Arizona Men's Basketball

[JMarkJohns]

Never been so disappointed to win by just 35 while giving up just 25 points.

This game had 70-15 written all over it.

Fuckin' walkons!

Oh well.

[JMarkJohns]

I wish I had a way to watch this game.

Bar?

Try online streaming. Frontrow, I think...

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Game shouldn't be this close against a shitty Washington team.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Looks like Nick Johnson is becoming that go to scorer I was saying we don't have. He's out of control today.

[Xylus]

Damn, 15-0. Best start for Arizona since 1931-32, hard to believe.

Next matchup on the road against UCLA, a team that scores with the best of them. 13th in PPG, 2nd in field goal percentage (.522).

[JMarkJohns]

16-0, tied for best start in program history.

Trounce USC, please.

[Venti Quattro]

:cry :cry :cry fuck you all :cry :cry :cry

[JMarkJohns]

#1 in Kenpom statistical rankings. First time in program history, despite being 8th all-time in weeks spent as Poll #1.

[Xylus]

Doesn't get much easier in these upcoming weeks.

@USC
vs ASU
vs #15 COLO
vs UTAH (didn't expect to include this one, but these guys can play)

[JMarkJohns]

Good.

I hate dominating week conferences. I'd rather have 3 losses and play a top-25 SOS than 1 loss and have an SOS of 50 or worse.

I like that six teams will make the tournament.

[JMarkJohns]

While you all were sleeping, Miller was securing the commit of 6-2, 190 CG Tyler Dorsey. The 5-star, SoCal recruit is regarded as a top-5 player overall and arguably the best scorer in the 2015 class. He's also a willing and capable lead guard, often compared to Jerryd Bayless and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Keeps that Arizona flag planted in SoCal.

As ranked currently, the fourth class in a row the top California recruit picked Arizona.

[JMarkJohns]

http://youtu.be/H-7nPlHjhiQ

Crafty. Kind of reminds me of Goran Dragic at times with the hesitation dribbles, up/pass fakes, spins, and floaters.

Hopefully he grows to 6-4 or so.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

2015 might be his biggest class yet. Depending on who stays/leaves this year, the 2014-2015 team has the potential to be one of those teams with 4-5 first round picks in the following draft and openings at every position.

[JMarkJohns]

If I had to guess, I think Ashley and Tarc stay this season. I don't think both go. I can't say same for Johnson, who is likely to be picked apart as a senior.

Ideal 2014/15 lineup:

PG: McConnell, Jackson-Cartwright, (Allen)
SG: N.Johnson, York, (Allen)
SF: Hollis-Jefferson, S.Johnson
PF: Ashley, Victor, (S.Johnson)
C: Tarczewski, Ashley, (Victor)

If that was the roster, I see five 1sts in Johnson, RHJ, Johnson, Ashley, Zues, and a 2nd in McConnell.

2015 ideal then becomes:

PG: PJC, Allen, Dorsey, (Simon)
SG: Dorsey, York, Allen
SF: (Simon/Smith), Pitts
PF: (Rabb), Victor
C: (Comanche/Zimmerman)

It would be very young. Hopefully either Jefferson or Stanley return for another season.

Ideal 2015 class for me is:

PG: Simon
SG: Dorsey
SF: Smith, Developmental Wing
PF: Rabb, Developmental Big
C: Comanche or Zimmerman (unlikely)

All names are top-25 players at present. All list Arizona amongst top-2/3.

I'd say Arizona favorite to land Rabb, Comanche, and has strong shot with Smith and was the favorite for Simon, but Dorsey could hurt as both are combo-wings.

[Xylus]

I am so fucking excited about Dorsey.

About to be 17-0. Finally, we pick up a few wins in LA.

[JMarkJohns]

Word is Dorsey already recruiting bigs to Arizona for 2015. Already sent messages to former teammates Rabb and Zimmerman.

Word also Arizona was a few weeks away from landing a commit from 5-star, 6-5 PG Justin Simon, the other top guard in California. Dorsey pulled trigger first. Would be nice if Miller could convince both to play at Arizona, but word is it was likely an either/or.

Good win. Sloppy 1st, but really solid 2nd.

Seems the pattern.

It's nice where 5-stars are competing for AZ commits. Would be nicer if they opted to team up, but it says a lot that two 5-star guards in UCLAs turf both favored Arizona to the point one expedited his commit to get the scholarship.

First true scorer at SG Arizona has had since Salim.

[JMarkJohns]

Gordon named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for 2013.

