Arizona Men's Basketball

[JMarkJohns]

I have no idea if DoK will ever make it back to the boards, but I know there are several other Arizona Wildcat fans on the board, as well as several Pac-10 rivals who'll likely pop in from time to time.

While not news, it's imperative to restate just how incredible a coach Sean Miller is. He walked into a situation not unlike Indiana's mess and immediately coached up some players, many of which were freshman. They fell a single win short of 20 wins in his first season, despite 7-9 rotation players being underclassmen, most of whom were very lowly ranked.

What is news is the extent to which Miller can recruit. He did well enough at Xavier, but was always going to be limited with what he could do. He walked into Arizona, whose cupboard was essentially bare and immediately pulled in a top-15 class. After a slight down class in 2010, or, a class that more closely resembled what he would bring in at Xavier, he rebounded, bringing in a top-10 class thus far for 2011 with two consensus 5-star wings in PG Josiah Turner and SG Nick Johnson and a top-50/55 PF/C in Sidiki Johnson. They are in on another highly regarded PF/C prospect as well for 2011.

Today, however, Miller stepped it up yet again. With today's commitment of 2012 PF/C Grant Jarrett (6-9, 220), Miller not only beat out the likes of Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky out east (all offered, were listed as heavy recruiters) and UCLA and Texas out west for the consensus top-15 player, Miller just brought in UAs highest ranked post-player ever.

To add to this impact, UA also received the verbal commit from Eric Cooper, Jr., a highly thought of PG/SG prospect for 2013. He's the son of former UA great Eric Cooper. He's coming off a knee injury, but was thought to be in contention for a 5-star ranking coming into high school, is already 6-2 and his coach says is still growing.

In his 19 months as head coach of Arizona, Miller has signed two 5-star prospects, five 4-star and has received verbals from another two 5-star players for classes going forward. Outside of Kentucky, I'm not sure there's been such an impressive span for any program, especially considering the situation coming in. Also considering Miller has never been linked to any impropriety in his coaching tenure.

Arizona's future is as bright as it's ever been. Crazy to think what Miller could do with the extra two scholarships lost due to Olson's mishandling of the Cactus Classic.

Sucks that they appear to be on verge of losing to #6 Kansas, but the fact they battled back from a 16-point deficit to take a 2nd-half lead is encouraging. Derrick Williams had a monster game despite foul trouble against the Morris twins, with 27 points, 8 rebounds on 9-15 shooting. Game completely changed when Williams picked up his 4th foul.

[WalterSobchak]

I haven't really kept much track of AZ since Lute called it a career. Not to mention, living out in Sin City kinda made me a UNLV fan. Basketball program only. UNLV has a god awful football program!

[JMarkJohns]

I haven't really kept much track of AZ since Lute called it a career. Not to mention, living out in Sin City kinda made me a UNLV fan. Basketball program only. UNLV has a god awful football program!

It's a good time to take notice of them again. Newly signed Oregon prospect Jabari Brown is the starting SF on the same AAU squad (Oakland Soldiers) as newly signed Arizona commits PG Josiah Turner and SG Nick Johnson. Oregon is trying to make some headway on that squad as they are one of if not the best AAU team in the country. Arizona already has an in with 2012 PF/C Brandon Ashley, and new AZ commits Grant Jerrett and Eric Cooper are rumored to be linked to future versions of the squad, so it'll be a tough safe to crack, but they have an in themselves.

I have it on good authority that Williams will be back for a junior year, which should mean AZ is Elite-8 competitive, at least.

Oregon has some potential. With that Nike backing for their facilities, they'll be an easy sell to several elite prospects hoping to get in good with Knight for post-collegiate endorsements. They'll have PT to sell as well... Honestly, I've never been concerned about Oregon with Kent. Save for the "Luke" year with Ridnour and Jackson and then the Aaron Brooks season, Kent's inability has more than negated the players ability. With their new coach and facilities and potential in with the Soldiers, Oregon could be on their way back.

[JMarkJohns]

Update: Arizona just hosted top-70 C prospect from San Diego Angelo Chol (6-9, 215). Chol is raw offensively, but shows consistency with his spot-up jumper and is a very good athlete. He's a defensive stud who owns California's state record for career blocks. This is the first year he hasn't been a 5-Star prospect, a lot of which has to do with his underdeveloped offense, but as far as potential, he has it. My source says he'll commit to Arizona on the 17th of February when he announces. He still has an official to Washington, but he's already visited the campus unofficially twice, has been recruited a long time by them, and thought so highly of them he reached out to Arizona to recruit him when everyone thought he was a lock to U-Dub.

If Chol commits, he'd anchor the middle for a top-3 class in the country, headlined by 5-star PG stud Josiah Turner (6-2, 180), 4-star SG Nick Johnson (6-3, 190), 4-star PF Sidiki Johnson (6-8, 220).

Also, Johnson is likely to be a 5-star in the final rankings, and Chol could move back up as well...

If Johnson makes the expected leap, Miller will have signed three 5-star, five 4-star and received two (or three) additional 5-Star commits in his first 20 months in Tucson.

Meanwhile, Miller has Arizona ranked for the first time in several years and tied for 1st in the Pac-10. Crazy how fast it's coming together. Williams is a 1st-Team All-American candidate and leads the country in scoring efficiency, knocking down a whoppping 58% from the field, 70% from range, leads the country in FT attempts and leads the country in points-per-shot.

Arizona needs to go 7-2 to contend for the Pac-10 regular season Title, and 8-1 would all but ensure it. If they can go even 5-4, they should still qualify for the Tournament at 23-7. Likely is 7-2/6-3 and contention for the Pac-10.

[Brutalis]

The first UA has a pimp recruiting class for 2011.

[JMarkJohns]

Maybe got their best win of the season last night, a 107-105, 3OT win at Cal. NPOY candidate Derrick Williams fouled out in regulation, and defending Pac-10 POW Momo Jones and versatile 6th-Man Kevin Parrom each stepped up in his considerable absence, scoring 27 and 25 respectively.

It was a great rallying win for a young team in need of 2nd/3rd contributors. Jones is starting to play consistent, intense ball on both ends, and Parrom, of the "No Easy Buckets" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaAUit6HOu8) infame, is the perfect complement to that intensity. Each brings a street ball toughness and swagger, and each is starting to let their play do the talking.

AZ is gonna be top-20 ranked for the first time in years, and ranked for consecutive weeks for the first time in almost as long.

First in the Pac-10, 1.5 game lead on UCLA (who still has to visit the Washington schools) and 2 game lead on Washington (who still has to visit Tucson, where AZ hasn't lost yet) and heading into their rivalry at Tempe vs. last place ASU.

First vs. Last... Just as it should be.

[Kyle Orton]

#12 :cheer:cheer:cheer

[Kyle Orton]

The first UA has a pimp recruiting class for 2011.

Cool story bro

[JMarkJohns]

If Williams hand isn't a concern going forward and they can get quality production from two of Momo, Fogg, Hill and Parrom, the'll be a tough out. I'm not sure I've seen a team buy so wholly into the system on offense and defense at Arizona since the 01-02 team. Now, that team had more talent, and made a very strong showing all season. This has been a considerable process all season long, but they played like shit last night on the road vs. their #1 rival all hyped to ruin their season and won by 15.

[JMarkJohns]

"It's Arizona, nobody else"
- My source on Arizona's recent recruiting.

It's getting scary for all of the West. My source says Chol commits to AZ on Thursday, giving them a top-5, maybe top-3 class. If/When he chooses Arizona, he'll do so from a three-team list that also includes Kansas and North Carolina. Nice to be monsters again.

[Kyle Orton]

"The Decision" happens today where Angelo Chol announces he'll be taking his talents to Southern Arizona.

[Venti Quattro]

UA is good. They curbstopmed the Bruins

[JMarkJohns]

"The Decision" happens today where Angelo Chol announces he'll be taking his talents to Southern Arizona.

It'll happen. So sayeth my source.

[JMarkJohns]

UA is good. They curbstopmed the Bruins

Have to admit. UCLA is playing great again and is likely to return the favor next weekend.

[Kyle Orton]

UA is good. They curbstopmed the Bruins
As JMJ said UCLA is likely to beat Arizona @ UCLA in their 2nd meeting. Arizona needs to win their other games and hope UCLA drops a game in Washington (which is likely).

Next year it'll be UCLA vs. UA in the Pac-10 with the other teams playing for 3rd place. If Honeycutt, Reeves Nelson + Malcolm Lee return (I'm assuming they will) and they get Josh Smith on a diet over the off season they'll be scary next year.

[JMarkJohns]

Consensus Ranks

5-Star PG (18-22 range), Josiah Turner (6-2, 190)
5-Star SG (20-25 range), Nick Johnson (6-3, 200)
4-star PF (55-70 range), Sidiki Johnson (6-8, 220
4-star C (45-60 range), Angelo Chol (6-9, 215)

Josiah Turner has been branded as the top overall pure PG and top pro PG prospect in the class, Nick Johnson, nephew of the late/great Dennis Johnson, is arguably the best player on the best high school team in the country and is arguably the top athlete in the class, Sidiki Johnson is an imposing force down low with developing spot-up skills and Angelo Chol holds all of California's state records for blocks in a season, blocks in a career and is closing in on the same for rebounds and nationally for blocks in a season and career.

It's the perfect class, and, with a returned Williams, Jones, Parrom, Hill, Fogg, Perry, Mayes and Lavender make for a potentially preseason top-15 team next year.

[Kyle Orton]

:cheer:cheer:cheer:cheer:cheer nc:lol:lol=f:lolcked

[JMarkJohns]

And all is right with the world...
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7514/zonae.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/i/zonae.jpg/)

Both Self and Ol' Roy were heavily recruiting Chol, with Self making him their frontcourt priority the last few weeks. Great seeing Arizona best all the big programs for West Coast recruits again.

[Kyle Orton]

So next year's best case scenario rotation (assuming Bejarano transfers, Jacobson graduates, and Lavender transfers:

PG: Josiah Turner/Jordin Mayes/Momo Jones
SG: Momo Jones/Nick Johnson/Kyle Fogg
SF: Solo Hill/Kevin Parrom/Derrick Williams
PF: Derrick Williams/Sidiki Johnson/Angelo Chol
C: Jesse Perry/Angelo Chol/Kyryl Natyasko

anything less than a final four with that would be disappointing

[JMarkJohns]

Kyryl to Europe and Lavender to stay.

PG: Jones, Turner, Mayes
SG: Fogg, Johnson, Lavender
SF: Hill, Parrom (some Lavender as well)
PF: Williams, Perry
C: Chol, Johnson

That's the 12. I'd prefer Lavender and Kyryl are the odd men out, with Bejarano staying. He's worked his ass off and has enough potential to be a good starting SF by his senior year. I understand if he transfers. I've heard links to Grand Canyon so he can play immediately and be closer to home. I'd like to keep Kyryl as well, but I think he can make good money in Europe and was infinitely more comfortable and productive there in a less athletic game.

[Kyle Orton]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see how anyone starts over Turner at PG. As good as they've been this year not having any play making off the dribble has been a huge problem, and I think Miller knows SG is Momo's natural position. Only reason I have Perry starting over Chol is because he's been good this year.

[JMarkJohns]

I think in Miller's perfect system Turner (fr.) and Chol (fr.) start alongside veterans of Fogg (sr.), Hill (jr.) and Williams (jr) with Jones (jr.) and Perry (sr.) coming off the bench with Johnson (fr.), Mayes (so.), Parrom (jr.) and Johnson (fr.)

This has the best balance. Jones and Johnson in the same backcourt could be the most tenacious duo in the game. Add Parrom and that trio is disgusting as far as defense and intensity.

I just find it hard to start two freshman. With it easier to hide an inexperienced big than inexperienced PG, I figure Turner off the bench for 15-20 minutes. It'll be tough to distribute the minutes, but I figure something like this...

