2014-15 Basketball Guide

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THIS IS ARIZONA BASKETBALL GUIDE 2014 REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA’S FUNNY MAN HAS SERIOUSLY IMPROVED

B2

SEAN MILLER AND THE WILDCATS ARE BEHIND T.J. MCCONNELL B3

THE RETURN OF BRANDON ASHLEY B8-B9

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R A R I Z O NA S P O R T S A N D R E C R U I T I N G N E W S

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B2 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

FUNNY YET SERIOUS Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona’s funny man, has taken up a more serious role on this year’s men’s basketball squad

KEENAN TURNER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FOWARD RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON (23) shoots during Arizona’s 78-55 win against Mount St. Mary’s in McKale Center on Friday. Hollis-Jefferson may be Arizona’s funny man, but he has seriously improved this offseason.

BY ROBERTO PAYNE The Daily Wildcat

O

n Tuesday at the Arizona men’s basketball weekly press conference, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Brandon Ashley entered, sat down and Hollis-Jefferson touched the mic, saying, “Is this thing on?”

As media members laughed, Hollis-Jefferson spoke to a young boy who was sitting in on the conference, saying, “What’s up, little buddy? What’s your name?”

The boy replied in a shy tone.

Hollis-Jefferson answered back, “Nice to meet you. I’m Rondae.

This is Brandon.”

Media members laughed again as the press conference began.

For those who regularly cover the team, this was just HollisJefferson being Hollis-Jefferson.

For those who don’t cover the

team, it’s further proof that HollisJefferson is the team’s funny man.

Merriam-Webster has the definition of funny man as, “A man who is funny, especially a professional comedian.” Listed synonyms include comic, humorist, jester and jokester.

It’s missing a synonym: Rondae On the UA campus, simply saying the word “Rondae” is enough to incite playful laughter, joyfulness and an all-around positive demeanor.

Of course, the origin of that positivity comes from the 6-foot-7 sophomore forward, a player who has captured the hearts of Tucson in his short time as a Wildcat.

Hollis-Jefferson is often referred to as just “Rondae” and is the unquestioned funny man of the No. 2 ranked Wildcats squad.

Hollis-Jefferson played in all 38 games last season, averaging 9.1

points and 5.7 rebounds per game as the team’s primary sixth-man role, a role that he thrived in. This season, he plays a more prominent role as a starter.

As his role has increased, Hollis-Jefferson has grown to accept his role as a leader, all the while keeping the energy and enthusiasm that has endeared him to teammates and fans.

“It’s a tough role, you know,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “I’m trying to be myself every day. You know, just happy-go-Rondae, play hard and give that energy the team has. It’s a tough process, but if you take it day by day and honor the process, you go hard. Once that day is over, you go about the rest of your day. While you’re in there with those guys, your teammates, your brothers, you just got to lock in.”

The team looks toward him for energy and production from

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the small forward position, a position that was left vacated by the departure of last year’s starter Aaron Gordon to the NBA. Gordon had per-game averages of 12.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 block during his lone collegiate season.

Hollis-Jefferson figures to take over the starting small forward spot and has worked hard this season to earn that spot over freshman stud Stanley Johnson.

After struggling to hit perimeter shots last year, making just two 3-pointers over 38 games played, Hollis-Jefferson hit the gym and worked to improve his shot.

Arizona head coach Sean Miller said Hollis-Jefferson shot thousands of shots this summer in order to make defenses respect him on the perimeter. Having an improved shot should significantly help the spacing of the Arizona

offense, something the team struggled with at times last year.

As part of a starting frontcourt that also includes Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski, HollisJefferson said opponents will have issues containing them all.

“For us, it’s a great thing to have at multiple positions,” HollisJefferson said. “We’ve got guys who can guard multiple players.

It’s one of the greatest feelings. …

They have your back. It’s a great feeling to have and a scary sight for others.”

With the regular season underway, keep an eye on HollisJefferson this season, because the funny man has seriously improved.

— Follow Roberto Payne @HouseofPayne555

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Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B3

In T.J. McConnell they trust berth, due in large part to having a pass-first point guard and a stifling defense. McConnell contributed A few years ago, everyone in both regards, finishing the year couldn’t wait for the skinny transfer 13th in the nation in assist-topoint guard from Duquesne to turnover ratio at 3.01 and 86th in become eligible, not because he the nation in steals per game at would lead the team in scoring or 1.68.

The son of a coach, McConnell he would be the most talented guy on the court, but rather because came to Arizona in large part he was exactly what Arizona men’s because of his familiarity with basketball head coach Sean Miller Miller. It may be cliche to say needed to take his team to the next a starting point guard is the level: a point guard who played extension of the coach on the floor, just like Miller did in his Pittsburgh but with Miller and McConnell, that’s exactly the case. days.

“I believe that T.J. McConnell is The 2012-2013 team was led by seniors Solomon Hill, Kevin an NBA player; I don’t really care Parrom and Mark Lyons, as well as what anybody else thinks,” Miller a roster full of talented youngsters said. “I’ve watched him all four like Nick Johnson, Brandon Ashley, years. He’s been all-conference in Kaleb Tarczewski and Grant Jerrett. the three years he’s played.”