More incredible news soon to follow. Stay tuned!

[JMarkJohns]

Always a good night when ASU loses by 20+!

[JohnnyMax]

Gordon named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for 2013.

Wiggins and Embiid are not from USA so they cannot win the award

[JMarkJohns]

Wiggins and Embiid are not from USA so they cannot win the award

What of it? Lots of good players don't play for USA Basketball.

But lots more do.

[JMarkJohns]

Various coaches scouting on how Arizona plays, how they beat you, what you need to do to hang in there with them, and why it's been so damn hard to beat them thus far: http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye-on-college-basketball/24411021/scouting-title-contenders-arizona-wildcats

I got the sense a few of the quotes came from Duke, Michigan, and San Diego State.

[JMarkJohns]

Colorado. Even without Dinwiddie, they'll give us a game.

[Xylus]

Even though we controlled the game throughout, I felt like this was one of our weakest performances defensively.

I haven't check the stats, but Colorado thrived in the paint despite our length.

[JMarkJohns]

Miller's true recruiting whiff was not offering Xavier Johnson. Xavier reminds him every game they play.

Good game, not great, well, beyond the whole 18-4 lead early. One of the best spurts all season.

[JMarkJohns]

Colorado talks mad shit for a team that played like shit for 30 minutes. Granted, Arizona stopped playing with five minutes left and let a 20-point lead slip to a 12-point win, allowing Colorado to chisel 3 points off the halftime deficit and thus feel like they "won" the half, but Arizona was up 15-20 the entire game five minutes into the game.

[JMarkJohns]

I hate fucking Utah!

[JMarkJohns]

Utah at home will not be a pushover. That's one of my trap games for Arizona.

This one game in two weeks has allowed them to get healthy. Gotta have the size prepped for the LA schools next week in LA.

Yep... Granted, with the Colorado win being such a pushover, Utah maybe even became more of the focus, but I knew this game after Colorado and before NorCal roadie would be a tough game.

Wouldn't be surprised to see the post-ASU, pre-Colorado @Utah game be a loss.

Utah is sort of a less talented, but maybe more aggressive version of Arizona.

[JMarkJohns]

Stanley Johnson named to McDonald's All-American roster.


Game day... Stanford has length and can shoot. They'll likely play zone to attempt to defend Arizona. Gotta make the open three, but attack the offensive glass. I want another 15+ offensive rebound game if the zone is played for extended minutes.

Can't look ahead to Cal. Short week from Sunday evening game to Wednesday night game.

[Xylus]

The Wildcats can't get anything going offensively, but they've completely tightened up the D. I've counted 4 blocks in the last 2 minutes.

[JMarkJohns]

Gordon needs to step back and takes what's given.

Solid three-point shooting.

Outrebounded first time, I think.

Our defense is elite elite.

[Xylus]

Our defense is dissssgusting, but our offense has been sputtering as of late. Gordon looked scared to take jumpers, teams are learning how to defend us (pack the paint, it's not like Gabe York is going to kill you)...

[JMarkJohns]

Fuuuuuuuuucccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!

Ashley getting X-rays. Not good.

[JMarkJohns]

Boot and crutches. Hearing fears of a fracture.

Mother fucker!!!!

[Xylus]

What happened??

[JMarkJohns]

Came down on defenders foot, but foot didn't roll or buckle. Immediately screamed and went down.

[ThePop]

:lmao

[Xylus]

Before the game, I had a feeling Cobbs was going to kill us tonight, but I didn't really expect that.

21 straight, the streak is finally over. :cry

[Xylus]

Pretty awful night for Arizona hoops. Lost our starting PF and our #1 seed. The former is obviously much worse.

[JMarkJohns]

Shitty way to lose.

Had their chance and blew it.

Still no definitive word on Ashley.

Doubt the loss hurts the polls too much, but losing Ashley could.

Just as important, Johnson fucked up his wrist.

Have to see.

[JMarkJohns]

Miller said its likely a break and possibly a bad one!

Fuck...

I could punch Grant Jerrett in the face for being a fucking selfish dimbass to slum it for 19K in Tulsa.

Piece of selfish shit walked out the door with all Arizona's depth.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Speaking of Jerrett, I read one of the most retarded articles the other day about how he's doing things :crythe right way:cry by busting his ass for peanuts as a D-league scrub :lmao

[Venti Quattro]

:lmao Arizona

[JMarkJohns]

Boot and crutches. Hearing fears of a fracture.

Mother fucker!!!!

Fuck!


:lmao

Fuck you!