PG: Jones (20 minutes), Turner (15 minutes), Mayes (5 minutes)
SG: Fogg (20 minutes, Johnson (15 minutes), Mayes (5 minutes)
SF: Hill (15 minutes), Parrom (15 minutes), Lavender (10 minutes)
PF: Williams (20 minutes), Perry (15 minutes), Hill (5 minutes)
C: Chol (15 minutes), Williams (10 minutes), Perry (10 minutes), Johnson (5 minutes)

Totals
Williams (jr.) - 30 minutes
Perry (sr.) - 25 minutes
Fogg (sr.) - 20 minutes
Hill (jr.) - 20 minutes
Jones (jr.) - 20 minutes
Parrom (jr) - 15 minutes
Chol (fr.) - 15 minutes
Johnson (fr.) - 15 minutes
Turner (fr.) - 15 minutes
Lavender (sr.) - 10 minutes
Mayes (so.) - 10 minutes
Johnson (fr.) - 5 minutes

[JMarkJohns]

Arizona's 2011 class

Angelo Chol (6-9, 210)
INCr6PVXkV8
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Sidiki Johnson (6-8, 220)
TtXIz94ss9M

Nick Johnson (6-3, 200)
O-PoRijYVRY
FmByZfnfA6U

Josiah Turner (6-2, 190)
3QsQ-X__qBk

[Kyle Orton]

The only relevant basketball team in Arizona (college or pro) pushes its winning streak to 7, its home winning streak to 15, and its overall record to 22-4. One good thing after another happening with this program.

[JMarkJohns]

Hello, Top-10... 1,2,4,7,8,9 all lost a game this week.

I think we'll be 9/10 in the AP/ESPN polls.

[Kyle Orton]

Dont bring that kool-aid to a grown man's party!

kA4wHQgCp6c

[Xylus]

What a big time clutch performance by Williams. That block, plus a huge 3 a few plays before to put the Wildcats up.

[JMarkJohns]

NBA Lockout will be the greatest thing for UofA in a while. It's odd to hope for, but this team, trimmed of some fat, with that recruiting class coming in will own the Pac-10, likely be a top-1/2 seed out West next year and is a legit Final-4 contender. This team's potential is immense as Jones, Parrom, Hill and, to a lesser extend, Perry and Mayes are still growing as players and into significant roles. As they develop and become consistent in effort and production, they will own. I mean complete and utter ownage.

It all hinges on Williams, which hinges on the threat or fulfillment of a lockout. Thankfully the threat of lockout will only increase as the season concludes and the declaration date comes before the season ends, and this shit isn't getting resolved while the season is still in play.

Keep an eye on Chad Ford's mocks, as my guy says Ford is the most dialed in to Williams' NBA scouting reports, and hope the threat of lockout is enough to undercut any potential high lottery promises. Williams wants to return, but a promise of a top-3 pick and no threat of lockout likely means he's gone.

For what it's worth, I think Williams is likelier to go in the 8-12 range, since he's a comboforward with average rebounding skill for a PF and only slightly above average athleticism for a SF.

[tlongII]

Arizona basketball is definitely back. I just wish my Beavs were doing a little better... :depressed

[JMarkJohns]

Arizona basketball is definitely back. I just wish my Beavs were doing a little better... :depressed

Too bad they can't play Arizona more. They own Arizona. Something about the style... Oregon is putting it together too, which can't be too comforting for ya, either. Always liked the Oregon schools (HATE the SoCal and Washington schools), so I hope the Beavers can put together some recruiting classes soon. Shame they couldn't hang on to Jahii Carson, who, may have made a mistake in picking ASU instead if staying committed to OSU.

[Kyle Orton]

I woulda liked to see Carson and Jabari Brown go to the same school. Jahii Carson and Jabari Brown vs. Josiah Turner and Nick Johnson woulda been an epic backcourt matchup twice a year.

[tlongII]

Too bad they can't play Arizona more. They own Arizona. Something about the style... Oregon is putting it together too, which can't be too comforting for ya, either. Always liked the Oregon schools (HATE the SoCal and Washington schools), so I hope the Beavers can put together some recruiting classes soon. Shame they couldn't hang on to Jahii Carson, who, may have made a mistake in picking ASU instead if staying committed to OSU.

Actually Robinson can recruit. I'm just not sold on his coaching. The Beavs actually have some good talent. If they don't have a winning season next year Coach Robinson is going to be under some heat though.

[JMarkJohns]

Here's for Cal pullin' the upset tonight vs. UCLA!

[Kyle Orton]

Oh hi, top 10. Longtime no see.

[JMarkJohns]

Fuck, what a day. Good news, all my sources remain in tact. Bad news, my sanity may have become a casualty. Hahahaha.... Glad to see UofA is back where they belong in BOTH polls. Top-10, baby! Fuck Yeah!!!!

[JMarkJohns]

Streak ends at 8. Horrible game from everyone but Perry and Parrom tonight. Need to regain focus and their edge and give UCLA hell on Saturday, because they lose that, and they are tied with UCLA for the Conference lead. Can't be having that, now...

[JMarkJohns]

Bad week. Getting ugly. They are gonna fall 7-10 slots, I'm sure.

Good news is two games left for both Arizona and UCLA

Arizona at home vs. the Oregon schools to close out

UCLA on the road vs. the Washington schools to close out.

Hopefully Arizona can rebound from their first losing streak of the season and finish up with a sweep. Sets up well, but I haven't been impressed with their focus and execution this week with the Conference Title on the line with a sweep.

[Kyle Orton]

I hope the big Ukrainian piece of shit goes back to Europe after this season. I've never seen such a lazy piece of shit, he makes it Robin Lopez look like he's actually trying. Miller needs to stop giving the two shitty white stiffs so much PT.

[JMarkJohns]

I hope the big Ukrainian piece of shit goes back to Europe after this season. I've never seen such a lazy piece of shit, he makes it Robin Lopez look like he's actually trying. Miller needs to stop giving the two shitty white stiffs so much PT.

There just isn't enough depth not to play them for a few minutes each half. Should Williams return, with Johnson and Chol being added to Perry, they won't be needed, likely won't be on the roster, and Arizona will be better of for it. Right now, it's a 6-7, 215 SF in Horne, 6-8, 225 CF in Perry and a 6-8, 240 PF in Williams manning both the PF and C position. Hard not to get 10/12 minutes out of the two 6-9+ on the roster.

[Kyle Orton]

16 minutes is too much for the Lithuanian waste of talent.

[JMarkJohns]

I agree. Just saying they have to be played some for their size and to give the other three some rest.

[Kyle Orton]

They also need to hire Solo Hill a sports psychiatrist or something lol. He might as well not be on the court these days with how passive he is.

[Xylus]

Man, this week has sucked.

[JMarkJohns]

Still ranked, 18th in both polls. They sweep Oregon and Oregon State at home, they are the #1 seed in the Pac-10 Tournament. So long as they finish tied with UCLA, they'll net the #1, as far as I know. Best way to ensure is to sweep.

They both sweep this weekend, it comes down to Arizona sweeping Cal vs. UCLA splitting with CAL. Crazy how that 3-OT game may be the weight that shifts their season to the positive yet again.

[tlongII]

Arizona basketball is definitely back. I just wish my Beavs were doing a little better... :depressed

Maybe not. :lol

[JMarkJohns]

Maybe not. :lol

Didn't show it last week, but they are definitely back. They have two 5-star recruits coming in next year and already have a 5-star C committed for the following season.

Are they Final Four back at the moment? No, but one bad weekend doesn't completely undercut everything taken for a young team who's still tied for the 1st in the Pac-10 and still top-20 ranked.

But yeah, it was a horrible week and I completely understand your joke.:lol

[JMarkJohns]

Locked up co-champs minimum tonight, but have clinched the top seed in the Pac-10 Tournament. This is significant as it means they won't have to potentially face both Washington and UCLA for a Title.

[Kyle Orton]

JMark, don't they have regular season champs locked up due to their overall record?

[JMarkJohns]

JMark, don't they have regular season champs locked up due to their overall record?

Technically they could end the same record-wise as UCLA. That's a co-champ. For purposes of seeding, they go to tie-breakers, which Arizona wins since they swept Wazzu, while UCLA split.

They win on Saturday, they clinch sole championship.

[Kyle Orton]

Well clinching co-champs is enough of a raon to get trashed tonight. Already downed one 4loko and about to go oiut. heres tooo UA bullying niggas in the tourney!

To everyone who gives a shit, JMark is the baddest trigga on this site, and enyone who ever wuestions what he sais os a douchebag!

[JMarkJohns]

To everyone who gives a shit, JMark is the baddest trigga on this site, and enyone who ever wuestions what he sais os a douchebag!

http://www.tradingphrases.com/images/thumbnails/CUS485InVinoVeritas.jpg

[JMarkJohns]

Out.Right.Champs.

[Xylus]

Yeah baby!

[JMarkJohns]

http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ariz/graphics/pac-10-champs-splash-page-v02.jpg

[Xylus]

First PAC-10 title of the decade, let's get a half-dozen more while we're at it.

[JMarkJohns]

"It isn't the first Championship and it Definitely won't be the last"

"I can't imagine it being any better anyplace else,"
- Sean Miller

[DMX7]

The PAC-10 really sucked this year. Only one ranked team and I can't remember a year where they got less primetime national tv coverage.

[JMarkJohns]

The PAC-10 really sucked this year. Only one ranked team and I can't remember a year where they got less primetime national tv coverage.

They sucked because everyone said they sucked. Arizona, USC and UCLA damn near beat Kansas, Oregon nearly beat Missouri, Washington nearly beat Texas A&M, and UCLA beat St. Johns and BYU, USC beat Texas and Tennessee, and assorted other Pac-10 programs beat assorted other non-Pac-10 ranked teams like Baylor, Gonzaga, Temple, etc...

It's certainly not the strongest it's been, but the conference doesn't suck.

It could easily be underrated by analysts who barely acknowledge the conference. I mean, middle-of-the-Pac teams beat several ranked teams. Arizona played only two all year, losing both, which sucks, but few teams in the country had the issues Arizona had, so what they've done from where they started the last two years is amazing. I don't expect anything monumental from such a young team, but a win or two could happen. I like Washington and UCLA to win a game or two each if they make it, and if USC makes the tourney, they have the defense and the size to make some noise ala St. Mary's last year.

[tlongII]

They sucked because everyone said they sucked. Arizona, USC and UCLA damn near beat Kansas, Oregon nearly beat Missouri, Washington nearly beat Texas A&M, and UCLA beat St. Johns and BYU, USC beat Texas and Tennessee, and assorted other Pac-10 programs beat assorted other non-Pac-10 ranked teams like Baylor, Gonzaga, Temple, etc...

It's certainly not the strongest it's been, but the conference doesn't suck.

It could easily be underrated by analysts who barely acknowledge the conference. I mean, middle-of-the-Pac teams beat several ranked teams. Arizona played only two all year, losing both, which sucks, but few teams in the country had the issues Arizona had, so what they've done from where they started the last two years is amazing. I don't expect anything monumental from such a young team, but a win or two could happen. I like Washington and UCLA to win a game or two each if they make it, and if USC makes the tourney, they have the defense and the size to make some noise ala St. Mary's last year.

I think Wazzu has a good team. If they could sneak into the tourney they could win a game or two as well.

[Kyle Orton]

The PAC-10 really sucked this year. Only one ranked team and I can't remember a year where they got less primetime national tv coverage.

Try last year when the Pac-10 had no ranked teams and the only tournament bids came from regular season champion and tournament champion. The Pac-10 has next to no seniors leaving, and outside of Honeycutt and D-Will no underclassmen with a serious chance at going to the NBA. If both of them stick around, UA enters next season ranked top 15 (possibly top 10), UCLA enters next season ranked, Washington is still a tournament team, and USC + Wazu are both teams with a chance to become tournament teams.

The talk that the Pac-10 lost its basketball strength is ridiculous. From June 2008 - Jun 2009, all of the following happened:
1) UCLA lost Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Darren Collison, and Mbah A Moute to the NBA and Josh Shipp to graduation.
2) Arizona's hall of fame coach abruptly retired when everyone thought he was coming back to coach, which also led to UA losing several important recruits. They also lost two players to the NBA.
3) Tim Floyd gets busted, USC loses all of its recruits and has to find someone to coach a program with a tarnished image.
4) Stanford loses two top 15 pick 7 footers to the NBA. Not exactly something easy to replace.
5) ASU loses the one player who's made them competitive i recent years to the NBA.

When that many programs in the same conference go through that much change/turnover in the same year, a few years where the conference is weak and rebuilding is inevitable.

[JMarkJohns]

Two years ago, Arizona's roster had the potential to be...

PG: 5-Star (fr.), 3-Star (jr.)
SG: 5-Star (so.), 3-Star (fr.), 3-Star (fr.)
SF: 5-Star (jr.), 5-Star (so.), 3-Star (so.)
PF: 4-Star (so.), 4-Star (fr.)
C: 3-Star (jr.), 4-Star (fr.), 3-Star (so.)

