finally eligible for the Wildcats and
is always in an attacking mindset.
Freshmen Justin Simon and Ray
Smith could be a year away from
consistent playing time, but have
the ability to be impact players
down the road.
How Sean Miller figures out
his backcourt rotation is a gigantic
mystery, but any way you slice it,
this is a good problem to have.
The Wildcats are in a good
position: their two most polished
players are in the frontcourt,
spelled by two great compliments
off the bench. A plethora of depth
and talent surround their core, and
they still have one of the better
defensive coaches in the country.
Any steps back due to the loss of
talent could be exaggerated; Miller
will once again have this team
in the top-half of the conference
defensively.
team’s success.
Also indicative for the Wildcats
is the continued progression of
sophomore point guard Parker
Jackson-Cartwright. Expectations
are high for the tiny point guard
(he’s smaller than 5-foot-10 and
built like a leaf), but his speed and
athleticism are leaving many to hope
he can overcome his lack of size.
Beyond those three there is
certainly an open competition for
minutes. Elliott Pitts is a returning
junior who can play a role as a small
forward. 2014 Junior College Player
of the Year Kadeem Allen is
“Few teams can
win 34 games in
a season,
lose four
starters,
and then
expect
to win
over 30
games
again...”
To some, Arizona’s trajectory
is somewhat difficult to project
due to the uncertainty of who
their true number-one option is.
Yet, looking at the team from last
season that won 34 games; was it
very clear back then? The talent
level has changed from top heavy
in the starting lineup to being
10-deep, and with several new
pieces expected to contribute right
away, the makeup of this team
could struggle early. But make no
mistake, Miller will have this team
loaded and ready to go in March.
Photo: Casey Sapio - USA TODAY
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