Speaking of Jerrett, I read one of the most retarded articles the other day about how he's doing things :crythe right way:cry by busting his ass for peanuts as a D-league scrub :lmao

Fuck that scrub!


Pretty awful night for Arizona hoops. Lost our starting PF and our #1 seed. The former is obviously much worse.

Fuck this night!


:lmao Arizona

Fuck you, too!


Fuck, I'm out!

[Robz4000]

CROFL

Sucks about Ashley tho, hope it isn't as serious as they think.

[JMarkJohns]

He's out 4-10 weeks.

Best case 4-6

Likely 6-8

Worst 8+

There's a break. Severity is only unknown.

And fuck you for beating Cal and pissing them off! Usually teams feast off your shitty team and get fat and happy!

Fuck, I've gone full tilt...

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

God dammit, now they have no depth whatsoever. Rondae better be ready to step up.

[JMarkJohns]

Word came down during the Super Bowl, but Ashley is going to need surgery, and barring a miracle, is done for the season.

Definitely a huge loss offensively. His touch and range have bailed UA out a lot. Defensively and on the boards he can nicely be replaced by Jefferson and Gordon getting a few extra minutes, and Korcheck seeing about 8-10 a night behind Tarc.

Jefferson will get Ashley minutes, York will get Jefferson minutes, and Pitts/Mayes will vie for 10-12 a game.

Biggest hit is to chemistry.

But as much as this hurts, in a few areas it helps a bit.

Still not ideal and a huge tragedy for the kid.

Likely means he returns for Junior year, now, though.

[JMarkJohns]

Gordon named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for 2013.

More incredible news soon to follow. Stay tuned!

The incredible news was released today, but Sean Miller joins Donovan's staff to coach Under-18 USA Basketball. This is huge! Big in for recruiting, and when Donovan maybe replaces K as USA coach, Miller will have a shot at being head coach.

[JMarkJohns]

Nice to have a big win. Freshmen really stepped up.

Big game at McKale North, at ASU on Friday, win, and with Syracuse finally having a tough road game at Pitt, maybe #1 is within reach.

[Robz4000]

Could it happen?...

[Robz4000]

God damn ASU has some retards on the team this year.

:lol neither team can hit a FT

[Robz4000]

God damn its tough watching college basketball.

[Robz4000]

:lol Gordan

Hit your damn FTs ASU

[Robz4000]

:lmao ASU can't run a PnR to save their lives

[Robz4000]

Marshall!

[Robz4000]

Marshall! Game's not over though, retards.

[Robz4000]

ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU! ASU!

[JMarkJohns]

Congrats. Marshall went off and Arizona could hit a shot when it mattered.

Losing Ashley has destroyed all efficiency in this offense.

[Girasuck]

SHIT

[JMarkJohns]

I thought you had it late 2nd.

How much you pay the refs to foul Gordon out so quick? ;)

[Xylus]

Damn, we needed a win like this pretty badly.

[JMarkJohns]

That was a perfect win. Foul trouble and all.

The game on one big screen, the fights on the other.

Beautiful...

[Xylus]

On the same night as Cuse's second loss, too!

[JMarkJohns]

Yep. While at the bar I watched Cuse go down, Boeheim lose his mind, Arizona rout Colorado on the road, Rousey win.

Perfect sports night.

[JMarkJohns]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g122/MainEvent5/840451710_zpsdd328066.gif (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/MainEvent5/media/840451710_zpsdd328066.gif.html)

Kid can fly...

[Xylus]

A lot of good takeaways from this game against Cal:

*The offense looks as good as it has all year.
*Gordon's confidence is back. Not afraid to take shots, attacking aggressively, no hesitation.
*Nick Johnson had the play of the year, as far as I'm concerned. Cobbs went in for a gimme layup, Nick comes skying in from behind him, blocks the shit out of the layup, gets the ball back immediately, rushes down court, and drops a no-look pass to a cutting Rondae for the dunk. Fucking awesome.
*Surprisingly, Miller is running a deeper rotation now with Ashley out. Extended minutes for Pitts, who had a few great hustle plays.
*Starting York has paid dividends.
*Fuck Cal

[JMarkJohns]

York needs to find his range but I'll take his rebounding and passing.

Starting to think with a bounce or two, a cut net or three might still be a possibility.