That roster would have yielded three lottery picks, a late 1st and a current 2nd-rounder who's thriving. Two others have a chance to be drafted or on an NBA roster this draft (doubtful, though). Instead the 5-Star PG bolted to Europe, the 5-Star SG bolted for the NBA, and a 4-Star PF and the C each transferred out and the team still advanced to the Sweet-16 despite losing two lottery picks and two high potentialed frontcourt players.

That's just an example of one team. In 2008 I think more 1st rounders came from the Pac-10. Off the top of my head: Mayo, Westbrook, Love, Lopez, Bayless, Lopez and Anderson and Mbah A Moute, Hairston, Hardin and Leunen were 2nd-rounders. The talent that was supposed to replace it mostly transferred out (Jennings, Gordon, Morgan, Dunigan), or left the next year (Harden (so.), Hill (jr.), DeRozan (fr.), Holiday (fr.), Gibson (jr.), Budinger (jr.)). This on top of 7/10 programs going through coaching changes the last two years (Arizona, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, USC, Washington State) and it's pretty easy to see how the conference fell apart.

Arizona is ahead of the Pac as far as the recovery. Their recruiting is insane. Even if Williams leaves, it's a year setback with the class they have coming in followed by the class I expect them to have the following year.

The Conference is still down, but it's better than last year, and I think are underrated by the eastern media. UCLA beat St. John's, USC beat Texas and 1/3rd the conference came within a possession or two of beating Kansas. Ignore this at your own peril.

[JMarkJohns]

2010-11 Arizona Wildcats, featuring:

Derrick Williams, Pac-10 Player Of The Year
Lamont Jones, Pac-10 All-Honorable-Mention

Led by:
Sean Miller, Pac-10 Coach Of The Year

[Kyle Orton]

My one concern with the Pac-10 is all the gimmicky shit systems basically every team outside of Arizona and UCLA runs that might scare recruits with NBA aspirations off, and also the piss poor recruiting ability some of the coaches have demonstrated so far. <br />
<br />
Idk why Herb Sendek thinks that as ASU's coach he should be recruiting all 4 corners of the country instead of just sticking to the West Coast, but until he gets a noteworthy recruit without coincidentally hiring said recruit's high school coach as an assistant and guaranteeing a roster spot for said recruits' high school teammate I'm convinced he's a shitball recruiter. Idk how you can only bring in 1 recruit for next year to a huge school notorious for slutty white women and parties w/ immediate playing time available at every position.<br />
<br />
Washington not getting Angelo Chol is great for Arizona, but it's a pretty negative reflection on their recruiting.<br />
<br />
Cal had a great 2010 recruiting class but for a team that has plenty of immediate PT available next year, their 2011 class sucks<br />
<br />
USC has had 2 straight "Feel good" seasons where they massively overachieved, but Kevin "I'm fuckin retarded" O'Neil has yet to bring in any decent recruit for them. He seems like someone who finds a reason to pick a 2 star over a 5 star because the 2 star fits "his system".<br />
<br />
Wazzu and Oregon are actually schools with new coaches who are making immediate progress and will be much better next year as will Cal. USC and ASU are both schools that have a lot to offer recruits and keep West Coast recruits in the Pac-10, but with the retarded coaches each team has I don't see either one ever rebuilding.

[JMarkJohns]

Oregon is going to own, very soon. I was really impressed with them this season, and when Altman gets himself some players, starting with Jabari Brown next year, he'll make them a monster ala the early part of this decade with Ridnour, Jackson, Jones-teams. He runs and pushes the ball well. Washington is always going to be strong. UCLA will return sooner than later. Colorado appears to be solid and improving.

But I agree with you and USC/Arizona State. Their styles suck the life out of the gym. Stanford is what Stanford is. Oregon State could... could improve with more players. I was impressed with their pressing ability. A lot will rest on Cal. They've been an inconsistent great for years, sending Kevin Johnson, Jason Kidd and Shareef Abdur-Rahim to the pros in a 10 year stretch from late 80s to late 90s. They need to get back. No reason they can't. Not sure Monty is the coach, although he's a very good coach. I think he's getting up there in years and the Lute effect will kick in within a few.

Overall, my 10 year projection is:

1. Arizona: Making significant strides in California recruiting, already beating out more proven Pac-10/12 teams for talent. More future help is on the way, I'm told ;)
2. UCLA: A bit down, but Howland can point to the number of pros he's produced, which is significant. Needs to open it up a bit. He can get the athletes.
- - - - - - - - - - -
3. Washington: Still good, but they aren't, nor should they be atop the conference year in year out. They'll make contend for the Conference every few years.
4. Oregon: Altman was a great hire, albeit a "settle" hire. He'll have Oregon competing for NCAA's within two years and a fixture there within five.
5. California: Very good coach, albeit for only a few more years. He'll build up a competitive and attractive program for some up-n-comer.
- - - - - - - - - - -
6. Colorado: Solid style, coach and with the move to the Pac-10, could be able to move in on the California kids a bit more.
7. USC: Fire O'Neill, get a pro-style coach and recruit the hell out of Los Angeles. No reason they can't be a top-4 team every year, yet they aren't.
- - - - - - - - - - -
8. Washington State: Needs to abandon the gimmick and run a pro-style offense. Pullman is not near attractive enough to run the gimmick.
9. Arizona State: See above, minus the attractive comment for Tempe. Think how great the 08 team could have been had they not averaged 60 points a game.
- - - - - - - - - - -
10. Utah: They have a recent history of success, but moving to the Pac-10 on the rebound likely means they take a step back. Few top prospects are going to Salt Lake, so they need to bring in a coach with international ties, and who can develop players.
11. Stanford: High admission standards will keep them low, but every once in a while they'll have a team with two or three good upperclassmen and be in the top-half.
12. Oregon State: They've need to get a legit coach who can recruit or develop. Right now they are successfully straddling the line twixt mediocre and average.

[Kyle Orton]

IMO UCLA is very close to being back. If Pauly D stays in school and Fatass Smith loses oh idk 50-60 pounds that front line of Smith - Nelson - Pauly D is fuckin lethal w/ Malcolm Lee still at PG. In that scenario I think they easily have top 15 potential.

I don't know much about Oregon but from what I've heard the Nike connection is gonna start pulling recruits for them, they're def. gonna be a threat shortly.

Idk if it was just the UCLA game where it looked so bad, but Washington State NEEDS to get rid of that soft 1-2-2 zone they run. When UCLA actually played focused and assertive, they basically drew double teams wherever they wanted and got an open shot wherever they wanted. They have good talent on their team and could easily run a real halfcourt offense with man defense.

[Kyle Orton]

Oh and if anyone is wondering who Pauly D is:
http://www.celebdirtylaundry.com/wp-content/uploads/Pauly-D-Spinoff.jpghttp://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS1oUmGEdq-FfMhfpud2OvNs5Rte618b054nOiqshIxkGBxnhltkA&t=1

[Kyle Orton]

Down by 4 early.......figure it out.

[Kyle Orton]

Cats by 10.....Derrick Williams 4-4 from long range :lol, 19 points off 9 shots.

[JMarkJohns]

I'm always too tense to post in threads during the games.

We cannot handle the extended pressure zone.

[JMarkJohns]

Fuck... Now Starks is hot.

[JMarkJohns]

Solid win. Good games by the so'mo's. Need Fogg for the depth tomorrow. USC is going to be tough. Nice to see UCLA tank tonight. We get past USC, it'll likely be one of the two Washington teams now. Neither have the size I'm concerned of. USC, on the other hand...

[DMX7]

Gus Johnson: HA HAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

I saw the end of this game. Great finish. 'Zona is pretty good but Thomas just stuck it to them.

[JMarkJohns]

Gus Johnson: HA HAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

I saw the end of this game. Great finish. 'Zona is pretty good but Thomas just stuck it to them.

He had a hell of a game. Arizona had their opportunities but offensive mistakes (missed FTs or forced shots) and too many defensive lapses (in coverage or on the boards) cost them.

I love this team, but they frustrate the hell out of me. I know they are young and are overachieving based on talent, so it's hard to get pissed, but their focus is too severely in-n-out beyond Williams, and even he can fade on defense and rebounds from time to time.

When Arizona gets a PG, they'll own. Mayes has shown flashes, but is too young. Momo is a leader, but his a dipshit as well. Dope posed Jordan-style after making the first FT in regulation, putting AZ up three, then promptly missed the second, enabling Washington to tie it up. He has heart, but doesn't think too often. Some of it's young. Much of it's stupidity.

Tough loss. Kick in the balls-type that hopefully doesn't stick with them. My guess is Arizona is in contention for the 4-seed, but ends up a 5. They needed to sweep the Titles to make up for their absence of top-25 wins.

[Kyle Orton]

Yeah that announcer fapped after that shot. Zona deserved that loss, Parrom leaving that shooter open to help on Isiah's drive was beyond retarded.

[JMarkJohns]

Yeah that announcer fapped after that shot. Zona deserved that loss, Parrom leaving that shooter open to help on Isiah's drive was beyond retarded.

In the last two minutes of regulation, the defense sagged into the lane. Allowed a barrage of threes. Also allowed long rebounds to skip over their head for extra possessions. Horrible focus. I hope it was Miller's call.

[Kyle Orton]

It just doesn't make sense to me because Parrom is one of the smartest guys on the team. If it was something Momo or Horne did it wouldn't surprise me, when Parrom does it it makes me wonder if Miller needed to stress "no threes" on that possession.

[JMarkJohns]

It just doesn't make sense to me because Parrom is one of the smartest guys on the team. If it was something Momo or Horne did it wouldn't surprise me, when Parrom does it it makes me wonder if Miller needed to stress "no threes" on that possession.

Exactly. Miller needs to not take anything for granted with this team. It's got too much stupid on it, and, every once in a while, stupid settles in with the smart players too.

Horrible.

[Kyle Orton]

Especially when the dumbest guy on the team is also the one with the ball in his hands and is the most vocal one on the team. I can't wait for next year when Momo is in the off-the-bench combo guard role where he belongs.

[JMarkJohns]

Parrom needs to start. I never wanted him to start over Hill, because I think Hill does so much in the lane on both ends that goes overlooked, but Parrom is so much better than Fogg. He needs 30 minutes. When Fogg is healthy, I'd like to see a three wing lineup of Parrom, Fogg and Hill with Perry and Williams up front. That lineup has defense, shooting, smarts, fundamentals and hustle. What it's missing is glaring stupidity.

[JMarkJohns]

The first UA has a pimp recruiting class for 2011.

Pelfrey out. I've been told at least two of your star class will be as well per academic issues. Sucks. Depending on who they get to replace, that top-5 class scatters to the wind.

[JMarkJohns]

5. Arizona vs. 12. Memphis
4. Texas vs. 13. Oakland

Interesting pod out West. Texas has more talent, but Barnes doesn't typically coach his teams as far as seeding dictates. Should both teams advance, could be a good matchup. Cory Joseph at PG bothers me, though. We don't do great vs. good PGs.

[JMarkJohns]

Caught looking ahead. When the threes aren't falling, we suck.

[Blake]

that Memphis game was a helluva game to listen to on the radio

[JMarkJohns]

that Memphis game was a helluva game to listen to on the radio

I can imagine. It was fun and infuriating.

[Kyle Orton]

Derrick Williams is pretty good at basketball IMO

[brettn]

Gonna be fun watching Tristan Thompson and Derrick Williams go at it on Sunday

[Kyle Orton]

SC6HY47LjJU&feature=player_embedded

[JMarkJohns]

He had some ups and downs at UA, but Salim is my favorite 'cat since Bibby.

The shots that guy hit. The one tragic failure in Olson's final years was not giving the ball to Salim in either the regulation tie or OT trailing in the Jimmy Chitwood moments vs. Illinois in 2005. Salim was a monster that year. I have no doubt if he, and not McClellan and Adams, had attempted the final shot, Arizona would have 5 FFs. Damn shame.

I'm cautiously optimistic about Williams returning for next season. I think this run has peaked his interests in what next year's team can do with a consistent Hill, Parrom and Momo with an improving Mayes and Kyryl, and those young studs coming in.

I remember the talk from Livengood about "winning the presser" with his new hire. Most thought Miller won the presser. Some of us considered him a homerun (myself, included). Better than expected.