Miller added that last season, For those keeping count, that list holds three current NBA players McConnell had one of the better seasons for a point (Hill, Johnson guard in program and Jerrett) and I can’t history. two future NBA believe “Last year, he had players (Ashley arguably one of the and Tarczewski). in a point greatest seasons However, as guard that a point guard a shoot-first more than has ever had here,” starting point I beleive in Miller said. “When guard on a him you consider his talented team, assists-to-turnover Lyons struggled — Sean Miller ratio, he was allto spread the UA basketball conference, he was ball around to all head coach all-defensive team those options. It and his team was just wasn’t his game. Lyons averaged just 2.8 33-5. Right now, I think he’s one assists per game and had an awful of the most experienced players assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.04. The that’s playing the game, and at his Wildcats went 27-8 but couldn’t get position, he has total command on over the hump with a trigger-happy defense and on offense.”

This season, McConnell will take point guard like Lyons leading the way. They could’ve used a pass- on the primary leadership role that was vacated once Johnson declared first guy to lead the team.

In reality, that guy was on the for the NBA draft. Not only is he perfectly suited for the role, but he roster; he just couldn’t play yet.

Miller, a pass-first point guard also has the unquestioned backing himself, recruited a player close to of his head coach.

“I can’t believe in a point guard his own heart to take over the point guard position from Lyons. T.J. more than I believe in him,” Miller McConnell, a Pittsburgh native, said.

For an Arizona team looking to had to sit idly as fans clamored for his services. The most common bring home the second National statement about McConnell was Championship in program history, “just wait until next year.” As it in T.J. they trust. turned out, McConnell was well worth the wait.

With McConnell at the helm, the 2013-2014 team went 33-5 and was — Follow Roberto Payne one bucket away from a Final Four @HouseofPayne555

BY ROBERTO PAYNE The Daily Wildcat

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TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA POINT guard T.J. McConnell (4) cheers from the bench during during Arizona’s 78-55 win against Mount St. Mary’s in McKale Center on Friday. McConnell is the unquestioned leader of this year’s men’s basketball squad.

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B4 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

Life at the end of the bench: Arizona walkons have purpose also the alma mater of Stanley Johnson, has spent four seasons on the Arizona team. In Mellon’s time, he has seen several different s the No. 2 Arizona men’s basketball styles of players go by, some of whom were team kicks off its season, fans will be one-and-done players. Yet, Mellon has shouting and McKale Center will be stayed humble and true to the process. rocking just like every year. No player on the “Being a walk-on, you just have to work team has had it easy, though. All 16 players hard and honor the process every day,” on Arizona’s roster have earned their spots Mellon said. “We are not getting in the game on the floor, some with the opportunity to that much, but we are trying to prepare [the have more playing time than others. team]. Just that whole process, freshman Sitting at the end of the bench are forward year to senior year, I’m honored to be here.”

Drew Mellon, guard Jacob Hazzard and Although they may not get to play many guard Trey Mason. Although they may be minutes in games, combining for just 63 walk-ons, these three athletes play a prime total minutes last season, Mason, Mellon role in the development and excellence of and Hazzard are relied on heavily in Arizona basketball throughout every season. practice.

“We are in a really “We give it 110 percent good position,” Mason every day out there when said. “We are not as it comes to defense and skilled as a lot of the guarding,” Hazzard said, We give 110 other guys, but just describing practice. “Just percent every being able to contribute the little things, like going day out there and work hard in over screens and trying — Jacob Hazzard, senior practice, make them to make it like a regular guard better and get a chance game for the guys to see to experience the same what they are going to see things that these guys out there. Our job is to are experiencing.” simulate the other team, trying to give them Two of the three walk-ons have family ties the best perspective and most real look to college basketball and even attended the possible.” same high school. Mason, a 6-foot-2 guard The walk-ons act as player scouts, from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, is mimicking the opponents that Arizona will the son of former UA guard Harvey Mason Jr. play in practice.

Hazzard, a 6-foot guard also from Loyola, is “We are here an hour before practice the grandson of late UCLA and NBA legend going over other teams’ offense, learning Walt Hazzard. their sets so we can simulate those into the Mason had been recruited by the practice for our guys,” Mellon said. “You still University of Portland and Santa Clara. have to work hard because the practices are Hazzard, in addition to Division II and III our games. You have to prepare the team offers, was being recruited by Division I well, so we can do well in the games.” schools, such as Cornell and Tulane. In Notable NCAA walk-ons include former the end, both chose Arizona, a decision NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Phoenix Suns many might question due to playing time. head coach Jeff Hornacek and current But the answer was clear for both of them Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim. individually and academically.

Although those in the group said they may “It’s an honor,” Hazzard said. “I’m very never make it to that level, Mellon, Hazzard blessed to be on this team. We work really and Mason said they love playing for hard in the offseason in September and Arizona.

October to get ready for this grind.”