[JMarkJohns]

Big weekend for senior day. Multiple recruits attending. 2015 5-stars Justin Simon and Chase Jeter will unofficial, and 2014 International Dusan Ristic is bringing his entire family in what is expected to be his commit weekend. Ristic is 7-0, 240 and is considered a top-10 international NBA prospect, mocked already as a late it's in the 2015 draft by Givony at draft express. If he were part of the 2014 rankings, he'd likely be a 30-40 range prospect just outside 5-star. He was Co-MVP of International Jordan Brand game, and is widely considered one of the best up-n-coming skill players in Europe. Soft hands, strong post moves, but long wing span allows him to contest many shots without leaving his feet.

He'd be a very good addition:

PG: Parker Jackson-Cartwright (top-45)
SG: Kadeem Allen (top JuCo player in country)
SF: Stanley Johnson (top-10)
PF: Craig Victor (top-30)
C: Dusan Ristic (top-3 international for class)

Add that to a returning McConnell, Ashley, likely Johnson, possible Jefferson, and Maybe Tarc.

If this, then it's preseason #1:

MConnell, PJC
NJohnson, York/Allen/Pitts
Jefferson, SJohnson
Ashley, Victor
Tarczewski, Ristic

I expect a transfer, and at least one early defection from above though, likely York/Jefferson.

[JMarkJohns]

Thanks to UCLA losing at home to Oregon, Arizona can clinch regular season title on senior night, while three top-40-type prospects are on campus.

Stanford is playing well, but they should be motivated to clinch. Opportunity to make a huge impression on two west coast 2015 prospects collecting offers from Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, etc. Gotta convince them to stay west.

[JMarkJohns]

I started the post above and it was an 8 point lead with 30 seconds.

Just looked. 1 point game, 6 seconds, UCLA ball.

Geez...

[JMarkJohns]

Unfuckingbelievable...

Tied. Going OT. Shit.

[JMarkJohns]

Thanks to UCLA losing at home to Oregon, Arizona can clinch regular season title on senior night, while three top-40-type prospects are on campus.

Stanford is playing well, but they should be motivated to clinch. Opportunity to make a huge impression on two west coast 2015 prospects collecting offers from Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, etc. Gotta convince them to stay west.

Ok, now this applies.

[JMarkJohns]

2014 PAC-12 Champions

#WhereWasLarryScott?

[Robz4000]

Smh Arizona

[JMarkJohns]

Smh Arizona

Oregon made threes down the stretch at home they'll never make again anywhere else. Got NBA Jam hot and it never stopped.

Sucks, but the defense was actually very good (lowest Oregon score all season) and had multiple opportunities to push leads beyond 10 before missing a few FTs and Oregon getting hot. Not the end of the world.

Last week they crushed three tournament teams by like 23 PPG on average.

Shit happens. Especially in a meaningless game.

[Robz4000]

Oregon made threes down the stretch at home they'll never make again anywhere else. Got NBA Jam hot and it never stopped.

Sucks, but the defense was actually very good (lowest Oregon score all season) and had multiple opportunities to push leads beyond 10 before missing a few FTs and Oregon getting hot. Not the end of the world.

Last week they crushed three tournament teams by like 23 PPG on average.

Shit happens. Especially in a meaningless game.

Could cost y'all a #1 seed tbh.

[JMarkJohns]

#1 overall, probably, but not #1 West.

Three top-40 RPI losses on the road don't cost you. Not when every team is losing, and you have the strongest overall résumé. Likely still #1 in RPI, Sagarin, Kenpom, BPI, top-7 SOS, wins 5 wins vs RPI top-30, 10 wins vs RPI top-60.

Not even Florida can match that, and winning the SEC this year is not nearly as impressive as the PAC-12.

They need to win a game or two in the PAC-12 Tourney, but even a late loss shouldn't strip them from the West's top seed.

[JMarkJohns]

Jerry Palm, noted bracket analyst, says Arizona is still tops out west, and doesn't even have to win the conference tournament to stay that way. Additionally, should they win their tourney, it puts them back in contention for #1 overall seed.

Arizona is his second #1 right now.

[Girasuck]

Hopefully we show up to play Wed against Washington cause I'd like to see one more Utah/Arizona game this year.

[JMarkJohns]

Utah in first game scares me more than UCLA or Oregon in Title game.

Congrats to:

Nick Johnson, PAC-12 Player of Year
Aaron Gordon, PAC-12 Freshman of Year
Sean Miller, PAC-12 Coach of Year

In as crazy a year as it's been in college, Arizona was ranked no lower than 6th all season. Ranked top-5 from week 3 onward.

[JMarkJohns]

Hopefully we show up to play Wed against Washington cause I'd like to see one more Utah/Arizona game this year.

You got it...