In Miller I Trust

[Kyle Orton]

My favorite partially due to the fact I've become a lot more of a fan since beginning school at UA is by far Derrick Williams. Because of him, it only took two years to get back to the sweet 16 and if he stays we're contending next year. The fact I've met him and he was at a party I had doesn't hurt either, but he kept the program relevant and afloat when everyone was saying UA is about to enter a long rebuilding period. Jordan Hill stepping up during the 2008-2009 season and taking us to the sweet 16 when everyone thought Olson retiring would kill us is the reason he's my 2nd favorite player.

[JMarkJohns]

I remember seeing Elliott and pulling for the 'cats even back then, but through the years:

Damon Stoudamire
Mike Bibby
Salim Stoudamire
Derrick Williams

Them's the four players I'd consider my favorites. Of course I loved Mills, Simon, Dickerson, Arenas, Iguodala, Williams, Hill, but those four were my most revered.

I understand what you mean by meeting the player. I was in junior high when I first saw Bibby play at Shadow Mountain, what he meant to the boys team, my cousin meant to the girls team. A few games later, I met him. Pretty awesome of my cousin to pull clout and get her little cuz's hero to come over and say 'sup... Always loved watching good guards control a game. Back to KJ in the late 80s/early 90s, to Damon, to Bibby... Can't wait until PGU becomes PGU again. Not sure it'll ever achieve that fame again, especially with all the towers Miller is bringing in, but Mayes is showing flashes of being studly, Turner is a known stud, and they have their hooks into a few other studs for the future.

It's gonna be a tough game vs. Duke. I'm expecting foul trouble for Williams, and if the threes aren't falling, a long night. Doesn't mean they can't make it competitive. If Williams remains in the game, and the threes are falling, Arizona can hang on the boards and defensively well enough to be right there.

[Kyle Orton]

I'm happy as long as it's better than the Louisville game where they looked like a team that made the sweet 16 by fluke.

[Kyle Orton]

And as great as the PGU label was, if Miller turns them into stud power forward U, I'm fine with that.

[JMarkJohns]

That team had three players. While this team doesn't have the quality of those three in their top three, Williams is by far better than Wise, Budinger and Hill. If Hill can play anything like last game, and Mayes continues is good perimeter shooting, Cats can hang. If Jones is making shots and playing tough D, Williams isn't in foul trouble and Parrom or Fogg goes for double-digits, then the team can win. That's a lot of ifs, but they have the depth to make this competitive. They just beat their first ranked team, it happened to be a top-10 ranked team on a court where the Texas fans outnumbers Arizona fans 2/3-to-1. They will be returning to a court where they'll gain the momentum of the crowd, and Duke hasn't won a meaningful road game all year. Make it a roady, and watch them squirm!

[JMarkJohns]

And as great as the PGU label was, if Miller turns them into stud power forward U, I'm fine with that.

It's very true, but in college, the guards win you Titles. It's necessary to have some size, but for every Sean May or Tyler Hansbrough that starred as the top player for a Title team, there was an NBA quality PG in Felton and Lawson.

Gotta have the PG/SGs to contend. Miller knows. He was a PG. He's gone after the right types and is starting to land them.

It's hilarious to think at what Doron Lamb could be thinking this weekend if by miracle of miracles Arizona advances and Kentucky falls. He picked them for their likelihood of a tourney run. If he's at Arizona, they are a no-doubt Elite 8 team, and likely a Final 4 contender.

[Kyle Orton]

If you wanna talk about what if 2010 recruits, Ray McCallum either feels really fuckin dumb right now or is too fuckin dumb to understand the giant mistake he made. He's watching a freshman PG with 100x less talent than he has score a career high in the 2nd round while he's a forgotten name on a team no one gives a shit about.

The list really goes on and on. Adrien Payne did nothing as a freshman on a program that turned into a mess this year. If Miller can make Kyryl a serviceable rotation player, I think he could do the same with Payne. The way Kyryl has given a good 15 minutes recently to piss off the other team's big man makes me want him around next year.

Selby is the only guy who undoubtedly made the right choice as Kansas has a cake walk to the final 4, but even then it's not like he's been a rock star for them this year. As good as the Morris brothers are, D-Will could do a lot more to make a PG look good.

[Kyle Orton]

Elite 8 bitches! Fuck Duke!

[JMarkJohns]

Derrick Mother Fuckin' Williams!

Arizona, bitches!

ELITE 8!

[Xylus]

U OF A. U OF A. U OF A. I am so ecstatic right, I can't even sleep.

So I am in Salt Lake on a business trip and missed out on one of the biggest parties the city of Tucson has ever had. Fuck!

[Flintstones32]

Gratz Arizona. That was the first game of their's that I really watched. Is Williams really that good? He looked amazing out there last night.

[leemajors]

nice work Zona. I don't think UT could have pulled it off.

[Kyle Orton]

Gratz Arizona. That was the first game of their's that I really watched. Is Williams really that good? He looked amazing out there last night.

When teams try to guard him straight up like Duke did, yes, he's really that good. Those 3s have been going in all season at a 60% clip which has made him virtually unguardable, he's a decently smart guy who's put a ton of work in on his perimeter game so he can play SF in the NBA, which has paid tons of dividends for him. Hopefully UCONN makes the same mistake Duke does and tries to guard him straight up.

[Kyle Orton]

And Sean Miller deserves as much credit as D-Will. This is a team with no 5 star recruits, a few 4 star recruits with most of the rotation players being 3 star recruit, and only 1 senior. I've never seen someone maximize talent the way Miller can, idk wtf is gonna happen starting next year when Miller has 5 star talent to work with.

[JMarkJohns]

With or without Williams, 2012-13 is the year that Arizona contends for a Title. Hill, Parrom, Jones and (possibly) Kyryl will be seniors, Mayes will be a junior, Turner, Johnson, Chol and Johnson (top-5 class, 4 top-60 prospects) will be sophomores and their 2012 class has the offensive posts needed to put them over the top.

As for Williams, guys been a monster vs. the best competition his entire career. This was highlighted by last night, Williams also went off for 27 points vs. the Morris twins and had 18 games of 20 or more points while averaging less than 30 minutes per game. He's been around 60% from the field, 60% from range, got to the line more than anyone in the country, and only tapered off late because of a broken finger that negated some of his shooting and ability to catch the pass on the run/take people off the dribble. For 2/3rd of the year, he was on pace to break the points-per-shot record.

[JMarkJohns]

Williams needs to return. This can't be it. I understand if it is, but Williams needs to return to finish what he started. For as great as this year was, Arizona isn't back until it's back in the Final 4.

[Kyle Orton]

good riddance Horne. Have fun missing wide open game winners in Europe. Derrick Williams is still my favorite player if he leaves, but he picked a really rushed and retarded shot to end his collegiate career with if he decided to leave. Can't wait till next year when Momo Jones and dumb terrorist Horne aren't on the court to end games.

[Kyle Orton]

"Hopefully we'll be back in this spot next year" - Derrick Williams, hopefully that word choice actually means something.

[JMarkJohns]

Williams thanked all the fans for support on his facebook, a message most thought signaled his departure.

His response: "Who says I'm leaving?"

His mom values education, he values his time at UA, there's a lockout that threatens him getting pay and played, and next year's UA team has everything is takes for a legit Title run. Please, man, few people get these opportunities. The NBA will always be there. This team, this community, won't.

[Kyle Orton]

He's also not the type to make retarded "hype me up" statements like "Who said I was leaving?" as in when he says it there's something real behind it. Maybe it's blind optimism, but the way he use "we're" during a press conference seemed like it was a foregone conclusion he's back next year.

[JMarkJohns]

He doesn't want to go. I know you know.

To say what he's said after this game when we all figured him gone either means he's leaning towards coming back, or it's a cruel trick.

Not gonna count them chickens, but it's worth hoping for:

PG: Turner, Momo, Mayes
SG: Fogg, Johnson
SF: Hill, Parrom
PF: Perry, Johnson
C: Williams, Chol

With either Kyryl, Lavender or Bajarano as the 12th man. I'm leaning towards Kyryl, since he's useful as a big.

Hill needs to get his shit together. He made some considerable strides this year from last, but he needs to find consistency in scoring. He needs to become a 12 ppg player. He's too talented to not be. Parrom needs to work on his 3-point shot, as does Perry.

[Kyle Orton]

Agreed, Hill needs to work on finishing around the rim and develop at the very least a reliable shot. He does so many little things well tho. Momo idk what to think. He's so feast or famine it's gotten beyond annoying.

[JMarkJohns]

In a perfect world Momo is your scoring PG off the bench. Hopefully Turner comes in, wins the job, Momo accepts his role (like Parrom) and Arizona has the best 10-man rotationin the game.

[Kyle Orton]

I don't put too much into the loss though. The officiating was incredibly one sided and took D-Will outa the game when it looked like a potential blowout, and Arizona would have won if they didn't miss so many wide open shots. Defensively I think Miller learned a lot about not trying to overplay the other team's star player after this game. The rebuilding process has been about as smooth as possible the last two years, you can't expect much more.

[JMarkJohns]

I cannot wait until we get the athleticism of Turner, Johnson and Chol on this team next year. Johnson may be the best perimeter defender in his class, and Chol is a stud shot-blocker, both of which we need.

I'd love to see UA pull some 40-Minutes-Of-Hell press at times. They'll have the depth, the defenders and the intensity.

[Kyle Orton]

IMO, Fogg is gonna be a major factor next year. I blame him just as much as Solo for the disappointing year not being a reliable 2nd option to D-Will. Momo I don't think has the height or ability to be a 2nd option so I really don't fault him, he simply plays hard in a role not meant for him. Idk how Miller is gonna find time for Mayes, Fogg, Nick Johnson, Josiah Turner, and Momo at two positions. Mayes has shown too much promise to be taken out of the rotation, Nick Johnson and Turner are the most talented players by far at each position, Fogg I have a hunch is due for a rebound year, and Momo is too important to chemistry/the program/moral to be taken out of the rotation. I guess having too many rotation worthy players is a good problem to have, but I don't see how Miller keeps everyone happy, and IMO there is such a thing as using the bench too much and having too big of a rotation. Anything past 10 players is overkill

Lavender is probably a sure thing to transfer even tho he'd only have 1 year, he knows he's getting no minutes next year. Bejarano all but said he's transferring which isn't a surprise. My ideal rotation to start next year assuming D-Will returns, and Lavender + Bejarano transfer would be:

PG: Turner 20-25/ Mayes 10-15/ Momo 0-10
SG: Fogg 20-25/ N. Johnson 10-15/ Momo 0-10
SF: Solo Hill 25/ Parrom 15
PF: Williams 25/ Sidiki Johnson 5-10/ Perry 0-10
C: Chol 15-20/ Williams 5/ Perry 10/ Kyryl 0-15

I don't see a 12 man rotation working, IMO Momo will be a good energizer combo guard who can come in when the team needs to be woken up, and Kyryl can be used when the other team has a 7 footer scorer or 7 footer who's killing them with rebounds.

[JMarkJohns]

The ideal rotation is 9 players with double-digit minutes and one or two hustle bums at 5 minutes or so.

In all honesty, UA has one too many guards. Ideally, both Turner and Johnson come in and demands 20+ minutes, and Fogg takes a backseat...

PG: Turner (20-25), Mayes (10-15), Jones (0-5)
SG: Johnson (20), Fogg (10-15), Jones (5-10)
SF: Hill (20), Parrom (15-20), Williams (0-5)
PF: Williams (25-30), Johnson (10-15), (Hill on occasion)
C: Perry (15-20), Chol (15-20), (Williams/Kyryl on occasion)

[JMarkJohns]

Williams played the cards close to his chest the whole process. Anyone who says "they knew" his decision is lying. He never gave a solid indication in either direction.

All that said, Williams to the NBA, will hire an agent, will go top-3, possibly #1 overall if the lottery breaks right. Sucks for next year's team, but it's a nice feather in the cap of Miller's short tenure as coach. Having a player drafted top-5 is a HUGE deal.

What sucks is, unless the policies for jersey retirement change, it's unlikely he ever gets the recognition he deserves, as the criteria wasn't met. Maybe if he's drafted #1 overall for the first time in school history he'll get the nod?

Opens up primary roles for Hill and Parrom, who each showed flashes, and minutes for Chol, who'll be a monster.

[Kyle Orton]

Fuck.