“All of the players are willing to listen to Mason echoed his commitment to us,” Mellon said. “They take our advice and Arizona, describing how irrelevant the term want what’s best for the team. At the end of walk-on is for the team. the day, if we can get a win and we can help “All of the guys accept us as one of them,” out with that a little bit, then we have done Mason said. “They don’t look at us as being our job.” any different. No one even says the term walk-on ever. We are all kind of the same.”

— Follow Matt Wall Mellon, a 6-foot-6 forward from Mater Dei @mwall20 High School in Santa Ana, Calif., which is

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ARIZONA GUARDS Trey Mason (44) and Jacob Hazzard (50) cheer for their teammates during Arizona’s annual Red-Blue Game in McKale Center on Oct. 18. As walk-ons, Mason and Hazzard play critical roles on the Arizona men’s basketball team.

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The Daily Wildcat • B5

B6 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

Talented freshmen will contribute

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ARIZONA FORWARD CRAIG VICTOR (3), center Dusan Ristic (14), guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) and forward Stanley Johnson (5) look on during player introductions during Arizona’s annual Red-Blue Game in McKale Center on Oct. 18.

The quartet of freshmen have a chance to make major contributions on this year’s Arizona squad.

BY BRIAN PEEL

The Daily Wildcat

There is an old adage pertaining to college basketball: “Freshmen make highlights, seniors win championships.”

Last season, the Wildcats had some of the best newbies in the country with the likes of Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson regularly blowing up McKale Center, but they lacked a senior that saw any significant minutes and could provide late-game leadership when things got close.

This season, they should have a little of both, and that could spell doom for the rest of the country.

By now, most Wildcat fans know senior point guard T.J. McConnell’s story, but it is also important to recognize the four newcomers that

could be not only be providing critical depth but also playing major roles in potentially winning a National Championship.

Freshmen forwards Stanley Johnson and Craig Victor, point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright and center Dusan Ristic make up one of the better recruiting classes in Arizona men’s basketball, and head coach Sean Miller knows they are a major component to the team’s success this season.

“You have an influx of new players that haven’t been here before,” Miller said. “There are five of them — including junior college transfer Kadeem Allen — that I think in their own right could potentially, it remains to be seen, make our team deeper than we would have been a year ago or even two years ago in some ways. So I think the quality

depth with some of the new guys and the excitement of the returning guys blends together to give us a lot of optimism.”

While Allen will be redshirted this season, the four freshmen should all see playing time, with Johnson as a potential starter at the shooting guard spot vacated by Nick Johnson or, because of his versatility and size, even at the small forward position.

Jackson-Cartwright gives Miller something he has rarely had while at Arizona: a competent backup point guard that can give McConnell a breather every once and a while.

Victor and Ristic probably won’t be major contributors this season, but their added depth could be crucial as the year progresses.

Ristic, a 7-footer out of Serbia, is an especially intriguing prospect, as he might already have the most natural

offensive postgame of any Wildcat big men, including junior Kaleb Tarczewski.

Being responsible for the distribution of the ball and maintaining the flow of the offense, McConnell said he appreciates how well Miller has continued to recruit because it gives the senior point guard plenty of options to choose from.

“Coach Miller does a great job of recruiting,” McConnell said.

“Bringing in a guy like Stanley and everybody else he has brought in just makes a point guard’s job easier.

It’s my job to get the cohesiveness together, and I think once we get that down, we’ll be all right.”

There is no doubt Johnson is the star of the class right now. According to most recruiting services, the 6-foot-7, 245-pound athlete was the

best small forward coming out of high school and is regarded as a nodoubt lottery pick in the 2015 NBA draft. There will be a lot of weight on the young star’s shoulders this season if the Wildcats hope to live up to their preseason No. 2 ranking, but Johnson doesn’t lack confidence that he can do whatever the team needs him to do.

“I think I can bring a lot of things to the team,” Johnson said. “I can facilitate the ball, ball defense. I can score the ball. I can bring confidence and attitude. I think I can bring some leadership, too, as a freshman.

Whatever the team needs. I think I am the jack of all trades where I can fill in wherever the team is lacking.”

— Follow Brian Peel @_brianpeel

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B7

Wildcats ready for the Runners

BY EZRA AMACHER The Daily Wildcat

The Arizona women’s basketball team officially opens its season on Monday when it plays host to Cal State Bakersfield for a 7 p.m. start. The Wildcats boast a full, healthy roster, including seven newcomers, after succumbing to a severe lack of depth last season.

During the UA’s lone exhibition game, a 76-55 victory over Concordia Irvine, the depth was on display as 11 players registered 10 or more minutes.

“We have 14 players on the roster,” Arizona women’s basketball head coach Niya Butts said. “Last season, we battled with fatigue and injuries. We feel pretty good with having plenty of people to play this year, and the rest is just us gelling together.”

When starting forward Alli Gloyd got in early foul trouble, forward Dezja James provided instant support on both offense and defense. Charise Holloway also impressed, making a trio of 3-pointers off the bench.

Butts said that she will test out different lineup rotations in the early going to gauge what works best and when.

With a young roster, the Wildcats will still rely heavily on their two seniors, Gloyd and point guard Candice Warthen. Warthen is the leading returning scorer, while Gloyd is coming back from an ACL injury that cost her the entire 2013-2014 season.