[JMarkJohns]

That was a nice win.

[Girasuck]

lol

Trust me...we really aren't THAT bad.

[JMarkJohns]

Oh, I know you're not the worst team in the history of the PAC tournament.

[JMarkJohns]

Collision course with UCLA in Title game.

Arizona has beat two RPI top-60 teams it's last two games by a total of 52 points, holding two offensively efficient teams to 27% from the field overall, setting all sorts of defensive records in the process.

UCLA is a different type of offensive monster, but their defense is woeful and Arizona is a buzzsaw right now. Should be a great test for the tournament.

[Venti Quattro]

Let's go Bruins

[DJ Mbenga]

ucla will need the wears to show up cause johnson and gordon can d up adams and anderson in the half court. if they can rebound consitently they can run for early offense. get killed on the boards and its over, arizona gets to set up its defense, and their meh offense gets multiple shots to score. lavine cant play like a bitch tomorrow, for arizona york is gonna have to make open shots, hes gonna get them.

[JMarkJohns]

UCLA players are chomping at the bit. Might want to prove their point too much.

[JMarkJohns]

Horrible start...

[JMarkJohns]

Shit...

Defense played terrible first 10 minutes and incredible last 30. Wasn't enough. Can't allow a team as talented as UCLA to shoot 80% for 10 minutes.

[Killakobe81]

Let's go Bruins

Yeah buddy!

[lefty]

lol fergits

[IronMaxipad]

:flag::lobt2::flag:

[Venti Quattro]

Yeah buddy!


lol fergits


:flag::lobt2::flag:

:lmao :lmao :lmao

:tu

[Xylus]

JMark,

You hearing anything about which players are staying or going?

I assume Gordon is gone. Worried about Hollis-Jefferson.

[JMarkJohns]

I heard three months ago Johnson was on the short list of players McDonough wound consider with Pacers 1st. This was then confirmed via Gambo a few weeks later. Since this point it's widely been assumed he'd go. Just two weeks ago DraftExpress had him late first, last week early 2nd. Either is True, I think he'd go. But this wasn't how this season was supposed to end. He knows it. Might not be enough, but he's genuinely torn.

Last week:

Gordon 100% gone
Johnson 80% gone
Jefferson 65% gone
Tarczewski 50% gone

This week, after Johnson's shot left him and he failed twice in the closing second Saturday, and after Tarczewski was benched as an athletic and rebounding liability, and after Jefferson played great, and factoring in the disappointment:

Gordon 100% gone
Johnson 55% gone
Jefferson 50% gone
Tarczewski 10% gone

If I had to guess, Tarczewski and one of Johnson or Jefferson stays. No idea which. Jefferson has most to gain upon return, Johnson the most to lose, but Johnson understands the significance of Arizona basketball. I doubt he wants that end scene.

[JMarkJohns]

A little more clarity.

Johnson is 90% gone. He has received word that five to six teams late 1st would draft him/will draft him. These teams include Suns, Spurs, Thunder, Heat, Clippers, Rockets. All like his athleticism, defense, his pedigree (nephew of Dennis Johnson), his three-year offensive progression that indicates coachability, work ethic, ability to evolve.

Gordon is flying up draft boards, pegged by many now as a top-5, some top-3, with one GM saying if his team gets #1, he's drafting Gordon. Compared Him to a hybrid of Shawn Marion and Blake Griffin, citing frame that can add weight, elite athletic, rebounding, defense, and passing skills for position, and an improving dribble-drive/spot-up game.

Jefferson and Tarczewski are almost certainly returning along with Ashley.

This is very likely to happen:

PG: McConnell (r-sr), PJC (fr)
SG: S.Johnson (fr), York (jr)/Allen (t-jr)
SF: Jefferson (so), Pitts (so)
PF: Ashley (jr), Victor (fr)
C: Tarczewski (jr), Ristic (fr), Korcheck (r-sr)

Now, here's where things get interesting.

There's still one scholarship open. Word is they are looking to bring in a tradition transfer big who'll redshirt this next season and provide valued upperclassman experience the year after when Ashley/Tarczewski/Jefferson have all gone pro (more than likely). Word is they already have an eye on someone looking to transfer closer to California home and who has toiled on a shitty basketball team for several years and wants to be part if a winner.

Additionally, there's rumblings York's mentors want him to transfer to a school where he'll play PG. No word if York will. He told them no last offseason, but he has to know he is only a role player at Arizona in what would be his junior and senior years. Pitts looks fully capable of actually stealing his minutes, and Kadeem Allen is national JUCO player of the year.