[The 4cc Dictionary]

Arizona!? More like Southeast California i saaaaaaaid

[Kyle Orton]

:lmao

[Kyle Orton]

Williams played the cards close to his chest the whole process. Anyone who says &quot;they knew&quot; his decision is lying. He never gave a solid indication in either direction.

All that said, Williams to the NBA, will hire an agent, will go top-3, possibly #1 overall if the lottery breaks right. Sucks for next year's team, but it's a nice feather in the cap of Miller's short tenure as coach. Having a player drafted top-5 is a HUGE deal.

What sucks is, unless the policies for jersey retirement change, it's unlikely he ever gets the recognition he deserves, as the criteria wasn't met. Maybe if he's drafted #1 overall for the first time in school history he'll get the nod?

Opens up primary roles for Hill and Parrom, who each showed flashes, and minutes for Chol, who'll be a monster.

I'm not holding anything against him, but he doesn't deserve to get the rules bended just so his jersey is retired.

I hope he dominates in the NBA, and I'll always be thankful for him greatly shortening the rebuilding process Andy Katz said would take 6 years, but he passed up the opportunity to play for a national title and maybe become the best Arizona player ever. Hopefully the decision works out well for him, but I really don't give two shits about his jersey being retired for two years.

[JMarkJohns]

I'm not holding anything against him, but he doesn't deserve to get the rules bended just so his jersey is retired.

I hope he dominates in the NBA, and I'll always be thankful for him greatly shortening the rebuilding process Andy Katz said would take 6 years, but he passed up the opportunity to play for a national title and maybe become the best Arizona player ever. Hopefully the decision works out well for him, but I really don't give two shits about his jersey being retired for two years.

I don't believe Simon, a four-year player and FF MVP, and Terry, a national POY, don't have their jerseys retired yet. Tough to justify his inclusion over them.

Sucks. Oh well. Sucks for next year, but also gives more important roles to players who'll be KEY cogs on the 2012/13 team that, on paper, seems like a preseason top-5 team.

Next year isn't lost. Call me stupid, but I actually expect Hill and Parrom to play consistently. It's a guard-driven game, and Arizona will have some of the best depth and talent of any team in the country. With Miller coaching them up, and with the defense they can play, they'll be a damn tough team to beat by regular season's end.

[Kyle Orton]

lol retarded SEC athletic director who thinks our 7-6 football program is more important than our elite 8 basketball program.

[JMarkJohns]

Never hire a Sun Devil to do the job of a Wildcat.

[Kyle Orton]

Never hire a Sun Devil to do any job that's important :lol

[JMarkJohns]

Never hire a Sun Devil to do any job that's important :lol

I wouldn't go that far. They are pretty solid at porn and experience in the identification of STDs... That's gotta be worth something.

[JMarkJohns]

Safe to say the sky is falling.

[Kyle Orton]

Is it a sure thing now?

[JMarkJohns]

I'm being told as late as yesterday night that it's all but... sounds like every single recruit committed to the program scatters as well. Pastner will take the job, no hesitation, but he's still not a proven coach, which is concerning. Good recruiter who is recruiting several of the same prospects going forward, so losing commits might not hurt as much, but 2013, top-5 overall SG/SF Chris Thomas would have committed on his unofficial yesterday had these rumors not tempered his spirits.

Sucks. Not official, but I am hearing it's not looking good, and that we will likely know this evening or later tonight.

[Kyle Orton]

I'm willing to bet money Pastner doesn't take the job. No one is gonna wanna work with Byrne after the message Miller leaving sends. It's the equivalent of David Griffin being expected to replace Kerr as GM and him basically saying, "Nuh Uh, Sarver being here makes it so it no longer is my "dream job".

[JMarkJohns]

I'm willing to bet money Pastner doesn't take the job. No one is gonna wanna work with Byrne after the message Miller leaving sends. It's the equivalent of David Griffin being expected to replace Kerr as GM and him basically saying, "Nuh Uh, Sarver being here makes it so it no longer is my "dream job".

I've been told with certainty Pastner takes if offered. I don't think Byrne survives if Miller leaves because he reneged on several agreed upon provisions simply because he wasn't the AD who made them, and because his stance on having zero money to reward the University's top money-maker and his staff disenchanted and polarized a staff that had put Arizona in contention for National Championships going forward.

Bryne will attempt to make one last ditch effort, but there's no guarantee he'll be allowed to make the pitch, and Maryland's Anderson is bringing some big-money guns to this fight. Not sure Arizona has the ammo.

Sucks. I've only hinted here about the levels Arizona could have reached. Not many know the likelihood of Arizona landing three consecutive top-5 classes, with both 2012 and 2013 being in contention for #1 overall in the nation. No Miller, no chance of that now.

[Kyle Orton]

If they get Pastner and waste no time getting rid of Byrne, the program will still be in decent shape, but it's too enraging for words that Byrne is destroying what woulda been an annual final 4 contender.

[JMarkJohns]

If they get Pastner and waste no time getting rid of Byrne, the program will still be in decent shape, but it's too enraging for words that Byrne is destroying what woulda been an annual final 4 contender.

If this goes down as expected, I'll PM you what I know that I am not comfortable just airing publicly, assuming you want to know.

Also, from what I anticipated, Miller was building a recruiting machine rivaled only at the present by Kentucky. It's a damn shame. For 2013, over 10 players had Arizona in their top-3, several with Arizona as their favorite, and all were top-30 players, and most were top-15. It shoulda been disgusting.

[Kyle Orton]

I always want to know :lol

[Kyle Orton]

Especially if it involves a bleak future for Greg Byrne

[JMarkJohns]

Potential glimmer. Dixon being interviewed first.

[Kyle Orton]

Yeah I heard that too. Hopefully Maryland's AD prefers him over Miller and he accepts, because it seems pretty clear Miller is fed up with getting cheaped out on here and will go if he can.

[JMarkJohns]

Regardless of Dixon, there is still hope.

[JMarkJohns]

Meeting with Maryland AD and his big-money tag-a-longs at 5 p.m. He makes it through, he likely remains at UA for a very long time.

[JMarkJohns]

It's a nice little sign, but still not accepting it until tomorrow. Still, Byrne says Miller is staying. However, Miller said no, slept on it, then said yes once, so I'm not convinced.

[Kyle Orton]

There's no way Byrne would say that unless it was 100%. Even someone as dumb as he is knows how much of a total idiot he'd look like if he was caught with his pants pulled down like that.

[JMarkJohns]

Just heard from my guy. 100% done. It's not a few year thing. It's a long-term thing. Don't know how, but Byrne pulled the rabbit out the hat!

[JMarkJohns]

"I want everyone to know that I remain strongly committed to rebuilding Arizona into a championship program. Since arriving here two years ago, our staff has received a tremendous amount of support from the University of Arizona and Wildcat fans across the country. That support was one of the driving forces behind our Pac-10 championship this season.

"I am very pleased with my situation here at Arizona and feel that President Shelton, Greg Byrne and the UA have made every effort to provide our program with the tools necessary to be successful.

"In the last two years, we have done many things to strengthen the program from an improved locker room and practice facility, to our recruiting efforts. We will continue to work towards getting better in all areas as we move forward.

"Over the last two days, the amount of inaccuracies that surrounded this entire process has been very disappointing. Hopefully, this will put an end to such speculation. Believe me when I tell you, our administration has done everything to keep me here and ensure that this will be among the elite programs in the nation.

"I've said many times that I really liked the direction the new Pac-12 Conference is heading, and Wednesday's announcement says without a doubt that we are entering a new era of increased exposure and competitive excellence. I fully expect Arizona to be a leader for many years to come, and, with the help of our administration, continue to rise to the challenge in meeting the needs of our elite-level program.

"While it's flattering to be mentioned as a candidate for job openings, such speculation only means that our staff is doing great things here in Tucson."

SEAN MILLER, HEAD COACH, ARIZONA

[JMarkJohns]

UA received the commit from one of the top scorers in the 2012 class in 6-1, 180 SG Gabe York. Scoring is about all he can do at this point, but I think Miller is the coach to maximize his ability. Gonna have some high fliers in 2012 onward.

York reminds me of Salim Stoudamire with better athleticism. Them's some shoes to fill, but he is instant offense from anywhere on the court any time he touches the ball.

OZvguZLIQn8

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Rumor has it he and Brandon Ashley are friends and he's been texting Ashley trying to convince him to commit (also, after seeing an interview with Ashley, he's the guy I want most in the 2012 class, he's just as intelligent as he is physically good). If they can get Ashley and one of the center prospects they're targeting, 2012-2013 they'll easily be a contender. Shabazz is still a pipe dream, if they get him I won't even know what to think.

[JMarkJohns]

Have heard they won't stop recruiting a legit C, but with Jerrett being a legit 6-10 now, they may feel it best to pack up once Ashley commits. Tarc will likely decide before Ashley, Cleare is no longer an option, McGary is not either and the general thought is that Upshaw is UCLA's to lose. They are in on so many great 2013 kids, don't waste one on a flier. Landon Lucas may still be an option, but the improvement hasn't really been made for him to pull an offer.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Then we'll be waiting till 2013-2014 for a true contender. They aren't gonna win anything with a 220 pound center.

[JMarkJohns]

Then we'll be waiting till 2013-2014 for a true contender. They aren't gonna win anything with a 220 pound center.

Not necessarily true... Arizona will have Chol with one full year in the weight program, Johnson who is already 240 pounds at 6-9, and, likely, Kyryl, who'll be a senior, at roughly 240-250.

They'll have size. What they need is perimeter scoring. With a senior Parrom, possibly a senior Hill, a junior Mayes a sophomore Johnson and Turner, and a freshman York, perimeter scoring won't be the concern it was this year.

2012-13 Roster

PG: Turner, Mayes
SG: Parrom, Johnson, York
SF: Hill (some Parrom)
PF: Ashley, Jerrett
C: Chol, Kyryl, Johnson

Athletic Line-Up

Turner, York, NJohnson, Ashley, Chol

Bulk Line-Up

Turner, Parrom, Hill, SJohnson, Kyryl

Shooting Line-Up

Mayes, York, Parrom, Jerrett, Kyryl

Experience Line-Up

Mayes, Parrom, Hill, Chol, Kyryl

Balanced Line-Up

Turner, Johnson, Parrom, Jerrett, Chol

Quick Line-Up

Turner, York, Johnson, Parrom, Chol or Ashley

I understand your concern, and there's a decent chance Hill declares after this year, opening up a spot for Tarc or someone else. They'll keep recruiting those worthy of a spot, but, as of now, Arizona is in the top-2 for roughly half the 2013 top-25, and the declared leader for three or four 5-Star prospects. Look what Miller's coaching did this season. I think Arizona will be legit.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/ua/articles/2011/07/20/20110720arizona-wildcats-lute-olson-david-salinas-ponzi-scheme.html

Hopefully Miller has as much integrity as he appears to have and values ethics as much as he appears to, because it's pretty clear Olson was as dirty as it gets his last few years at UA. Thank god he retired when he did, another 1-2 years of post-2005 Lute Olson might have put Arizona basketball in a hole that would take a LONG time to dig out of.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/ua/articles/2011/07/20/20110720arizona-wildcats-lute-olson-david-salinas-ponzi-scheme.html

Hopefully Miller has as much integrity as he appears to have and values ethics as much as he appears to, because it's pretty clear Olson was as dirty as it gets his last few years at UA. Thank god he retired when he did, another 1-2 years of post-2005 Lute Olson might have put Arizona basketball in a hole that would take a LONG time to dig out of.
:lol nevermind. I forgot I'm reading a paper horribly bias towards ASU. Olson invested that money long before McClellan's recruiting process began, and made a good amount off the investment. As usual ASU fans are reaching, Olson having that money invested might have helped with Jawan, but it's pure coincidence, a lucky connection that plenty of coaches have that helps them recruit. Kinda like ASU's "lucky" connection hiring James Harden's high school coach as an assistant right in the thick of Harden's recruiting process.

[JMarkJohns]

Josiah Turner qualifies and cleared by the NCAA... The rest of the Pac has been notified.

Time to own.

[JMarkJohns]

#1 PF in 2012 Brandon Ashley (6-8, 205) to Arizona. Not a surprise, but very, very welcome!

Still Waiting on Tarc, but this really gives momentum to Arizona.

