later this year that we will win because of his hot shooting.

I say keep doing what we are doing... I'm seeing improvement almost every game.

I would really rather see KJ start but if he’s determined to come off the bench then ADO is really our only option. Bryant can’t defend the SF without getting in foul trouble so if he starts then you know teams will go right at him and then he’s on the bench early.

I would love to know the psychology of the “come off the bench” player. And if I was Lloyd I’d have KJ at the scorer’s table about six seconds after the opening tip to sub in for ADO against any team of any substance.

We need ADO out there for a few minutes to try and stretch the D. He's our best outside shooter, and when he's hitting, the offense is more than efficient enough to make up for his defensive struggles. When ADO isn't hitting his shot, like last night, he's too much of a defensive liability. But it's worth starting ADO every game and the half to try and loosen up the opposing D. The other shooters we have are either streaky like Love, or average at best.

Awaka was a beast last night. His best game, by far, in an Arizona uniform. And when we needed him the most.

Arizona made history with upset of third-ranked Iowa State

https://zonazealots.com/arizona-made-hi ... H9iKQ_vceA

Arizona's thrilling 86-75 win over third-ranked Iowa State on Monday night was the first time the Wildcats beat a top five-team at home while being unranked since 1979. Unranked Arizona upset third-ranked UCLA 70-69 at McKale Center in 1979.

AzCatFan2 wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 1:43 pm Awaka was a beast last night. His best game, by far, in an Arizona uniform. And when we needed him the most.

Thanks to the refs, even Tony Padilla, who let them play. Like Awaka said after the game, once there was a lot of contact beginning of the game and no foul calls, he decided he is going for it every time.

He definitely deserved MVP for a complete game beginning to end. Love was only good offensively the last 5:01. Although his intensity was really high on defense.

AzCatFan2 wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 1:43 pm We need ADO out there for a few minutes to try and stretch the D. He's our best outside shooter, and when he's hitting, the offense is more than efficient enough to make up for his defensive struggles. When ADO isn't hitting his shot, like last night, he's too much of a defensive liability.

I really doubt ADO is going to get a lot of open looks from now on. Just keep a player in his face since he can't create his own shot.

One play they could have called for ADO, which would have been a great end of regulation play, was the play the ISU coach called to end the first half. Even Fran was impressed with that play.

But no, Veesaar had to chuck up a 3 with 26 seconds left in the game, and 20 seconds on the shot clock to make that play impossible. No doubt that shot will come up when they review the video today since it gave ISU plenty of time to setup a good play instead of having 6 seconds.

Merkin wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:13 pm I really doubt ADO is going to get a lot of open looks from now on. Just keep a player in his face since he can't create his own shot.

I agree, against tough competition I don't know that ADO is going to be getting the looks like he was getting vs Colorado. If he weren't struggling on the defensive side then I could see him getting some opportunities with kick-out threes off drives from the guards.

He seems to struggle handling the ball on the perimeter under heavy pressure.

Merkin wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:04 pm

CalStateTempe wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:40 am I remember it when Caleb shoots us out of a tourney game again.

I went back and looked at some UNC posts when Love missed 19 shots against Kansas in the natty including the 3 that would have tied the game. Saying Love sucks is a Mother Theresa comment compared to some of those comments. And in truth, probably the beginning of the end for the Love era there. The following season they were preseason #1, and for various reasons didn't even make the NCAA tourney, and Love received the brunt of the negative comments. Don't recall too many tears from NC when he left.

But Fran made a great comment on how much his teammates love him. That was great to hear. I wasn't thrilled when he came back, but who do the Cats have that can do that?

That’s nice to hear.

Love was also quoted after the game saying that he will be adding the 3/4 court shot to his repertoire and feels comfortable taking 2 to 3 of those every game!

MrKyle wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:24 pm

Merkin wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:13 pm I really doubt ADO is going to get a lot of open looks from now on. Just keep a player in his face since he can't create his own shot.

I agree, against tough competition I don't know that ADO is going to be getting the looks like he was getting vs Colorado. If he weren't struggling on the defensive side then I could see him getting some opportunities with kick-out threes off drives from the guards.

He seems to struggle handling the ball on the perimeter under heavy pressure.

Agree. He doesn’t need to handle the ball. He should be running his ass off to get open looks ANYWHERE on the court, be it a 3 or an open spot where he can take a 2.

Chicat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 1:33 pm

Alieberman wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 1:08 pm

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:05 pm

By not playing ADO vs athletic, long, strong, and good on perimeter the teams Lloyd is confirming for you my take that he can't play.

The, quite obvious, solution is to not start him, and play him as little as possible vs these kinds of opponents.

My thoughts on why to keep ADO starting- We must ALWAYS have 2 of 3 of Love, Bradley and KJ on the court at ALL times

We saw early on in the season when Tommy was still trying to figure out what he was working with, that whenever he experimented with having 2of those 3 out of the lineup- we were a complete disaster. By starting ADO, it helps with spacing out the rest between those 3 so we are never in a position where 2 of them need to be on the bench.

