2014 Arizona Basketball

[Russ Smith]

You are high as a kite if you think a team run by Bryce Freakin Alford can be an analogy for how well Arizona could do against UK or any team for that matter. UCLA plays Arizona like it's their national championship every year and for some reason they let them get the best of them. That doesn't change the physical matchups on an individual level. Has to be one of the worst analogies I've ever seen.

You may not get it but UCLA sees UK as a bigger threat than UA because UK has 8 national titles and a fairly reasonable chance of getting to 11 or more in the next X years if Calipari continues.

UCLA was up for UK too, they just got hammered because UK was so much better than they were.

UCLA plays UA tougher for a variety of reasons, one they know UA better, they play them every year, they know Millers style, they know the players. But the difference in those 2 games was not familiarity, it was talent.

I haven't said a thing about how good or not good I think UCLA is, frankly they don't match up with Gonzaga, couldn't the first time, and probably lose by double digits again.

What I've said repeatedly is that UK is head and shoulders above anybody else talent wise this year. To beat them you're going to have to make them play a style they're not comfortable playing, and I don't think UA plays that style.

I haven't once said I think UA is overrated or sucks or is poorly coached or any of that nonsense. All i've said is they don't matchup well with UK. I don't think anybody does, but there are teams still alive that match up better because they play a different style.

If you read my posts and came to the conclusion I was comparing UCLA to UK you're the one that's high as a kite. or maybe you took the PJC approach academically. What I said was UCLA has played both teams, once on a neutral floor and once at Arizona. UCLA did not belong on the same floor as UK, completely unable to compete. UCLA led Arizona in both games for substantial parts of the game. That wasn't just because UCLA gets up for ARizona, it was because they weren't completely overmatched against UA the way they were against UK. Talent wise the matchup was significantly closer.

My guess is by the time it's done, Towns, Cauley-Stein and Johnson will all be top 20 draft picks, Lee will be a first rounder, Lyles will be a top 20 pick. I think Booker is a borderline first rounder. I think the twins will be 2nd rounders, one of them might sneak into the first round. I happen to be in the minority I think Ulis will eventually play in the NBA too I think he's that good.They regularly play 9 kids and every one of them has a legit shot at playing in the NBA at some point. They won't all leave this year but by the time they've all left UK I suspect somewhere between 7 and 9 of those kids will play in the NBA.

It's not a criticism of UA, it's a compliment to how good I think UK is this year.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

You may not get it but UCLA sees UK as a bigger threat than UA because UK has 8 national titles and a fairly reasonable chance of getting to 11 or more in the next X years if Calipari continues.

UCLA was up for UK too, they just got hammered because UK was so much better than they were.

UCLA plays UA tougher for a variety of reasons, one they know UA better, they play them every year, they know Millers style, they know the players. But the difference in those 2 games was not familiarity, it was talent.

I haven't said a thing about how good or not good I think UCLA is, frankly they don't match up with Gonzaga, couldn't the first time, and probably lose by double digits again.

What I've said repeatedly is that UK is head and shoulders above anybody else talent wise this year. To beat them you're going to have to make them play a style they're not comfortable playing, and I don't think UA plays that style.

I haven't once said I think UA is overrated or sucks or is poorly coached or any of that nonsense. All i've said is they don't matchup well with UK. I don't think anybody does, but there are teams still alive that match up better because they play a different style.

If you read my posts and came to the conclusion I was comparing UCLA to UK you're the one that's high as a kite. or maybe you took the PJC approach academically. What I said was UCLA has played both teams, once on a neutral floor and once at Arizona. UCLA did not belong on the same floor as UK, completely unable to compete. UCLA led Arizona in both games for substantial parts of the game. That wasn't just because UCLA gets up for ARizona, it was because they weren't completely overmatched against UA the way they were against UK. Talent wise the matchup was significantly closer.

My guess is by the time it's done, Towns, Cauley-Stein and Johnson will all be top 20 draft picks, Lee will be a first rounder, Lyles will be a top 20 pick. I think Booker is a borderline first rounder. I think the twins will be 2nd rounders, one of them might sneak into the first round. I happen to be in the minority I think Ulis will eventually play in the NBA too I think he's that good.They regularly play 9 kids and every one of them has a legit shot at playing in the NBA at some point. They won't all leave this year but by the time they've all left UK I suspect somewhere between 7 and 9 of those kids will play in the NBA.

It's not a criticism of UA, it's a compliment to how good I think UK is this year.