It's hard to imagine as an Arizona fan, a program once associated more with PGs and whose best players arguably were wings, but in 2012/2013, the frontline for Arizona could easily be...

SF: 4-Star, top-35 Solomon Hill (6-8, 230)
PF: 5-Star, top-5 Brandon Ashley (6-8, 205 prolly closer to 220 by this point)
PF: 5-Star, top-25 Grant Jerrett (6-9, 220 prolly closer to 230 by this point)
PF: 4-Star, top-70 Sidiki Johnson (6-8, 230)
C: 5-Star, top-10 Kaleb Tarczewski (7-0, 225)
C: 4-Star, top-60 Angelo Chol (6-9, 225)

Amazing.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

:lol once again JMark tells me about a commit months before it actually happens, and tells me yesterday that the official commitment is coming shortly

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

The really special thing about Ashley is that in addition to his length and athleticism he's smart and articulate. He's already got a good amount of skill and is someone who will add a lot more to his game, I think small forward is the position he's gonna eventually play.

The rest of college basketball should be praying they don't get Tarc. If that happens and all their non-seniors stay after this year, the 2012-2013 team will have an unreal amount of talent.

[JMarkJohns]

Ashley is a Danny Granger type of combo forward physically. He's a very good rebounder/defender, so it'll be interesting to see where his skills develop foremost. He's the ideal PF for Miller's system. He's not the athlete Williams is (at least not as explosive), but, honestly, I think he works harder on both ends, and I see very similar production from him. Not immediately, largely due to not needing it thanks to depth of talent, but his agility and post moves around the basket are very similar to Williams, and as his perimeter game expands, I think he becomes the SF with Jerrett at PF and Tarc or Chol at C.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

That front court would just be unfair if they all had a year to develop and all stayed as sophomores. This team would be a top 3 team in 2012-2013:

Turner - Mayes - N. Johnson
N. Johnson - York - Parrom
Hill - Parrom - Ashley
Ashley - Jerrett - S. Johnson
Chol - Tarc - Kyryl

[JMarkJohns]

Can't wait to see a Turner, York, Johnson, Ashley, Chol unit destroying teams offensively and defensively. A bit small, but the athleticism, scoring and defensive potential is worth the risk. May be the most athletic lineup Arizona will ever run out.

[JMarkJohns]

So I was brainstorming NBA comparisons today, and for Ashley I concluded Larry Nance. the frames are similar (6-8/6-9, 210/220), the athleticism is similar (though Nance is a bit more explosive off the jump), the motor is very similar, and Ashley's current/projected skills are very similar in that each is a dynamo around the basket with a soft touch out to the elbows, each can rebound well despite the wiry frame, and each is a real strong defender (Nance was three-time All-NBA defense).

Nance was roughly 6-9, 220 in his NBA prime and averaged 18-21 ppg, 8-9 rpg, 2+ bpg and 1 spg with an array of low-post skills and some nice off-the-dribble perimeter skills (both shooting and slashing). Not sure if Ashley's NBA ceiling is as high, but as far as what to expect while at Arizona, I think Nance is a good comparison in physical stature/ability, skills and demeanor and mentality.

Ashley is routinely praised for his effort on both ends, and as I remember, this was true of Nance as well.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Ashley and Jerrett are both as far as I can tell two guys who work hard on both ends and will do what it takes to win. Them also being friends who grew up playing against each other is a bonus. It's crazy that Miller is reeling in 5 stars left but is only going after the guys who will play in his system and do what he asks. There have been several other 5 stars (Lance Stephenson, Jabari Brown most notably) who Miller could have easily had but wanted nothing to do with.

[JMarkJohns]

So, with this season being the last with a balanced Home/Home Conference Schedule, I figured I'd discuss my ideal to maximize specific region exposure and additional region expanded viewership:

Discussed in the Texas to Pac thread, I mentioned a 3x2+2(2/2/2) schedule. This has been shot down. The potential schedule structure for basketball is 3x2 for your pod (6 games) and then everyone else once (12 games). Equals same 18 games they currently play.

@ Arizona State
@ UCLA
@ Cal
vs. Colorado
vs. Utah
vs. Stanford
@ Oregon State
@ Washington
vs. Oregon
vs. Washington State
vs. Texas
vs. Oklahoma
@ Texas Tech
@ Oklahoma State
vs. USC
vs. Arizona State
@ Colorado
@ Utah

Then reverse the home/road the next season. This guarantees one NoCal and one SoCal conference road game each year. Arizona can add to this with:

Some cupcake (home)
Some cupcake (home)
Home/Home vs. San Diego State or Houston
B2B Neutral vs Nevada (Las Vegas/Phoenix) or DePaul (Chicago/Phoenix)
B2B Neutral vs. Gonzaga in Seattle/Anaheim (ranked)
Some average opponent (H/H Rice or Dayton)
Home/Neutral/Home vs. Kansas (Dallas) or St. John's (Los Angeles)
Home/off/Home vs. UNLV (occasional rank)
Neutral (San Diego or Anaheim) vs. St. Mary's or Pepperdine
Random H/H ACC opponent (Pittsburgh/UNC) or
*Random H/H SEC opponent (LSU/Georgia) or
*Random H/H Big-10 opponent (Illinois/Indiana)

Red = Very likely Top25 ranked opponent, guaranteed Tourney team
Blue = Potential Top25 ranked opponent, likely Tourney team
Green = Occasional Top25 ranked opponent, possible Tourney team

Probably throw in another game or two vs. an average opponent. This would maximize California, Texas and Nevada (for Findlay) and extend viewership into NY/CHI/South. If a H/H vs. San Diego State is in CA, then set up a neutral in Texas. If H/H vs. San Diego State is in Tucson, set up a neutral in LA or SD. Same with Las Vegas and either the Dallas or Houston area. The idea is to always play a game every non conference at two of LA/SD or LV or Dallas or Houston, and vs. three of the regions' teams (so SDSU, St. Mary's or Pepperdine for SoCal, UNLV or Nevada for LV, Rice or Houston for Houston and a random game in Dallas). Furthermore, Arizona should always play one game a season in either NY, Chicago or the south. Just makes sense.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

A game in Nevada every year would be great, granted we already have a pretty strong Findlay pipeline. As long as Miller maintains his ability to dominate Cali recruiting and bring in the occasional East Coast recruit with his NY connections, they'll be fine.

[JMarkJohns]

Arizona only has Johnson and Ashley from Findlay. Texas has the major hold. With them moving west, I'd like to make sure Arizona is either playing UNLV or in Las Vegas for a game every year. I think the Home/SoCal/Home schedule for a UNLV series would be welcomed from them as well, as I am sure they'd like the added exposure in LA or SD.

I would like Miller to establish the connections in NY, Chicago, Texas and the south, as right now Book is NY/NJ, Whitfield is Midwest and Pasternick is south. Use them to break in, develop own relationships with either media markets or coaches, that way when Book or Whitfield get hired for their own head coaching gig, their connections are already furthered to the point where they aren't specifically responsible/needed.

What Miller needs to do is continue developing strong relationships with California and Nevada teams/prospects, mostly taking them yearly, then every other year targeting a specific Texas/NY/Chicago/South prospect. If South doesn't workout, no big deal. Focus on teams Oakland Soldiers (AAU), Findlay (HS), states of California and Texas and the occasional Chicago or New York City kid.

[JMarkJohns]

With gaining a commitment from top-5, 2012 prospect Kyle Anderson, UCLA now has the #2 current ranked incoming class for 2012 by ESPN, and this is without #1 overall recruit Shabazz Muhammed, whom they lead for, should the pro rule remain one-year (if prep-to-pro or 2-year, he's gone, and if two-year no matter, Kentucky factors in).

Arizona is still in on top-10 overall C prospect Kaleb Tarczewski, while UCLA has #1 overall SF Shabazz Muhammed, and, possibly, #19 PF Shaq Goodwin and, likely, top-35 C Tony Parker.

Should this all happen:

- Arizona -
#4 Brandon Ashley (SF/PF: 6-8, 215)
#6 Kaleb Tarczewski (C: 7-0, 225)
#9 Grant Jerrett (PF/C: 6-10, 220)
#36 Gabe York (SG: 6-2, 175)

- UCLA -
#1 Shabazz Muhammed (SF: 6-6, 220)*
#5 Kyle Anderson (PG: 6-7, 210)
#19 Shaq Goodwin (PF: 6-8, 245)
#31 Tony Parker (C: 6-9, 270)*
#50 Jordan Adams (SG: 6-5, 210)
#72 Dominic Artis (PG: 5-10, 165)

NOTE: *not yet committed
NOTE 2: Gray name indicates now committed elsewhere

I think UCLA, for the balance, would likely gain the #1 class to Arizona's #2, but that's assuming much, much more than with Arizona, who already has two top-10 low-post prospects and, while undersized, one of the best pure scorers in the nation (Several scouts say if he was 6-4+ he'd be top-15, 6-6, top-10). Should everything except Shabazz happen, I think they'll still be top-3 overall. With Shabazz and Anderson, I think they are guaranteed top-2, no matter who else joins. I think Arizona with Tarc is guaranteed to-2, and without, top-4.

Nice to see West Coast basketball starting to become a juggernaut again just in time for more national exposure. Should expansion occur, Texas and Oklahoma State also have top-20 classes at the moment, and Washington and, possible, Oregon, likely will join the discussion. The expansion benefits much more than just football!

[JMarkJohns]

It's official: 2012 C Kaleb Tarczewski (7-0, 230), the #6 overall prospect in the country, commits to Arizona. This, one week after an official visit where he and the other members of Arizona's soon-to-be #1 overall ranked recruiting class for 2012 built rapport and discussed their future as Wildcats.

With Tarczewski's commitment, Arizona brings in three top-10 post players in the same class, a rare feat for any program. Their class, as of now:

#4 Brandon Ashley (SF/PF: 6-8, 220)
#6 Kaleb Tarczewski (C: 7-0, 230)
#9 Grant Jerrett (PF/C: 6-10, 225)
#36 Gabe York (SG: 6-2, 175)

Still on the radar, discussions with #1 overall prospect in 2012, Shabazz Muhammed, and, more realistic as Shabazz is a significant UCLA lean, PG Amadeo Della Valle.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

It's crazy that Jerrett and Tarc might be the #1 and #2 big man recruits UA has ever gotten. Idk how Miller has done it but I never woulda thought entering his 3rd season as coach he'd be getting a 5 star 7 footer from fuckin New Hampshire to commit before his senior season even starts.

I highly doubt Miller will show half the sense of urgency recruiting Shabazz that UCLA or Kentucky will since he's not one to sell himself out for a recruit, but if they get Shabazz it'll easily be UA's best recruiting class ever.

[JMarkJohns]

If Shabazz gets Arizona, it'll be the best recruiting class ever. I am not as big a fan Tarczewski as some, but Bazz with York is the best scoring combo in the country, and Bazz is a sure fire NBA All Star, and Jerrett and Ashley have legit NBA potential. That said, Bazz is going to need to recruit Arizona some to become a real option... Miller will do only so much without reciprocity.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Yeah it'll have to be Angelo Chol only a lot more. The only way Shabazz is coming here is if he really really wants to and can't be convinced otherwise by Howland or Calipari. The recruiting Miller does from here on out will probably focus on 2013 as that has the potential to be more of a monster than this class was.

[JMarkJohns]

Everything I'm hearing says they take Della Valle in 2012, then Cooper, Jr., Bird and Domingo in 2013, with maybe Britt, Frasor, Allen and Gordon factoring in somewhere should Bird or Domingo not come out as expected, or lots of early defections/transfers occur.

As of now, assuming the NBA increases age minimum to 2 years/20...

2012-13

PG: Turner (so), Mayes (jr), Della Valle (fr)
SG: Parrom (sr), Johnson (so), York (fr)
SF: Hill (sr) (some Parrom)
PF: Ashley (fr), Chol (so) Jerrett (fr)
C: Kyryl (sr), Johnson (so), Tarczewski (fr)

This is 13 fr 12, which means one of 'em will not be on the roster. My hope is Kyryl plays well enough to get a contract offer from Europe that he accepts, or Hill does so well he leaves early after the new age minimum clears out the 2011 prospects from the 2012 draft.

