2013 Basketball Guide

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BASKETBALL GUIDE

2013

PHOTO BY TYLER BAKER, GRAPHIC BY MARIANNE BUI/The Daily Wildcat

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B2 • The Daily Wildcat

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

inside the mind of

miller Sean Miller is in his fifth year coaching Arizona basketball and has made quite a mark

BY Joey Putrelo The Daily Wildcat

S

tay on the friendly side of Arizona basketball head coach Sean Miller, because that charming smirk can turn to stone in seconds with a glare sharper than a steak knife.

Flailing his arms and screaming his lungs out at every game, Sean Miller is one of the most intense personalities in all of college hoops.

His passion isn’t just limited to the court, but is evident at the podium as well. Who could possibly forget the famous emotional rant Sean Miller gave to the media following the Wildcats’ Pac12 Tournament finals loss to UCLA in March?

A wide-eyed Sean Miller said, “He [Mark Lyons] touched the ball,” multiple times during his postgame press conference that night, making animated gestures with his hands to stress his point. Sean Miller made it obvious he was heartbroken about the way his seniors’ last conference tournament ended.

“He’s always been in our corner,” said sophomore power forward Brandon Ashley about Sean Miller. “There were times he thought guys threw cheap shots at us and he definitely let them know. He’s never been one to hold his tongue for the refs when he feels his players have been cheated out of something or if we’re at risk.”

With his father, John Miller, serving as the head basketball coach at Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, Pa., Sean Miller was born into the sport. He became his father’s point guard in high school, and was known nationwide for his flashy ball handling skills.

As a 12 year old, he was already being interviewed by ESPN. John Miller was at a coaches clinic when me met a ball handler named “Crazy George” who had the reputation as the “greatest ball handler in the world,” said a 12 year old Sean Miller to the reporter.

John Miller asked Crazy George if he could teach “a little kid” and he gave John Miller a book called “Keep the Ball Rolling,” the pre-teen Sean Miller said.

Sean Miller even made an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with television legend Johnny Carson in 1983 when he was in his teens.

Once Sean Miller took the reins in 2009, it didn’t take long for him to bring a winning tradition back to Wildcats basketball. He accumulated a 96-43 record in the desert with an Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA tournament and a 48-24 Pac-12 record over four years. It is the secondbest since the conference expanded to 10 teams in 1978.

Now in his fifth year coaching the program, Sean Miller has landed top-10

“

ryan revock/The Daily Wildcat

Head Coach Sean Miller yells from the sideline against Augustana on Oct. 28 at McKale Center.

recruiting classes each of the past three seasons. Three of his former players, Derrick Williams, Solomon Hill and Grant Jerrett, have been selected in the NBA draft, with Williams going second and Hill 23rd overall in the first round.

“He [Sean Miller] showed me that he really wanted me, showed me that he cared,” said freshman Rondae HollisJefferson, one of Sean Miller’s 2013 McDonald’s All-American freshman recruits. “He just did the little things that kind of interested me in coming to play at Arizona.”

This season, Hollis-Jefferson is a key part of one of the best, if not the best, recruiting classes Sean Miller has ever put together. A couple of other key freshmen include Elliott Pitts and Aaron Gordon, the most valuable player of the McDonald’s All-American Game.. Gordon was also MVP of the U.S. gold medal team at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship in Prague.

Because of the freshmen, returning players and transfer point guard T.J. McConnell running the floor, Sean Miller is faced with more hype than ever entering this season.

“I think we had a lot of expectations last year and some unrealistic ones when I first came here, just because of our great history and tradition,” Sean Miller said.

“But I really don’t worry about it and I don’t think our team should because part of why you want to be here, as a coach, as a player, why we have 14,500 people

photo by ryan revock, graphic by marianne bui

Sean Miller signals to his team from the sideline against Augustana on Oct. 28 at McKale Center.

ryan revock/The Daily Wildcat

Head Coach Sean Miller speaks with Aaron Gordon during the Long Beach State game at McKale Center.

at our Red-Blue [game], is we do have high expectations. We embrace those but recognize just because you’re a preseason whatever, or people think you have an opportunity to have the best team, remains to be seen.”