“We rely on them for everything, whether it’s offensively, defensive production, or leadership on and off the court,” Butts said.

“They are going to have to set good and positive examples. I think they are doing a great job of that so far.”

The two will almost certainly be in the

2014-2015 Roster

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starting lineup on Monday as Arizona faces an experienced Cal State Bakersfield team.

The Runners won their first game of the season in dominant fashion by beating Air Force 96-56. Guard Tyonna Outland led Bakersfield with 28 points.

While one game is not much of a sample size, Arizona needs to play a lockdown defensive game — or else the Runners may walk out of McKale Center with the upset.

The Wildcats must close out defensive possessions and take advantage of secondchance opportunities, two areas that most concerned Butts.

“I hope to see more,” Butts said. “We had opportunities to come up with some loose balls defensively that we just did not come up with. We have to get on the floor and get those balls.”

Moreover, the UA cannot afford to be as sloppy with the ball as it was against Concordia. The Wildcats committed 18 turnovers to just 10 assists, including four turnovers each from starters Warthen and LaBrittney Jones.

The Wildcats play a deliberately up-tempo style that requires full energy and attention.

With so many new pieces, Arizona’s offense is going to take some time to find its rhythm.

Butts said after the exhibition that her team is still “miles and miles away” from where it wants to be.

In the context of the season, an opening night loss to a mid-major opponent would sting, but perhaps what will be more telling than the final score will be how far the team has progressed in the past week of practices.

— Follow Ezra Amacher @EzraAmacher

20 — Bell, Farrin G 6-foot RSo.Richardson, Texas (Richardson High School) 33 — Bennett, JaLea G 6-foot Fr. Grand Prairie, Texas (Mansfield Timberview High School) 15 — Cannon, Keyahndra G 5-foot-9 Jr. San Diego, Calif. (Mission Bay High School) 4 — Cunningham, Chy G 5-foot-10 Jr. Tupelo, Miss. (Tupelo High School) 10 — Evans, Lauren G 5-foot-11 Jr. Phoenix, Ariz. (Hamilton High School) 30 — Gloyd, Alli F 6-foot-1 RSr. Phoenix, Ariz. (South Mountain High School) 3 — Griffey, Taryn G 5-foot-7 Fr. Seattle, Wash. (Dr. Phillips High School) 11 — Harris, Cherice G 5-foot-8 Fr. Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Etiwanda High School) 44 — Holloway, Charise G 5-foot-9 Fr. Tracy, Calif. (St. Mary’s High School) 31 — James, Dejza F 6-foot-1 RFr. Elk Grove, Calif. (Pleasant Grove High School) 24 — Jones, LaBrittney F 6-foot-1 So. Cedar Hill, Texas (Cedar Hill High School) 1 — Warthen, Candice G 5-foot-5 RSr. Warrenton, Ga. (Warren County High School) 14 — Washington, Malena G 5-foot-6 So. Beaumont, Texas (Central High School) 0 — Workman, Breanna F 6-foot-1 So. Las Vegas, Nev. (Centennial High School)

B8 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B9

THE RETURN OF BRANDON ASHLEY After an injured foot kept him out since February, the 6-foot-9 power forward is back in the fold for the No. 2 Arizona men’s basketball team

BY JAMES KELLEY

The Daily Wildcat

While Arizona men’s basketball features a top-five recruiting class and a fifth-year point guard , its not-so-secret weapon is what’s getting the hype.

Forward Brandon Ashley is a big reason the Wildcats are ranked No. 2 overall in the preseason rankings. The 6-foot9 , 230-pound player from San Francisco has returned from a season-ending foot injury he suffered in February .

Ashley is featured on one of the five regional Sports Illustrated college basketball preview covers. He said he hasn’t done anything special with the cover yet, but that he’s “looking forward to it.”

Arizona was 21-0 and ranked No. 1 for eight weeks before Ashley went down with his foot injury. Since he tore a ligament in his foot at California last February , the Wildcats went 12-5 and lost in the Elite Eight to Wisconsin as Badger big man Frank Kaminsky scored 28 points.

After surgery, it was a long road back for Ashley, and a UA press conference was not complete without an Ashley update.

“Well, it’s been such a long process,” Arizona men’s basketball head coach Sean Miller said. “This summer, he wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now, but Brandon is a very smart person. He cares a lot about his own career, and he cares a lot about our team. He’s clearly one

“There’s no doubt that if of our team’s leaders.”

On Feb. 6 , before Arizona’s healthy — and we have no first game without Ashley , he reason to believe he won’t be — got a standing ovation, and the that he’ll be better as a junior than he was at any time during ZonaZoo chanted his name.

Ashley admitted he teared up his first two years,” Miller said.

After the injury, Ashley said when they announced his name before the UA’s exhibition game it led him to decide to return to school rather than leave early for this past Sunday.

“All the love and support the NBA draft as Nick Johnson I’ve gotten from the fans in and Aaron Gordon did .

“The sky’s the limit for Tucson, and honestly Arizona fans all over the country, it’s him,” Miller said, “because been amazing,” Ashley said. he’s very intelligent and he’s a “Definitely couldn’t ask for a hard worker and he’s also very better supporting group. It’s just talented.”