Lastly, there's word if York does transfer (or Jefferson opts to go pro), Arizona will look to add a graduate transfer for scoring depth on wing. This might allow Pitts or Allen to redshirt.

That's what I'm hearing.

Gordon = Gone
Johnson = Gone
Jefferson = Stay
Ashley = Stay
Tarczewski = Stay
York = Transfer ???
Transfers In = 1, maybe 2

[JMarkJohns]

Today:

Gordon to NBA
Johnson to NBA
Jefferson to return
Tarczewski to return

[JMarkJohns]

Today:

Gordon to NBA
Johnson to NBA
Jefferson to return
Tarczewski to return

Yep. Sucks Nick is gone, but in all honesty, a return would have stunted his or other players growth, and Stanley/Jefferson/Allen might just be a more complementary trio than Johnson/Jefferson/Johnson. Still only one ball.

Look for a transfer or two in the next few weeks. One incoming. One outgoing.

[JMarkJohns]

Simon says?

In a few weeks!

[JMarkJohns]

Kid couldn't even contain his excitement to wait...

Simon says: Arizona!

2015 5-star, top-15 overall Justin Simon, a 6-5 PG/Wing has committed to Arizona.

Arizona's 2015 class now consists of:

5-Star PG, Justin Simon (6-5, 185)
5-Star SG, Tyler Dorsey (6-4, 200)

Arizona will host 6-8, 230 PF Ryan Anderson, transfer from Boston College. He's a traditional transfer, will sit out next year, then have one year to play in 2015. Averaged 15-7 in the ACC last year. From California, and Arizona is considered the favorite to secure his commit this weekend. Be a great comparable to what Ashley would produce as a Senior.

Big week to be a Wildcat fan!

[JMarkJohns]

Ryan Anderson has committed to Arizona.

2015, as of now:

Jackson-Cartright (SO 4*, Top-30), Allen (SR 4*, #1 JuCo)
Dorsey (FR 5*, Top-10), York (SR 4*, Top-50)
Simon (FR 5*, Top-15), Pitts (JR 4*, Top-100)
Anderson (rSR 4*, Top-50), Victor (SO 5*, Top-30)
Ristic (SO 4*, Top-50)

Still in great position for 2015:

PF: Ivan Rabb, 6-11/220, 5*/#1 Overall
SF: Ray Smith, 6-8, 200, 5*/Top-20
C: Chance Comanche, 6-10/230, 5*/Top-25

This season was supposed to be a down year...

[JMarkJohns]

Nick measured 6-1.5 without shoes, with 6-7.5 wingspan.
Also made over 50% in every shot drill, for 61.5% overall.

Aaron measured 6-7.75 without shoes, with 6-11 wingspan. Nearly identical to Griffin in all measurements, save for weight.

Agility/Athleticism drills tomorrow.

Nick going for 50" max vertical. Had 47+ entering fall semester.

[JMarkJohns]

Recently re-ranked Tyler Dorsey, 2015 SG, has opted to decommit from Arizona. Word is his camp wants him to play PG, so while the 6-4, 180 top-10 SG committed to AZ as a SG, he decommits now after slipping to the 4-star, 25-40 overall range in most rankings after spending a year trying to be a PG.

Brief hiccup to the class, and while a loss, it's hardly a hit that will sink anything, and since my guy says it was Miller's call to sever ties, I'll trust the rumors of Dorsey being a player who'd keep other players away are true.

Look for 5-Star Allonzo Trier (6-4, 180), an elite shooter and gunner who just announced Arizoba amongst his favorites and who will play his senior year at Wildcat factory Findlay Prep. The 5-star, top-20 talent is a SG who knows he's a gunner, plays off the ball, but can slash. He is currently amongst the USA Basketball Under18 roster and is likely getting an earful about UA from 2015 stud commit Stanley Johnson, and, his USA coach, Arizona's Sean Miller.

PG: Simon (6-4, 195) - 5-Star
SG: Trier (6-4, 180) - 5-Star
SF: Smith (6-7, 190) - 5-Star

This has a great chance of being the wings.

Then Arizona will push hard for:

PF/C: Ivan Rabb (6-11, 220) - 5-Star/Top-3
C: Chance Comanche (6-10, 230) - 5-Star

This is the plan, and word is, cutting ties with Dorsey helps with Smith, Rabb, Comanche, plus at least one 2016 5-Star guard as well.

[JMarkJohns]

Gordon #4 to Magic
Johnson #42 to Rockets

Jahiisus goes undrafted for ASU.