He’s never been one to hold his tongue for the refs when he feels his players have been cheated out of something or if we’re at risk.

— Brandon Ashley, sophomore forward

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— Follow Joey Putrelo @JoeyPutrelo — James Kelley contributed reporting to this article

“

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

The Daily Wildcat • B3

cut from a

different cloth

Aaron Gordon isn’t your typical freshman, but he stays humble amid hype the 2013 FIBA Under 19 World Championships in Prague.

With so much success, it lmost since the would feel only natural for the day Aaron Gordon most highly touted incoming first picked up a freshman to expect to be the basketball, he’s captain and leader of their been scouted, college team. But with veterans recruited and compared to such as T.J. McConnell, Nick Johnson and Jordin Mayes on some of the game’s greats.

And in a time when prep the Wildcats team, this might basketball players are on the not be the reality.

W h i l e cover of more magazines than years they’ve been alive, when Gordon said doesn’t many use college as just a quick he stop before making the leap mind taking to the NBA, Arizona freshman a step back Gordon has found a way to and letting the avoid being a typical one-and- older Wildcats control this done prep star.

“Everyone always thinks team, he still they’re better than they are,” sees himself Gordon said. “In my mind [I as a natural might think that], but I would born leader.

“Taking a never say it.”

Standing at 6-foot-9 and step back isn’t weighing 225 pounds, Gordon really the right is clearly different than your word,” Gordon everyday 18 year old; but the said. “Maybe closer you look at the No. 3 I don’t quite overall prospect from San Jose, get through to Calif., the more you see his everybody as well as I did uniqueness.

“The greatest compliment in AAU, but as I can pay him is he acts like far as being a he’s 22 years old in terms of leader, I don’t the maturity that he has,” said think anyone my head coach Sean Miller. “But it doubts doesn’t matter if you’re a coach, l e a d e r s h i p a manager, an older teammate. skills. I’m just If you talk to him, he’s engaged. as vocal, just He listens and he wants to get as energetic better. His approach has been as I would be at any other drop-dead professional.”

As Gordon grew into time. I’m not his above-average frame, going to step comparisons to NBA all-stars back … just such as Blake Griffin began to because I’m a freshman.” arise.

T h o u g h Unlike most young, wideeyed teenagers, Gordon college may be hasn’t basked in the praise viewed as just a of individuals standing on mandatory quick stop for some the sidelines. Instead, he has highly recruited freshman, the chosen to ignore the hype and transition can be telling about block out the expectations that how prepared for the NBA they have been put on him and just really are. The pool of talent becomes larger and the weak stick with playing the game.

“I’ll leave it up to anyone get weeded out.

Every game, the team faces to make the comparisons,” Gordon said. “I know I’m Aaron some of the best athletes in Gordon and I can only fill my the world. The demand to be on top is at potential. an all-time “All I need is high.

Gordon to focus on each His approach needs to game and playing has been maintain the as hard as I can,” drop-dead same mature Gordon continued. professional. mentality that “It relates back to has gotten having the desire — Sean Miller, him this far. to play defense. If head coach As for I go out and play as his talents, hard as I can each Gordon said game, nothing else he thinks his passing ability matters.”

This mentality that Gordon and his versatility — as not has cultivated over the years just a big man but one who can has brought him much success. dribble and push the tempo — No matter where Gordon will make the transition easier, played, he was better than the and so do his teammates.

“He’s one of the best I’ve ever next guy on the court, claiming the MVP honors at the 2012 played with,” Johnson said of Gordon. “But I mean him Under Armour Elite 24 game, 2013 McDonald’s All-American and [freshman] Rondae [HollisGame and most recently in Jefferson] have gotten so BY luke della