Ive thought since about Game 10 we were the team that can beat them. Will we? I dunno. We might not even get the shot. But I watched alot of both teams and feel pretty good we can take advantage of them on the perimeter.

Your viewpoint is the majority and I get it. But the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Well see how it all shakes out.

 

[Iceman]

https://twitter.com/sportingnews/status/580048699902050304

 

[Russ Smith]

Ive thought since about Game 10 we were the team that can beat them. Will we? I dunno. We might not even get the shot. But I watched alot of both teams and feel pretty good we can take advantage of them on the perimeter.

Your viewpoint is the majority and I get it. But the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Well see how it all shakes out.

You guys spent a bunch of posts telling me nobody agrees with me that UA doesn't match up well with UK so how is my viewpoint the majority?

If you mean that UK is the best team, yes, I think everyone thinks that. I don't think even you guys think UA is better than UK, you lost to 3 teams who didn't even make the dance, they're unbeaten, they've played a tough schedule and essentially took apart every good team they've played.

UA is very good, in a normal year they'd be good enough, but this isn't a normal year because UK is so loaded.

 

[82CardsGrad]

He sat for one minute

Amazing... As you know, I'm an ASU fan first. However, since I'm not from Arizona originally, I don't possess the hate toward UofA that most other ASU fans have. So I risk my life by rooting for the Cats when there is no clear conflict with the Devils.
Watching the game the other day, I was in awe of TJ's leadership, and even more so his energy/stamina throughout the game. He never once looked tired and played with command, control and execution that was just incredible to watch. What a player...

 

[Catlover]

You guys spent a bunch of posts telling me nobody agrees with me that UA doesn't match up well with UK so how is my viewpoint the majority?

If you mean that UK is the best team, yes, I think everyone thinks that. I don't think even you guys think UA is better than UK, you lost to 3 teams who didn't even make the dance, they're unbeaten, they've played a tough schedule and essentially took apart every good team they've played.

UA is very good, in a normal year they'd be good enough, but this isn't a normal year because UK is so loaded.

It seems that most of the experts believe it will take a great 3 point shooting team to knock off Kentucky. If they are right, that's probably not Arizona. I don't see a team out there that matches up with Kentucky as well as UA does but no one is beating Kentucky if Kentucky plays its game.

 

[Lefty]

On any given night, any team can lose, just ask the 1983 Houston Cougars and the 1985 Georgetown Hoyas. Now if the UofA does get a shot at Kentucky, I will say they have a chance but I would not bet any money.

 

[GatorAZ]

On Burns & Gambo they were talking about Kadeem Allen being the best player on the floor during every practice according to his teammates. Any chance Smith, Simon or Trier redshirts?

 

[TJ]

On Burns & Gambo they were talking about Kadeem Allen being the best player on the floor during every practice according to his teammates. Any chance Smith, Simon or Trier redshirts?

Red shirts are rare for Miller-coached teams.


Trier and Simon absolutely will play next year. For Smith, it would depend on his knee, which should be fine by the start of next season.

I would, however, expect Elliot Pitts to transfer.

 

[GatorAZ]

Red shirts are rare for Miller-coached teams.


Trier and Simon absolutely will play next year. For Smith, it would depend on his knee, which should be fine by the start of next season.

I would, however, expect Elliot Pitts to transfer.

If Pitts transfers that would mean Pitts, McConnell and likely SJ/RHJ leaving. Lots of opportunity for playing time but the defense will take a big hit.

 

[TJ]

If Pitts transfers that would mean Pitts, McConnell and likely SJ/RHJ leaving. Lots of opportunity for playing time but the defense will take a big hit.

The backcourt would be York, PJC, Allen, Trier, and Simon. Trier and Allen could put up major points along with York. My worry is if PJC is ready to become the next in line for PGU.

Keep an eye on Zeus. He may stay for his senior season. If that's the case, Dusan may leave with Comanche in the fold.

 

[carey]

The backcourt would be York, PJC, Allen, Trier, and Simon. Trier and Allen could put up major points along with York. My worry is if PJC is ready to become the next in line for PGU.

Keep an eye on Zeus. He may stay for his senior season. If that's the case, Dusan may leave with Comanche in the fold.

PJC has a lot of growing to do if he is going to run a team. I have not been impressed with him in his minutes. He's lightning quick, but that's about all he has going for him right now. I hope Dusan stays, but would understand if he left.