Ashley said special.” that after Last season, All the sitting out and Ashley averaged love and learning last 11.5 points and support year, the coaches 5.8 rebounds per sometimes game, playing I’ve gotten looked to him in 22 games, all from the on the bench of which were fans … as if he was a starts. He scored it’s been coach.

Miller in double figures amazing said watching 16 times and led — Brandon the Wildcats the UA in blocks Ashley from the bench eight times, during games scoring five times helped Ashley and rebounding grow, because he won’t take three times.

“This is my best friend on things for granted.

Ashley said he took his the team,” Arizona forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson said as recovery day by day, an he leaned toward Ashley. “We approach the Wildcats will take talk about everything, and just with high expectations.

“There are a lot of to see him get out there, get the feel for it and get back into it, it expectations for our team,” was really big to me. It impacted Ashley said. “However, even me in a big way, and I was really though we are thankful many are thinking highly of the team, happy and excited for him.”

His freshman year, Ashley we are looking to go day by day. played in all 35 games, had 21 … We definitely don’t want to starts and averaged 7.5 points get caught up with the hype.” and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Miller said Ashley is back at — Follow James Kelley 100 percent. @jameskelley520

“

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REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FORWARD Brandon Ashley (21) warms up before Arizona’s annual Red-Blue Game in McKale Center on Oct. 18.

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FORWARD BRANDON ASHLEY (21) is introduced during player introductions in Arizona’s annual Red-Blue Game in McKale Center on Oct. 18. The Red-Blue Game was the first time since his February foot injury that Ashley played in front of a McKale Center crowd.

TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FORWARD Brandon Ashley (21) grabs possession of a loose ball during Arizona’s 86-68 win against CSUN in the opening round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational in McKale Center on Sunday.

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FORWARD BRANDON ASHLEY (21) cheers during the second half of Arizona’s 86-68 win against CSUN in the opening round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational in McKale Center on Sunday. Ashley finished the game with 13 points and three rebounds.

B10 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

NEW AND IMPROVED

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

UA BASKETBALL FANS FILL McKale Center before Arizona’s annual Red-Blue Game on Oct. 18. McKale Center underwent $30 million renovations and finally opened to full capacity, just in time for the men’s basketball season.

McKale Center underwent a massive $30 million renovation over the summer and, just in time for men’s basketball season, is finally up to maximum capacity

BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat

T

he shape of McKale Center is the same, but that’s about where the similarities end.

After it was built in 1973 for $8.1 million , its current $30-million renovation has changed almost everything in the 41-year-old facility.

McKale Center is named after J.F. “Pop” McKale, who served as Arizona’s coach and athletic director from 1914 to 1957 . The facility opened in February 1973 .

For almost a year, after the Wildcats played at Michigan , UA officials have promised McKale Center will feel like a new facility after the renovations.

“Coaching in it, playing in it, you get the sense that something that was special has somehow become even

more special,” Arizona men’s basketball head coach Sean Miller said.

After months of frantic construction, McKale Center hosted its first event with its new 14,655-seat capacity in the season opener on Nov. 14 .

“You look at how it feels as a new building and how our crowd is seemingly even more on top of you than it used to be,” Miller said. “So, it’s a very, very exciting time to be a part of this program, and the thanks goes out to hundreds of people who helped contribute and mostly 14,000-plus fans who come to all of our games.”

The renovation added a new video board ; replaced all the seats ; upgraded the concessions, restrooms and locker rooms ; and added handrails, new lighting and a new court .

The new scoreboard, which is

more than two-and-half times larger than the old one, has four 19-by-11 video screens that total 836 square feet , in addition to LED rings.

The scoreboard debuted last season , just in time for Pac12 Conference play , and most of the new seats were ready for volleyball this season . The building wasn’t at full capacity for Arizona’s exhibition game, though, and for the season opener, there was a lot of caution tape.

“It’s ridiculous; I love it,” Arizona guard Gabe York said about the new McKale Center.

Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne devoted 288 words in his most recent Wildcat Wednesday email just to the new facility’s lights.

McKale Center is one of the first college facilities in the country to feature 100 percent LED lighting . Byrne wrote that

McKale Center Fast Facts

— Opened: February 1973 — In 2000, the floor was named “Lute Olson Court,” and in 2001, it was renamed “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after his late wife.

— From 1987 to 1992, Arizona won 71 straight home games, the 10th-best home court winning streak in NCAA history.

— Olson had coached seven undefeated teams at home.

— Miller is 76-11 at home.

— Original capacity: 13,658 — Current capacity: 14,655 —Biggest crowd: 15,176 vs. New Mexico on Jan. 14, 1976 — McKale Center has hosted the NCAA tournament 12 times.

84 “NBA-quality LED spotlights” replaced 160 fluorescent

floodlights and is similar to the set up of the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Byrne also wrote that the lights will save 240,000 kilowatt-hours per year.

York said the lights make it look like a different arena.

The renovation was funded by donations, most notably the $6 million lead gift from Cole and Jeannie Davis, the $1 million gift from George Kalil and the $1 million from Steve and Margot Kerr.