[JMarkJohns]

5-Star, possible Top-10 overall SF Ray Smith has committed to Arizona. Legit NBA athlete with length and range, improving handle/slashing, and phenomenal physical traits for pack-line wing defense.

PG: Justin Simon (6-5, 185) 5*
SF: Ray Smith (6-7, 190) 5*

Look for 5* prospects Chance Comanche and Alonzo Trier to join in the coming months, if not weeks (especially Trier).

[JMarkJohns]

August brings everything after: Duo will become a trio!

Simon, Smith meet, oh so many stars...

And still more to shine in 2015.

Might be the first class of Millers that bests Calipari's!

[JMarkJohns]

It's all happening!

[JMarkJohns]

Look for 5* prospects Chance Comanche and Alonzo Trier to join in the coming months, if not weeks (especially Trier).


August brings everything after: Duo will become a trio!


It's all happening!

Top-10, 5-star SG Allonzo Trier (6-5, 180) has committed to Arizona.

The recently named Top Scorer in his class, Trier is often compared to Ray Allen. Strong athlete who just has a nose for scoring, he can elevate and stroke it from any spot on the floor, but is also a true scorer, putting defenses on their heels, getting to the FT line, attacking the rim to open up lanes/shots for teammates.

With the commit Arizona now holds commitments from a trio of NBA prospect wings, and can now spend the entire year focusing on big men like Chance acomanche and Ivan Rabb.

Trier gives Arizona the scorer it has lacked since Williams left, and best scoring wing since Salim Stoudamire.

Big time!!!

I'm going to take a Chance and say another month, another commit... September is just around the corner.

[JMarkJohns]

Possible commit on the horizon?



There's at least a Chance...

[tlongII]

Beavs are finally going to be good again. Not this year, but next year. Top 10 recruiting class. :smokin

[JMarkJohns]

Excited to see OSU and USC make some strides, plus get Cal steadied with UCLA, Oregob, Colorado and Stanford.

Still Arizona's conference, but I like most of the coaching additions in recent years.

I'd be nice to be 7/8 deep again.

[JMarkJohns]

Chance Comanche (6-11, 205), 2014 4-star C has committed to Arizona.

Despite a recent slip in ranking from borderline top-25 to a top-40ish, Chance's upside is that of NBA level, assuming he puts on strength and continues to develop, he has an awful lot of Channing Frye to his game. Fluid athlete, skilled, but very weak right now, but thankfully Arizona has created multiple professionals in the frontcourt from Williams to Jerrett, to Gordon, to a few internationals, to several upcoming, so they know how to turn weakness into strength.

Likely a three year to four year player. Spot minutes early.

[JMarkJohns]

With a top-5 class already, Sean Miller now has the luxury of recruiting just four players to finish out the current top overall 2015 class. First to commit, gets the Scholarship and likely closes out the stellar class.

Priorities
5-Star, top-5 - Ivan Rabb, C, 6-10/220...
5-Star, top-10 - Caleb Swanigan, C, 6-9/255...
5-Star, top-15 - Stephen Zimmerman, C, 6-11/225...
5-Star, top-20 - Carlton Bragg, PF, 6-9/235...

Miller has recruited Rabb the hardest, Zimmerman the longest, and is squarely in on the wide open recruitments of Swanigan and Bragg. Rabb is California's top prospect, and is part of the AAU monster Oakland Soldiers. Miller has owned these criteria the last 4 years. Zimmerman has seen a recent rejuvenation in Miller's focus, and the interest is mutual - to a degree. Long rumored to either Duke, Kentucky, UCLA, or hometown UNLV, Arizona has stuck it out and remains among his top options. Swanigan is currently in the Midwest, but is from Utah, so he's not afraid to move across the country. Won't decide until late spring, but he's hosted Miller for an in-home, so it's a legit interest. Bragg is the curious spectacle here. Very talented, maybe most ready for immediate impact. Lots of Derrick Williams to his game. Linked to Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio State, Arizona has quickly crept into his favorites.

No guarantee they get any player, but I'd not put money against one of these players topping off and securing Arizona a top-3, if not top overall class.

[JMarkJohns]

The early #1 recruiting class in the country was locked up this week:

PG: Justin Simon (6-5/190) 5-Star, Top-20
SG: Allonzo Trier (6-4/180) 5-Star, Top-10
SF: Ray Smith (6-7/185) 5-Star, Top-15
C: Chance Comanche (6-11/225), 4-Star, Top-40

Hosted Top-10 C Caleb Swanigan for Red/Blue game a few weeks back, and hosted Top-15 C Stephen Zimmerman just this last weekend. Will host Top-5 PF/C Ivan Rabb for rivalry game vs. ASU in January.