2013-14

PG: Mayes (sr), Della Valle (so), (maybe Frasor (fr))
SG: Johnson (jr), York (so), Cooper, Jr. (fr)
SF: Bird (fr), Domingo (fr)
PF: Ashley (so), Chol (jr), Jerrett (so)
C: Johnson (jr), Tarczewski (so)

The great thing here is the consistency within the frontcourt. Ideally, it stays the same from 2012 through end of the 2013 season. I expect that Turner declares after his sophomore season, joining Hill and Parrom as opening scholarships, and they also get their 13th back, which goes to Cooper, Jr. They'll look into 3 wings (2 SF, 1 SG) and likely one PG, if possible.

2013-14

PG: Della Valle (jr), Frasor (so)
SG: Johnson (sr), York (jr), Cooper, Jr.
SF: Bird (so), Domingo (so)
PF: Chol (sr), Jerrett (jr)
C: Johnson (sr), Tarczewski (jr)

This would leave two (certain) or three (likely) for 2014. One will be a PG, and another will be a SF or PF.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

I haven't heard anything about it but is it a sure thing the CBA will increase the age minimum/years, it seems like an issue that would actually get fought over.

Is Chris Thomas completely out of the picture? For awhile he seemed like an imminent commit but now Miller isn't paying him any attention.

[JMarkJohns]

Chris Thomas has issues. Plenty of talent, but he's officially approaching Lance Stephenson territory. It would take a miracle for any legit program to take him. Really sad. You name the problem, Thomas is fightin' dem demons.

As for the age rule... I know people who say they are hearing it'll be addressed somehow. If might not be, but Stern wanted it five years ago. My guess is when the owners cave and give a 51-49 BRI split to the players, the players will concede on a bunch of aspects like this.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

So a few things after that game:



All the experience in the world won't make Kyryl a starter on a D-1 team. Angelo Chol replacing him as the starting C is inevitable.
Nick Johnson will be one of the best Arizona players of all time if he stays 3-4 years.
Kyle Fogg stepped up last night like he's gonna have to step up all season, Solomon Hill is still on a different planet and is even less motivated without Parrom pushing him for minutes. Unless he gets better or unless Parrom returns 100%, this will be a full blown rebuilding year with no March Madness.
Josiah Turner had unrealistic expectations as the first 5 star recruit Arizona has gotten since 2007 (Jerryd Bayless), the people panicking about him not immediately looking like the future GOAT are retarded. If he sucked Miller wouldn't be starting him over a smarter, more experience player who came up huge last March.
Sidiki Johnson needs to not have such a bad attitude whining about/to the refs while he's on the court. I'm glad Miller is making him learn that by benching him.
Jesse Perry looks like he got a lot better and will do his absolute best to replace D-Will's production at power forward.


The lineup for Pac-12 play should be something like this IMO -

Turner 25 - Mayes 15
Fogg 28 - N. Johnson 5 - Mayes 7
S. Hill 20 - N. Johnson 20
J. Perry 30 - Sidiki 10
Angelo Chol 25 - Kyryl 10 - Sidiki 5

[JMarkJohns]

PG: Turner (25), Mayes (15)
SG: Fogg (25), Johnson (10), Mayes (5)
SF: Johnson (15), Parrom (15), Hill (5) (5 minutes to whichever player steps up)
PF: Hill (20), Perry (20)
C: Perry (10), Chol (25), Kyryl (5)

Parrom will be back, possibly by the St. John's game (it's his hope). He'll add a spark and some leadership for the second unit.

Hill isn't a wing. He's a high-low comboforward and needs to get the majority of his minutes at the PF spot, and be used for his floating high post/low post game that can command a mismatch if a traditional PF is used in the high post, or if a SF is used in the low post. He just doesn't have the handle or the speed to maximize whatever perimeter ability he does have. His handle is too loose, and his speed is a step slow. His best game last year was vs. Texas and he was in the high/low all game (Williams foul trouble).

The scoring depth is all SG/SF at the moment, with Perry thrown in for good measure. The idea going forward is to have as many three-point shooters on the floor to spread it and open things up for Turner's dribble-drive, Hill's high-low, and Perry's flash-dives into the lane. Fogg/Johnson/Mayes/Parrom all are well above average 3-point shooters, and Perry has range as well.

Chol is going to be a monster with time and experience. Not sure how much can be counted on for this season, but he's a defensive force, is coachable, and seems to have skills when he finds himself playing a fluid game (tends to hurry).

Turner is playing smart basketball, and not making mistakes. As he develops rapport with his teammates, he'll be the PG we all anticipated. He's not forcing shots or bad passes. This is key going forward.

Mayes will be key as the season progresses. His shot looks on, and his defense is much better from what I've seen. He has a year of experience and if Fogg/Turner ever become a liability shooting, Mayes can play either PG or SG.

[JMarkJohns]

With word that Shaq Goodwin has committed to Memphis over UCLA, the updated class battle for #1 twixt Arizona and UCLA now looks like...

- Arizona -
#4 Brandon Ashley (SF/PF: 6-8, 215)
#6 Kaleb Tarczewski (C: 7-0, 225)
#9 Grant Jerrett (PF/C: 6-10, 220)
#36 Gabe York (SG: 6-2, 175)
#50ish Amedeo Della Valle (PG: 6-5, 195)*

- UCLA -
#1 Shabazz Muhammed (SF: 6-6, 220)*
#5 Kyle Anderson (PG: 6-7, 210)
#19 Shaq Goodwin (PF: 6-8, 245)
#31 Tony Parker (C: 6-9, 270)*
#50 Jordan Adams (SG: 6-5, 210)
#72 Dominic Artis (PG: 5-10, 165)

NOTE: *not yet committed
NOTE 2: Gray name indicates now committed elsewhere

As of now, it not only looks like Arizona is likely to land Della Valle should they want come spring, but that once-strong UCLA lean, Tony Parker, may now be a strong Duke lean. So, Arizona could potentially add another top-40/50-type recruit, while UCLA loses a commit in Artis (now Oregon) and their two top posts in Goodwin and Parker. UCLA is still in line to nab Muhammed come spring or summer, but their post options are dwindling.

[JMarkJohns]

Mayes isn't even in game shape yet. He may need to be closer to that 25/30 minute role. He's been great thus far. Even Lavender has looked solid.

From here on out I'm completely OK with

PG: Mayes, Turner
SG: Fogg, Lavender
SF: Johnson, Parrom
PF: Hill, Perry
C: Perry, Chol, Kyryl

With minutes roughly

Perry 30-35
Hill 30
Mayes 25-30
Johnson 25
Fogg 20-25
Turner 20-25
Chol 20-25
Parrom 20
Lavender 5-10
Kyryl 5-10

And as Parrom regains stamina and Chol develops, probably eat into Hill's minutes a bit.

[JMarkJohns]

Parrom back at practice. I know he wants to play vs. St. Johns next Thursday, if even for five minutes a half. Heard he recently attempted 100 guarded 3's and made over half of them. If that's all he is for a few games, it's still needed.

[JMarkJohns]

Tougher test today. Jarrod Jones will be a tough test and Ball State as a whole is a likely tournament team. Gotta play smart, turnover-free basketball on offense and get after it on the boards on defense.

EDIT: Unfortunate, Arizona is still playing sloppy. Horrible passes, lots of turnovers, lots of bad defense to boot.

Gonna be a long game.

[JMarkJohns]

Parrom, baby! Awesome!

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

I hope all the retarded fans who said start Mayes are happy. Now they aren't getting production out of Mayes and Turner's confidence is gone from getting benched. This is a game Kyle Fogg and Solo Hill are gonna need to step up and win.

[JMarkJohns]

Hill finally played with some aggression and attacked the lane. Fogg needs to play like this every game. He won't always put up 20+, but shoot with confidence and attack off the dribble and good things happen.

Turner needs to get his mind right. Way too talented to coast.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

He needs to go back to starting Turner. Just cause Turner starts the game doesn't mean he has to finish it. Mayes is much better off the bench, and I imagine someone who's been a starter his entire life is better as a starter.

[JMarkJohns]

I agree. Hopefully whatever message that needed sending was sent tonight and Turner accepts it and plays better. In all honesty, I feel Turner's been scapegoated a bit for the sloppy play. Of all the plays resulting in turnovers, his were the most aggression-based, which meant he was trying to impose his will and just came up short. The mistakes by Fogg/Hill/Perry are almost all careless, sloppy passes, dribbles, bone-headedness.

Turner isn't quite there, but he's trying to get there. There will be some bumps, as seldom are freshman points a smooth development. But he's their best ball-handler, and, he's a solid defender. His mistakes are ones of inexperience, not of focus or laziness. So play him and let him gain the experience.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Yeah I agree 100%. Turner came in with ridiculous expectations (I think he's our first 5 star recruit since Chase Budinger) and people got pissed at him when he didn't start immediately playing like John Wall. Us being contenders next year largely depends on how much Turner, Nick Johnson and Chol develop, so it's not really worth it to stunt their development in favor of Perry or Mayes who aren't gonna get any better and aren't leading us to a championship anytime soon. If it costs them the Pac-12 or even a tournament birth (however they showed last night they're a tournament team), fine, next year is the year where everything needs to click.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Yeah they suck but I'm still bumping this thread after they curb stomped ASU.

If Sean Miller can get this team a mere tournament birth that's a huge achievement. They bit off more than they could chew with their out of conference schedule but they should be ready for Pac-12 play given how shitty the pac is this year. If Josiah Turner stopped showing up to practice high and started actually caring about basketball they'd be the easy favorites to win the Pac.

[JMarkJohns]

They miss a healthy Parrom so much. This was exactly what I feared—a middling Parrom slowly working his way back commanding minutes that takes them (and role/shots) from Johnson, Mayes, which stunts their growth for not a lot of reward from Parrom playing.

I'm glad he's well, and I understand the argument that he needed to play to distract him from everything he's lost this last year, but Arizona needs Johnson and Mayes to develop quickly, not slowly, to find consistency as relied-upon rotation players/starters this year, not next. Parrom needed to get fully healthy and not waste an entire year basically rehabbing in meaningful games. Losing this year likely costs him getting drafted in the NBA after his senior season. Had he rehabbed and had two full years remaining to prove himself and get better, I think he makes it.

Our frontline is so sketch right now. Perry and Hill are solid enough starters vs. anyone in the Pac-12, but are small and overmatched vs. good frontcourts elsewhere. Can't wait until Ashley, Jerrett and Tarczewski get here and Chol gains strength and confidence.

This team will miss Perry, though. He brings a lot to this team.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Johnson is developing just fine IMO and isn't an issue. He's also a hard enough worker where I think he'll take advantage of a full off season at school. Mayes isn't a starter, he should be in a role where he comes off the bench, brings some energy + shooting, and if he's playing well finishes the game. The big question mark is Turner. He's gonna need to progress a lot of UA wants to contend next year.

I agree about Parrom too, it was stupid to rush him back. He shoulda medical red shirted.

[JMarkJohns]

Johnson is developing, yes, but his inconsistent role makes it a wishy-washy sort of development. I have always thought Johnson was going to be best through trial by fire. He has the constitution to handle it, the mentality to embrace it, and the raw skills to excel within it. He's not had that completely yet. They've taken him off the leash, but have him in a contained/controlled dog runner most of the time. I agree with Mayes, but think he should be getting more minutes right now.

I know I'm not the casual UA fan, but I was always willing to sacrifice this season, if need be, for development of youth so that next season they have a legitimate Final 4 team. Turner isn't getting the minutes, though much of that his own fault, and with Parrom take 15-20 minutes away in an already crowded wing-rotation, it keep heavier minutes, more defined roles and more meaningful touches away from the younger players. I'd hoped Chol would be played more as well, so he'd be ready to have a Jordan Hill-type sophomore campaign.

I trust Miller. But he needs to think about long-term. He's not getting fired, so he doesn't need to "win now". Yes, wins are nice, but better is building towards something meaningful. Once Williams left, it wasn't going to happen this year. But with throwing youth to the wolves, it could have next year. Now I'm not as confident. Still plenty of time to develop real roles for Turner, Johnson and Chol, but I fear Miller has settled in on his rotation, for better or worse.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

:lol you know ASU sucks when Paola Boivin can't even write her annual article about how ASU is closing the recruiting gap

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2012/01/01/20120101asu-basketball-arizona-wildcats-body-language.html#comments

[JMarkJohns]

Yeah. I send her an email with a link back to her prior ASU-slurping schlock randomly throughout the year just so she remembers how she's viewed in reality.