Miller said it is a very exciting time for the program.

“I think everybody embraced the new McKale,” Miller said.

— Luke Della contributed reporting to this article

— Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

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Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B11

Stanley Johnson vs Aaron Gordon

TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA FORWARD Stanley Johnson (5) reacts during Arizona’s annual Red-Blue Game in McKale Center on Oct. 18.

FORMER ARIZONA forward Aaron Gordon reacts to a foul during Arizona’s 64-63 loss in overtime to Wisconsin in the NCAA Elite Eight game in Anaheim, Calif. last season.

BY BRIAN PEEL

BY JAMES KELLEY

The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

M

an, Aaron Gordon was great, wasn’t he? From his impeccable defense to his almost nightly highlight-reel play, Gordon was key in the Wildcats’ run to the Elite Eight last season before being a lottery pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

In fact, Gordon was so good, he went toe-to-toe with King James himself at the annual LeBron James Skills Academy before he even officially suited up as a Wildcat.

Oh, wait, scratch that last one. That wasn’t Aaron Gordon who personally took on the best player in the NBA since Michael Jordan just months after graduating high school.

No, actually that was this year’s freshman superstar, Stanley Johnson, and he’s here to help you forget all about Gordon.

Johnson is often labeled with a few choice words that refer to his combination of athleticism and size. Words like “freaky� and “beast� are often tossed around when people watch him on the court.

Without knowing what he looks like, you might think Johnson is superhuman.

Listed at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 245 pounds, Johnson could easily be mistaken for one of Rich Rodriguez’s new recruits. Rarely do you see freshmen come into the college game with a physical advantage like the one Johnson will have, and that is something Gordon simply didn’t have when he first arrived on campus.

While Gordon was taller and mainly played at the power forward position, Johnson will likely play a similar role and will be used as a lockdown defender and viable option in the fast break, just as Gordon was last season. The JohnsonGordon comparisons are inevitable because of how highly recruited they both were and the potential they both possess, but, honestly, they are different players in different situations.

Johnson will likely be asked to be more of an offensive threat considering the loss of Nick Johnson and, as of now, looks more polished than Gordon was at this point last year. However, Gordon was not only one of the best defenders in the country a year ago, but he also dominated on the glass — something Johnson might not be as effective at.

Let’s allow the season to decide who the better player is, because it is still too early to say, but if the Wildcats are cutting down the nets in Indianapolis in April, things might become very clear.

T

here can be only one one-and-done, and it is Aaron Gordon.

OK, not really, but if we’re talking highly-touted Arizona freshman forwards, the choice is 2013-2014’s Gordon over 2014-2015’s Stanley Johnson.

Brian and I are both history majors (well, I’m a journalism and history double major), so we’re practically masters of telling people what they should have done based on what happened already. I can tell you this: The Orlando Magic picked Gordon fourth overall in the NBA draft.

NBADraft.net has Johnson going fifth overall to the New York Knicks in the 2015 NBA draft.

Of course, no one knows who will draft where in June; all that’s known is that fourth is better than fifth.

Plus, the 2013-2014 Wildcats earned the No. 1 ranking for eight weeks. The current team hasn’t held the top spot yet.

All kidding aside, while Johnson comes in with impressive accolades, such as MaxPreps National Player of the Year, it is Gordon who had the better resume at this point in his career.

Yes, Johnson was MVP of the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for USA Basketball and averaged team highs of 14 points and 2.2 steals per game, but that was just the regional tournament.

Gordon won the MVP award for the USA at the FIBA U19 World Championship, and he averaged team highs of 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as the team won the world championship.

More importantly, Johnson didn’t even start the Wildcats’ exhibition game against Cal Poly Pomona. Gordon started all 38 games for the Wildcats, plus the Augustana exhibition.

Defense and rebounding are even more part of the program than slogans such as “A Player’s Program,� “honor the process� or “attack.�

Gordon may have not had Steve Kerr’s jump shot, but he did have the qualities head coach Sean Miller covets: lockdown defense and a knack for grabbing rebounds. Gordon was seventh in the Pac-12 Conference in rebounds last year.

It was rebounding and defense that took the Wildcats to the No. 1 ranking and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Sure, they had flair, especially Gordon, but they had substance to go with that style.

Gordon will sorely be missed because he played defense so well.

When Johnson does eventually cement his spot in the starting lineup, he will have big shoes to fill as the one-and-done star UA forward.

S V

— Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

— Follow Brian Peel @_brianpeel

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B12 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

STAFF PICKS

Our basketball writers predict how the No. 2 Arizona men’s basketball team will fare in Sean Miller’s sixth year at the helm

BY ROBERTO PAYNE

BY JAMES KELLEY

The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

Despite losing Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon to the NBA, this Arizona Wildcats team has the potential to go further than last year’s due to its newfound depth. After going seven or eight deep last season, Sean Miller has the flexibility to switch up lineups and go 10 deep while still being effective. Freshmen will provide the depth to a cast of returnees headlined by T.J. McConnell, Brandon Ashley, Gabe York and Kaleb Tarczewski.