It was obvious very quickly that last night's game was not an ADO game and there will certainly be more in the future. But there will also be games later this year that we will win because of his hot shooting.

I say keep doing what we are doing... I'm seeing improvement almost every game.

I would really rather see KJ start but if he’s determined to come off the bench then ADO is really our only option. Bryant can’t defend the SF without getting in foul trouble so if he starts then you know teams will go right at him and then he’s on the bench early.

I would love to know the psychology of the “come off the bench” player. And if I was Lloyd I’d have KJ at the scorer’s table about six seconds after the opening tip to sub in for ADO against any team of any substance.

For as well as our interior defense played, I agree that Carter, Vesaar and others get called for fouls because they’re perimeter defense is lacking. Get wide, slap up on the ball and stay on the balls of your feet.
I’m still concerned that Stephens needs playing time, so that he can learn to play D and rebound, if we want to make a deep run in the tournament.
Great win last night. Awaka played to his strengths last night and hit a free throw line jump shot too…..we need more of that!

Pelle spoiled us. A foreign player who exceled at playing the wing, who could shoot, dribble, and play terrific defense.

But gotta admit, Lloyd suffering from huge drop offs at the 3, 4, and 5, same 2, and a PG who is at best a combo, he has done an amazing job.

But then again, outside of the Krivas injury, failures in recruiting do fall on the head coach.

I think Love's shot was luck but his defense on ISU top scorer that just got 33 at ASU was just hard fn work and helped when KJ came in. This victory was a team victory. Tobey and KJ played unbelievable but so did Bryant on offense. Total team victory as pointed out by CTL.

TheCat wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 4:57 pm I think Love's shot was luck but his defense on ISU top scorer that just got 33 at ASU was just hard fn work and helped when KJ came in. This victory was a team victory. Tobey and KJ played unbelievable but so did Bryant on offense. Total team victory as pointed out by CTL.

Love is a 2-edged sword. He is an enigma. When he is hot the Cats are unbeatable. But when he is cold we can be beat by anybody. Still, even when he is cold he plays hard. I just wish he had more basketball IQ. If he did we may be talking about a 1 seed. But he plays hero ball way too much to the teams detriment. I do want him with the ball at the end of a game, but he is no Larry Bird. He is just as likely to lose the game as win it. Still, he is willing in stressful situations. He drives me crazy.

Merkin wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:44 pm Pelle spoiled us. A foreign player who exceled at playing the wing, who could shoot, dribble, and play terrific defense.

But gotta admit, Lloyd suffering from huge drop offs at the 3, 4, and 5, same 2, and a PG who is at best a combo, he has done an amazing job.

But then again, outside of the Krivas injury, failures in recruiting do fall on the head coach.

Sometimes you have down years or misevaluations. At the moment he's poised to bring in one of Arizona's best recruiting classes ever. And then who knows if those players pan out.

He does seem at least to be able to help develop the players he ends up with (as long as they stick around), which to me is more important.

Winger wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:05 pm

pc in NM wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:45 am One game.

So, when do you think he should play.



What is your solution?

When Arizona plays teams like ISU it is every game.

Witness his 4 min vs Duke, 14 min vs UCLA, 11 min vs TCU, and 13 min vs OSU; to go with last night's 12 minutes. Even his 20 min vs TTech and Cinci hold here.

By not playing ADO vs athletic, long, strong, and good on perimeter the teams Lloyd is confirming for you my take that he can't play.

The, quite obvious, solution is to not start him, and play him as little as possible vs these kinds of opponents.

You ok with giving a team like ISU 7 free points on account of starting ADO? That is playing with fire given all the additional issues this squad has. I have zero clue what Lloyd is doing/thinking here and that is why this would be the first question I'd ask him in a presser.

Did you know that ADO neither started nor played not 1 second in OT last night?

Why do you think that was?

Did you mention he was in with 2.3 seconds left? Why do you think that was? Because he shoots threes at one of the highest clips in the country. Someone like that has no value do they?

Winger you profess to be some type of person that at least has some basic knowledge of basketball. Ever hear of a situational player? He was brought here to shoot threes against a zone defense. Isn't that what everyone said we needed? Merk is right about his defense. Maddening at times, and especially bad last night.

Your take on our coach was also proved to be questionable when he was appointed the head of the USA under 19 team. You questioned his ability to coach when USA basketball found it acceptable. Maybe you're right I don't know but the people that are suppose to be the tops of the profession found him acceptable.

Just a hint. Don't expect perfection, understand limitations and have some respect for the individuals that are giving more to this university that you ever will.

Find some joy in things and not fault in everything. Last night was a lucky win but it had some great basketball by both teams and the game could have gone either way. I see it for what it is....guys struggling to be their best whether that is good enough or not. Love's biggest shot was not the one that got us to overtime, it was the two he took in overtime and made. Love didn't win this game it was a complete team effort. Not everyone was perfect but they all played hard.