 

[Russ Smith]

PJC has a lot of growing to do if he is going to run a team. I have not been impressed with him in his minutes. He's lightning quick, but that's about all he has going for him right now. I hope Dusan stays, but would understand if he left.

His issues are mainly defense IMO. He's not strong enough so he gets stuck on screens in pick and roll and can't get over. Tyler Ulis is the same size but much stronger so he can get over screens, PJC has to "cheat" to get over by moving early and then it opens up the backside to a drive, or more often he goes under and gives up the jumpshot.

Offensively he's very good, he can get in the lane at will and he's a terrific passer, and he shot fairly well after a slow start. Defense was his issue all year.

the other issue UA might have next year is size at the 1-3. Trier is an absolute stud, he's a bit small for an NBA 2 otherwise he'd be a 1 and done he's that good. York seems likely to start as a senior and key shooter. If you then start PJC at the 1 you're looking at a 5'8", 6'1", 6'3"(or 4) trio starting.

Simon isn't a real PG but he's big enough and a good defender, can't shoot though so my guess is he won't start. If Kadeem Allen is for real he has a chance to take the 1, but you gotta wonder if he's for real why did he RS this year, if they think he's that good why not play him this year when UA knew they were going to be loaded?

 

[gmabel830]

Winner plays Wiscy... Bear Down!

 

[gmabel830]

The white nerdy looking guy is killing us! C'mon Cats!

 

[Cheesebeef]

man, I hate Xavier's center.

but question... if we lose tonight, at what point do people start questioning Miller for not having got to one Final Four, even though they continue to get great recruiting classes and have been amongst the elite in the regular season and usually end up with a top 4 or higher tourney seed? Hoping that question doesn't have to start getting asked tonight, but if they can't pull it off, there's got to be some scrutiny at that point in my head.

 

[Cheesebeef]

whew... looks like they're gonna pull this sucker off.

gotta play better on Saturday if they want to get revenge on the Badgers for last year!

 

[gmabel830]

Yeah, our bigs need to play better.. Kamensky must be licking his chops

 

[gmabel830]

Aaaaaand time to stop looking ahead!

 

[TimurT1990]

Hideous win, but who cares? ELITE EIGHT!

Time for some revenge against Wisconsin for last year.

BEAR DOWN!

 

[jw7]

man, I hate Xavier's center.

but question... if we lose tonight, at what point do people start questioning Miller for not having got to one Final Four, even though they continue to get great recruiting classes and have been amongst the elite in the regular season and usually end up with a top 4 or higher tourney seed? Hoping that question doesn't have to start getting asked tonight, but if they can't pull it off, there's got to be some scrutiny at that point in my head.

Well, they didn't lose. But even if they did I wouldn't even remotely consider replacing Miller. Like you said, he can recruit. And in the tournament you never know. Sometimes shots just don't fall. And I wouldn't really fret over a loss. Nobody is going to beat Kentucky this year.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

man, I hate Xavier's center.

but question... if we lose tonight, at what point do people start questioning Miller for not having got to one Final Four, even though they continue to get great recruiting classes and have been amongst the elite in the regular season and usually end up with a top 4 or higher tourney seed? Hoping that question doesn't have to start getting asked tonight, but if they can't pull it off, there's got to be some scrutiny at that point in my head.

Wouldn't have made a difference. Every great coach has lost some Tournament games they had no business losing.

 

[TJ]

man, I hate Xavier's center.

but question... if we lose tonight, at what point do people start questioning Miller for not having got to one Final Four, even though they continue to get great recruiting classes and have been amongst the elite in the regular season and usually end up with a top 4 or higher tourney seed? Hoping that question doesn't have to start getting asked tonight, but if they can't pull it off, there's got to be some scrutiny at that point in my head.

I'm sure several other schools would love to have our 46-year-old coach who is the top recruiter in his region plus great game manager.

He'll get over the hump eventually. Just a matter of when.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Wouldn't have made a difference. Every great coach has lost some Tournament games they had no business losing.

man... you're a lot higher on Miller then I am. Don't get me wrong, he's done a very good job with resurrecting the program and I like him A LOT as a coach, but has he really done enough to be deemed GREAT already?

 

[jw7]

man... you're a lot higher on Miller then I am. Don't get me wrong, he's done a very good job with resurrecting the program and I like him A LOT as a coach, but has he really done enough to be deemed GREAT already?

Two back-to-back 30+ win seasons is pretty impressive.

Cats need to get past the elite 8.

What is your definition of "great"?