This is by far the best chance for a second National Championship that the Arizona men’s basketball program has had in the past decade. It may not get there, but it’s sure as hell talented enough to get close.

Record: 36-4 Postseason: Final Four MVP: T.J. McConnell Underrated: Gabe York Overrated: Kaleb Tarczewski

After losing in the Elite Eight by a bucket and then in overtime, this season, Sean Miller finally breaks his glass ceiling and makes the Final Four.

Replacing NBA draft picks Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon will be tough, but the Wildcats are so stacked that they hardly even seem to need a top-recruiting class. MaxPreps National Player of the Year Stanley Johnson isn’t even a sure starter yet, and 2014 Junior College Player of the Year Kadeem Allen will redshirt. Teams as good as Arizona aren’t supposed to have fifth-year point guards like T.J. McConnell or players such as Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski still around as juniors.

Record: 37-3 Postseason: National runner-up MVP: T.J. McConnell Underrated: Dusan Ristic Overrated: Parker Jackson-Cartwright

BY BRIAN PEEL

BY MATT WALL

The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

On paper, this looks like Arizona’s best team under Sean Miller. Isn’t that said almost every year? That is a credit to Miller, who always seems to replace NBA draft picks with more superstar freshmen. That should be the case again this season, most notably with the addition of Stanley Johnson trying to fill the shoes of the departed Aaron Gordon and Nick Johnson. T.J. McConnell should have an excellent senior season as the undisputed leader of the team, and the return of Brandon Ashley is certainly welcome. The Wildcats should have one of the best defenses in the country again, but a lack of a great offensive player will hurt them just as it did last year — and Miller will be denied a Final Four once more.

Record: 34-4 MVP: T.J. McConnell Postseason: Elite Eight Underrated: Dusan Ristic Overrated: Kaleb Tarczewski

Relax this Week...

Although UA head coach Sean Miller is trying to play down his team’s hype, Arizona basketball will make it all the way to the Final Four because this team is deeper than ever. Many experts predict the Wildcats will go all the way simply because of their experience. This team is so stacked that its bench could probably defeat an NCAA Division I team by itself. Arizona will finally get to the Final Four, something Miller has hoped for since he became head coach. The final question will be, who are the better Wildcats — Kentucky or Arizona? Only time will tell.

Record: 37-3 Postseason: Final Four MVP: Brandon Ashley Underrated: Parker Jackson-Cartwright Overrated: Stanley Johnson

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Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B13

Arizona leads conference in week one

TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA MEN’S BASKETBALL head coach Sean Miller yells during Arizona’s 78-55 win against Mount St. Mary’s in McKale Center on Friday. Miller and the Wildcats start the season at the top of our Pac-12 Conference power rankings.

BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat

1. No. 2 Arizona While the Wildcats are the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 Conference, not everyone believes they will repeat as conference champions. The Wildcats received 31 of the 32 first-place votes in the preseason media poll. Former UA and USC head coach Kevin O’Neill, now an analyst for the Pac-12 Networks, said the aberrant voter “was drunk that day.”

2. Colorado The Buffaloes are probably the only team that can challenge Arizona. Colorado features point guard Askia Booker, who could become the first CU player to go to four NCAA tournaments. The Buffaloes lost Spencer Dinwiddie to the NBA but have a good core with Booker, forward Josh Scott and guard/forward Xavier Johnson.

3. UCLA The Bruins won the Pac-12 tournament title last season, but don’t expect them to win the real league championship this year.

UCLA lost four starters and its sixth man from a Sweet-Sixteen

team. However, the Bruins did bring in what Rivals ranked as the eighth-best recruiting class in the country.

4. No. 25 Utah After going 3-15 in the conference in his first season and then 5-13 and 9-9 last year, Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak has the Utes on the incline.

Krystkowiak returns almost everyone from a 21-12 squad except Princeton Onwas, who averaged 4.8 points per game.

Plus, the Utah-Colorado road swing is without a doubt the toughest in the league, and many tired teams will fall victim.

5. Stanford The Cardinal finally broke through and made the NCAA tournament last year for the first time under head coach Johnny Dawkins. The seventh-year coach lost stars in Josh Huestis and Dwight Powell, but unlike most Pac-12 skippers this year, returns many of his players.

The Cardinal added McDonald’s All-American Game power forward Reid Travis, who has been compared to former Stanford basketball star and Los Angeles Lakers dancing star Mark Madsen.

6. California The Golden Bears begin a new era in Berkeley, Calif., as Cuonzo Martin takes over from retiring coach Mike Montgomery. Martin inherits a solid team but one that lost its best player in Justin Cobbs. Cal should get more from former McDonald’s All-American Jabari Bird, who was hurt last year, and it adds in a graduate transfer from Cornell, Dwight Tarwater.

7. Oregon The Ducks looked like they would be a solid team until a rape scandal rocked the team.

Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin were banned from the school for at least four years for alleged sexual assault.

On the basketball court, Oregon returns just four players from its 2014 NCAA tournament team.

8. Washington The forecast isn’t sunny in Seattle, as the Huskies haven’t made the big dance since 2011.

Washington used to compete with Arizona for Pac-12 dominance, and now head coach Lorenzo Romar is on the hot seat.