[JMarkJohns]

5-star SF Rondae Jefferson (6-7, 215) out of Philadelphia commits to Arizona. Game is very similar to Andre Iguodala... Near elite athlete, great court vision, very aggressive off the dribble, great defender/rebounder for his position. Has literally played every position for his AAU team, but fits in nicely as a SF.

[JMarkJohns]

Aaron Gordon, bitches!

zXWrMc2asag

McDonald's All-American Game MVP
Under-19 FIBA World Championships MVP

Go fuck yourself, opposition...

[JMarkJohns]

Ho hum, another 5-star PF commit.

Call it the Derrick Williams effect.

Won't even be the last of this 2014 class.

Business as usual is back!

Welcome aboard, Craig Victor!

[JMarkJohns]

Soon...

Coach Damon with the assist?!

[JMarkJohns]

Arizona faces a tough challenge next game @San Diego State.

Gotta learn to win in hostile environs.

Great win last night.

Freshman Gordon with second straight double-double.

Sophomores Gabe York and Brandon Ashley showed off complete offensive games, combining for 30 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 5 deflections.

Juniors Nick Johnson and TJ McConnell played smothering defense, kept the ball moving, and Johnson had like five oops.

But the best defense of the day is from Freshman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and sophomore Kaleb Tarczewski. The former had 3 steals, and 7 deflections, but just blanketed anyone he guarded, and the latter nabbed 10 rebounds vs. two very good rebounding bigs from LBSU, and forced 4 post up air balls with his length, and had three deflections and one unofficial block.

Held Long Beach State to 15 points in first half, and to 27% shooting overall.

Similar effort on defense vs. SDSU and they should win by 10.

[JMarkJohns]

inT40E0ksXA

[JMarkJohns]

A win Thursday night and another Friday afternoon, say, 4 pm EST on, say, ESPNU!

Make it happen!

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Game doesn't start till 9 and I have to be at work by 7 #CentralTimezoneProblems

[Xylus]

I didn't get to see the game, but it looks like Johnson and Gordon did their thang.

It wasn't a blowout, but a win over SDSU at Viejas Arena is a good win.

[JMarkJohns]

Great road win. Tough atmosphere, good poise, bad officiating. Even commentators openly bashed, at one point quipping, "you knew they were going to call that whether it was a foul or not."

Jefferson fouls out in 18 minutes, Ashley, Gordon, Tarc each with 4 fouls, and SDSU shot twice as many FTs until AZ was intentionally sent to FT line like 8 times in the closing minutes.

[JMarkJohns]

PaaEm_jEc4U

Stanley, bitches!

[JMarkJohns]

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r744/dscheer1061/Stanley_zpsef7358a3.jpg

West Coast Wildcat

[Xylus]

HELL YES

[JMarkJohns]

A little Justise come Monday? Hmmm...

Stanley Johnson and Craig Victor think so!

As it stands, Arizona's class is #3 by Scout.

#7 Johnson (SF: 6-7, 220)
#17 Victor (PF: 6-8, 235)
4-star Parker Jackson-Cartwright (PG: 5-9, 165)
4-star Kadeem Allen (CG: 6-3, 185)

Add #11 Justise Winslow (SG: 6-6, 220) and class will only trail Duke.

We shall see!

[Xylus]

Finally getting to watch us play on ESPN.

We staaaaaaaaaaaacked

[JMarkJohns]

If York/Johnson hit open threes, and Gordon hits FTs at 60% or better, this is a Final 4 offense.

The defense and rebounding is better than the offense.

[JMarkJohns]

UW3v80i1Dik

Regular rotation totaled 80+ points, 44 rebounds, 18 assists, 8 blocks, 5 steals in an average of 21 minutes a game.

Game was tied at 10. Arizona out scored em 90-40 in last 35 minutes.

[JMarkJohns]

Last two wins were by 78 points.

[Xylus]

Bring on Drexel!

This is Nick Johnson's team, he'd just like everyone to know that.

[JMarkJohns]

Arizona 72, Duke 66...

Um... FUCK YEAH!!!!!

[JMarkJohns]

At Madison Square Garden...

[Xylus]

Damn it feels good to be a gangsta...

True or False: This is the best squad Sean Miller has coached at Arizona.

[JMarkJohns]

This is the most talented squad defensively, and the most overall athletic squad that Miller has had. Replace Senior Mayes with Freshman Mayes and give York minutes last year to be better this year and this team might be perfect.

Whether the best overall team, 2011 destroyed defending Champion Duke in Elite 8 and was a made three from the Final 4.

This team has more talent. But that team developed "it" and was exceptional at imposing its will.

This team has more potential, but has two true weaknesses:

1. Lack of true backup PG that can take care of the ball, shoot, and defend for 10 minutes.
2. Lack of elite scorer who can get shot at any time.

But everything is in place. Gotta define roles, gel, adjust, gel, and adapt.

Gordon needs to shoot 100 spot up threes a day.
Jefferson needs to shoot 100 FTs a day.
Tarc needs to dunk the ball 100 times a day.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

^The lack of a true backup PG doesn't bother me at all because they have Johnson and York as backup combo guards. The lack of a go to scorer is the biggest weakness imo, but both Ashley and Gordon have the potential to become one. The other weakness is the lack of front court depth behind Tarc/Ashley/Gordon since they can't stay out of foul trouble.

The team reminds me of the UNC teams from a few years ago with Barnes/Henson/Zeller up front with Marsh:lolll at the point with tons of talent but a team that can go through luls on offense with no player who can take control.

[JMarkJohns]

That's a fair comparison offensively. Defensively, different story. Worst defender is York who plays 15-20 minutes and is average at worst, and can be pesky at best vs. the right opposition (smallish, slower, etc).

Ashley has seemingly scored at will when given the touches and when not in foul trouble. He needs to be featured more. Johnson has gotten into the lane quite well, and would like to see him get more ISO plays with a three-guard and Gordon/Ashley lineup to spread the floor. He's big/strong, and a solid FT shooter, passer and good enough finisher that he can be an effective end-game weapon.

Mayes needs to only see the floor in foul trouble, injury, or blowouts.

I honestly think Korcheck can be a quality C if needed. I've been impressed by mobility, rebounding.

[JMarkJohns]

I'm in the minority amongst my friends, but I don't want #1 right now. Let them sit at #2 a while and fight for it. Let them want it beyond it just being a number. They need to earn it, so when gained, they fight like hell to keep it. Right now I see a good team with great potential with a the fancy to fight only when necessary. Their good is better than most bests, but they need more teaching before they get to #2 so they don't get there and think they've arrived.

[BUMP]

did they end up beating Texas Tech?

[Xylus]

79-58, AZ victory.

Brandon Ashley is starting to emerge as a real threat on offense. Anyone actually get to watch the game?

[JMarkJohns]

Yes. Sloppy in first half. Like a dozen turnovers. Missed a bunch of FTs.

Ashley looked damn good. Had some face up game that really showed itself, including a three.

Some bad shot selection from York. Needs to have leash reined in a bit.

Not sure there's a team with a higher achievable upside. But shots, turnovers, FTs, and lax play for long stretches needs to be fought out of them.

I finish most games thinking I've watched an excellant 25 minutes and pathetic 15.

[JMarkJohns]

Welp... Arizona gets shot at #1 on Saturday.

White out vs. UNLV.

Gonna be crazy...

[Xylus]

Mark Titus of Grantland is drinking the red-and-blue koolaid.


http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10078436/mark-titus-top-12-ncaa-power-rankings-arizona-best-team-ever

[JMarkJohns]

I doubt Titus watched a game...

1997, 1998, and 2001 were almost perfect in their assembly, and 2003 had three pros off the bench, seven overall.

Love this team, and it's defense is can arguably achieve the title of best in Arizona history, but 1997/1998 had eventual NPOY Jason Terry, and 2003 had Iguodala, Adams, and Bynum off the bench.

If this team had a player like Terry, then maybe.

[JMarkJohns]

UNLV playing out of their mind. They are one of the worst shooting teams Arizona's great defense has played, yet they shoot lights out to start the game.

Dogfight...

[Xylus]

3/4 of the way through the game and UNLV still shooting lights out.

[Clipper Nation]

A UNLV win here and Boise beating Kentucky would be huge for the Mountain West, tbh....

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

This team's lack of a go to scorer is starting to become a major problem....and holy hell they've missed a shit ton of layups today.

[JMarkJohns]

#1

Barely

UNLV shot 29% in the 2nd.

I don't think the go-to scorer is the issue. Early turnovers and a sever case of butterfingers lead to Arizona unable to sustain momentum. This was a good game from them, but own mistakes led to a close game, and unholy shooting led to a scare.

But they defended well all game, contesting up, not out, and rebounded dominantly vs. a very good rebounding frontcourt. Make your layups and rid out the boneheaded turnovers and even with the score is likely double-figures in last minutes.

Tough test for the new #1 at Michigan next week.

They win with this ranking in that environment, and they will be a truly deserving #1.

[JMarkJohns]

#1 in both polls

Home vs. New Mexico State on Tuesday
Road at Michigan on Saturday

Gonna be a tough week to keep it, but they sweep, it solidified them as legit #1, maybe more than anything Michigan State did. Non-home-wins vs. Duke at MSG, and at SDSU, and at Michigan is damn impressive.

[Xylus]

I hope we don't overlook NMSU

[Xylus]

This Michigan crowd is hostile, tough environment. 64-63, 2 minutes let.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

That shot Brandon Ashley made a few possessions ago was ridiculous.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Nick Johnson never shying away from the clutch moment per par etc tbh imo fwiw

[Xylus]

Brandon Ashley is a completely different player this year.

Up 3 with 9 seconds left. Michigan ball.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Brandon Ashley is a completely different player this year.

Up 3 with 9 seconds left. Michigan ball.

Having a PG who can feed the post as well as McConnell has been huge for him.

Welp, I've never been a big fan of fouling in this situation. Hopefully I'm wrong.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

:lol Arizona chants in Michigan

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Game.

[Xylus]

What a big fucking win.

[Xylus]

This team plays like a #1 team. Down 8 with 6 minutes left in the game, they started to convert possession after possession, never getting rattled by anything Michigan did offensively. They played without emotion.

[Bill_Brasky]

wow that was impressive. coming back from 11 down on the road. hats off.

[JMarkJohns]

Imagine this frontcourt next year...

It's the only way you see em play as upperclassmen.

Length for days. Best rebounding team I've seen in a long time.

Gotta make putbacks. Gotta make open threes (I see you, York). Gotta stop with the 7-10 turnover first half.

But this team kills you slowly. By the 30 minute mark your still small, and now a step or two slow.

Legitimizing win.

They will lose. No team runs the table. But this win says a lot about their chances come March.

Still so young with chemistry, too.

Scary to thing they can still improve.

Suck it, Kenpom...

[JMarkJohns]

:lol Arizona chants in Michigan

Our fanbase on the road is unabashed and unrestrained.

I have lost my voice at McKale North more than once. Hope to do it again this year.

[JMarkJohns]

Still #1, bitches!

Easy ass weeks the next two.

[JMarkJohns]

http://s17.postimg.org/ohq1r2grz/image.jpg

Aaron Gordon, bitches!

The new #1 Wooden Watch contender.

[JMarkJohns]

They open the New Year and PAC-12 play as #1...

Gotta sweep these home series vs. Shitty teams like Washington/Washington State. Got State tonight.

[Girasuck]

Can't wait to see them in person on Feb 19th. Not sure how competitive we'll make the game but we've definitely improved from last year.

[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.

[Xylus]

Is this box score right? We just held WSU to 7 points in the first half?

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Is this box score right? We just held WSU to 7 points in the first half?

Yes :lol

They went like 13+ minutes before making a FG.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

holy shit, I forgot Sunnyslope High School's finest, Royce Woolridge, plays for Washington State :lmao:lmao:lmao

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

God damn these refs have a bigger hard on for Royce than his high school coaches who'd let him chuck 25 shots a night.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

:lmao this announcer is such an old conservative prick

"These god damn players being able to transfer whenever they have an ailing grandma (he seriously mocked players who transferred because of an ailing granmda)! I hate these new rules that no longer treat college athletes like slaves! I remember back when I was young they had to sit out a year before they could transfer to another cotton field! Those were the days!"

[Xylus]

I wish I had a way to watch this game.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

I didn't get Pac-12 network when I lived in Arizona, but I get it no problem in Texas. Go figure. I like that I can get every AZ game now but it's bullshit there's no longer any local broadcasts.