Lots of talk 5-Star, Top-15 2016 PF TJ Leaf will be deciding within the week. True National recruitment with Florida, Duke, Michigan and UCLA all competing with Arizona for the sharp-shooting, athletic big. The Tea Leaf says to feel good about chances!

[JMarkJohns]

1-0

Ashley with 21 points, 6 rebounds in first game back from last season's ending injury!

Gonna be a great year.

[JMarkJohns]

2-0

Bench has depth. Need to develop it.

[JMarkJohns]

Lots of talk 5-Star, Top-15 2016 PF TJ Leaf will be deciding within the week. True National recruitment with Florida, Duke, Michigan and UCLA all competing with Arizona for the sharp-shooting, athletic big. The Tea Leaf says to feel good about chances!

Tomorrow

[JMarkJohns]

Tomorrow

Today


5-Star, Top-10 for 2016 PF, TJ Leaf (6-10, 220) has committed to Arizona.

[JMarkJohns]

3-0

Hollis-Jefferson turning into a helluva player.

[JMarkJohns]

6-0 after winning the Maui Invitational, defeating #15 San Diego State 61-59 to take the Title.

Stanley tourney MVP. 3 games in 3 nights really tested chemistry, stamina, and focus.

[Xylus]

6-0 after winning the Maui Invitational, defeating #15 San Diego State 61-59 to take the Title.

Stanley tourney MVP. 3 games in 3 nights really tested chemistry, stamina, and focus.

I had to follow the box score for this one. SDSU plays us so tight every time. It seemed like the lead never extended to anything more than 2 points for either team until the final few minutes of the game when Arizona built a small cushion. Must have been 40 lead changes.

I read a stat that in SDSU's last 42 games, they are 0-3 against Arizona, and 36-3 against all other opponents.

[JMarkJohns]

I fully expect the committee to be assholes and match us up in the Sweet 16 or Elite 8 again.

Aztecs are a lot like Arizona last year. If they find a consistent shooter, they'll be incredibly tough come March.

Arizona has two more yardstick games upcoming, home vs. Michigan, and neutral-home vs. Gonzaga.

Gotta grow up fast!

[JMarkJohns]

7-0 heading into Saturday's matchup vs. #9 Gonzaga.

Gotta play best defense of the year.

[Xylus]

Seems like every game this year the score's been tight a few minutes into the 2nd half, and then they just turn on the jets for the last 10-15 minutes and bury the opponent. Let's hope we do that against Gonzaga.

[JMarkJohns]

7-0 heading into Saturday's matchup vs. #9 Gonzaga.

Gotta play best defense of the year.

8-0, after OT win vs. #9 Gonzaga.

Held Zags to roughly 20 points fewer than season average, roughly 15% below their shooting percentages, and to just 1 FG and 5 total points while forcing 6 turnovers the final 4 minutes of regulation and all of overtime.

Next week's matchup with Michigan just lost its sheen, but this win and the SDSU win are fuckin Elite 8 quality.

[Xylus]

Our offense looks just as bad as last year, though.

[JMarkJohns]

Advanced metrics say it's top-10 in country.

Against a top-10 team, AZ today shot 45% FG, 35% 3FG, and for most of the game they were near 38% from range.

Not perfect, but the slower pace, more deliberate offense makes things appear worse than stats bare out.

[JMarkJohns]

10-0

Beatdown of Michigan, trolling the crap out of them in the process with a celebration of Pac-12 COY, Rich Rodriguez, a "RichRod" chant, and game ball dedication to the formerly fired ex-Michigan coach.

[JMarkJohns]

11-0...

Road trip coming up. @UTEP and @UNLV

[JMarkJohns]

12-0 after a true bitch of a road game at UTEP.

Floyd three 7 different defensive schemes at Arizona.

Another tough road game at UNLV who'll be out for blood after losing close last season.

[JMarkJohns]

Shed the blood it was out for...

First non-conference loss in three years.

Bad loss. Not sure how Arizona allows 2 players to score like 45 points.

[Girasuck]

Ok boys...biggest game in the Pac-12/10 in at least a decade.

[tlongII]

It's all about the Beavs baby!

[Xylus]

GIMME DAT PAC-12 TITLE

[JMarkJohns]

Holy fucksnacks! Arizona got Ayton!

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