Center Robert Upshaw is good, but he has a lot of baggage, as he was kicked off of Fresno State

and kept away from the Huskies during his redshirt year last season. How long can he last?

9. USC It’s the second year of the Andy Enfield era, but the Trojans aren’t quite in Dunk City yet.

Actually, after winning 11 games last year and losing its top-four scorers, USC isn’t even Dunk Town yet. The Trojans added the 23rd-best recruiting class in the country, according to Rivals.

10. Oregon State The last time the Beavers were good, Gary Payton played for Oregon State. Naturally, OSU fans hope junior Gary Payton II with be the answer to their woes. Like many sequels, the younger Payton isn’t as good as the original, but he was a second-team NJCAA Division I All-American last year. New head coach Wayne Tinkle will try to make the Beavers No. 1, but it’ll take a while before he’s known for more than just pee jokes.

11. ASU The Sun Devils enjoyed a banner year in 2013-2014, beating big brother Arizona and making it to the NCAA tournament. But that’s where the good news ends,

as the Sun Devils lost their three best players from last year: Jahii Carson, Jordan Bachynski and Jermaine Marshall. Things were so bad for ASU in the offseason that Carson left early for the NBA draft and didn’t even get picked.

12. Washington State Jokesters in the 20th century used to describe Washington as “first in war, first in peace and last in the American League” when talking about the Senators baseball club.

Washington State is also a joke, as it is at the bottom of the football and basketball power rankings. New head coach Ernie Kent was good at Oregon, but how much of that success was due to the Ducks’ sugar daddy Phil Knight, and can he get good players to Wazzu? Pullman, Wash., isn’t exactly the most popular place in the Pac-12.

— Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

B14 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

ARIZONA TRADING CARDS

Shuffle them up and deal evenly. Select randomly from your stack and play your own game of Arizona basketball. The game ends when one player runs out of cards. The person with the most points wins.

— Compiled by Daily WIldcat Sports Staff amd all photos

by Tyler Baker, Rebcca Marie Sasnett, and Keenan Turner

STANLEY JOHNSON

WILBUR T. WILDCAT Weight: Heavy Position: Mascot Hometown: Tucson Power: Enthusiasm You’ve just made the ZonaZoo go crazy with enthusiasm. Add one point to your score.

Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 245 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Forward Hometown: Fullerton, Calif.

Power: The Force Johnson blows by a defender and dunks it home. Add two points to your score.

PARKER JACKSONCARTWRIGHT

T.J. MCCONNELL Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 195 pounds Year: Senior Position: Point guard Hometown: Pittsburgh Power: Unselfish to a fault McConnell is so unselfish, he gives up his turn so a teammate can go.

Take away one point from your score.

Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 160 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Point guard Hometown: Los Angeles Power: Speed Demon Jackson-Cartwright sprints down the court before your opponent and makes a lay-up. Play two cards before your opponent plays one.

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Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B15

BASKETBALL TRADING CARDS GABE YORK

SEAN MILLER

Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 185 pounds Year: Junior Position: Shooting guard Hometown: West Covina, Calif.

Power: Long-range sniper York hits a deep three, crippling the opposition’s morale.

Add three points to your score and take away one point from the opposition.

BRANDON ASHLEY

Height/Weight: The world may never know Career record: 250-95 Year: Sixth year at Arizona Position: Head coach Hometown: Beaver Falls, Pa. Power: Tactical genius Miller uses his coaching mind powers to confuse the opposition. Take away a point from your opponent.

DUSAN RISTIC

Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 230 pounds Year: Junior Position: Power forward Hometown: San Francisco Power: Comeback kid Arizona’s returning big man gives the Wildcats dominance in the paint again, so add two points to your score. However, beware of the Sports Illustrated jinx, which results in a loss of three points.

Height: 7-foot Weight: 245 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Center Hometown: Novi Sad, Serbia Power: Mystery From Serbia with love, Arizona’s second twin tower is new to America. Dusan’s excellent European skillset adds one point to your score.

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B16 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Monday, November 17, 2014

BASKETBALL TRADING CARDS CRAIG VICTOR

RONDAE HOLLISJEFFERSON

Height: 6-foot-9 Weight: 230 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Power forward Hometown: New Orleans Power: Hustle Out of Cajun country comes Craig Victor, a player who earns his beads by rebounding, hustling and getting baskets down low.

Play Victor and take away two points from the opposition.

KALEB TARCZEWSKI

Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 220 pounds Year: Sophomore Position: Small forward Hometown: Chester, Pa. Power: Raising Arizona If a two and a three are rolled together, play this card to leap over your opponents.

ELLIOTT PITTS

Height: 7-foot Weight: 245 pounds Year: Junior Position: Center Hometown: Claremont, N.H. Power: The Rock Tarczewski is a human brick wall down low.

When drawn, subtract two points from your opponent’s score.

Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 185 pounds Year: Sophomore Position: Shooting guard Hometown: Dublin, Calif.

Power: Next Pitts, who always comes off the bench, provides a spark and helps bump your team up one point each time he is played.

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