The Daily Wildcat

A

“

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

Aaron Gordon looks for a teammate to pass the ball to against Cal Poly on Nov. 9 at McKale Center.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL 2013-2014 SCHEDULE San Diego, CA 11/14/13 vs. San Diego 11/18/13 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ 11/19/13 vs. Rhode Island New York, N.Y. 11/27/13 NIT Season Tip Off New York, N.Y. 11/29/13 NIT Season Tip Off Tucson, AZ 12/03/13 vs. Texas Tech Tucson, AZ 12/07/13 vs. UNLV 12/11/13 vs. New Mexico State Tucson, AZ Ann Arbor, MI 12/14/13 vs. Michigan 12/19/13 vs. Southern University Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ 12/23/13 vs. Northern Arizona Tucson, AZ 01/02/14 vs. Washington State Tucson, AZ 01/04/14 vs. Washington Los Angeles, CA 01/09/14 vs. UCLA Los Angeles, CA 01/12/14 vs. USC Tucson, AZ 01/16/14 vs. Arizona State Tucson, AZ 01/23/14 vs. Colorado Tucson, AZ 01/26/14 vs. Utah Stanford, CA 01/29/14 vs. Stanford Berkeley, CA 02/01/14 vs. California Tucson, AZ 02/06/14 vs. Oregon Tucson, AZ 02/09/14 vs. Oregon State Tempe, AZ 02/14/14 vs. Arizona State Salt Lake City, UT 02/19/14 vs. Utah Boulder, CO 02/22/14 vs. Colorado Tucson, AZ 02/26/14 vs. California Tucson, AZ 03/02/14 vs. Stanford Corvallis, OR 03/05/14 vs. Oregon State Eugene, OR 03/08/14 vs. Oregon 2014 Pacific Life Pac-12 Tournament TBA 03/12/14 First Round TBA 03/13/14 Quarterfinals TBA 03/14/14 Semifinals TBA 03/15/14 Championship

keenan turner/The Daily Wildcat

1st

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much better ryan revock/The Daily Wildcat [since they first arrived]. (Left) Aaron Gordon shoots a floater against Augustana on Oct. 28 at McKale Center. photo by tyler baker, graphic by marianne bui/The Daily Wildcat The work they’ve put in is (Right) Aaron Gordon drives the ball against Long Beach State on Nov. 11 at McKale Center. tremendous.”

For the most part, because of his size, Gordon was asked to play with his back to the basket in the frontcourt. But on the Arizona team, Gordon will almost certainly see time in rotations where he will also need to be outside by the perimeter to be a threat to drive and shoot.

While this might be a lot to ask of any young adult, Gordon said he isn’t worried. His athleticism and work ethic are expected to get him into the NBA. “I’m not trying to impress anybody,” Gordon said. “I’m just trying to be Aaron Gordon, and be here and show my team I’m here to win.”

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B4 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Monday, November 18, 2013

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Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B5

Wildcats’ men’s basketball

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

#23

Height: 6’7” Weight: 215 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Forward Hometown: Chester, Pa.

Power: Agility The newly confident Ashley just blocked your shot. Subtract two points from your score.

Power: Grand showman Hollis-Jefferson makes a slam dunk. Add two points to your score.

Power: Defense Demon Johnson’s defense just stopped a three-pointer. Opponent subtracts three points.

#35

Power: Brick wall Tarczewski is in some foul trouble and returns to the bench. You must skip your next turn.

Height/Weight: You don’t need to know that Year: 5th Position: Head coach Hometown: Ellwood City, Pa.

Power: Master wizard You’ve just recruited one more player. Steal one card from your opponent.

Height: 6’3” Weight: 180 pounds Year: Sophomore Position: Guard Hometown: West Covina, Calif.

Height: 6’10” Weight: 230 pounds Year: Junior Position: Forward Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.

Height: 6’3” Weight: 190 pounds Year: Senior Position: Guard Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

AARON GORDON

Height: 7’0” Weight: 235 pounds Year: Sophomore Position: Center Hometown: Claremont, N.H.

JORDIN MAYES MATT KORCHECK

NICK JOHNSON #21

#33

Power: Comeback kid It turns out that, like Peters, your concussions will hold you back for a little bit. Wait three turns until you can go again.

Height: 6’8” Weight: 230 pounds Year: Sophomore Position: Forward Hometown: San Francisco

Height: 6’3” Weight: 200 pounds Year: Junior Position: Guard Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz.

#13

#1

Power: Shooting Phenom York just sunk that jump shot. Add two points to your score.

Height: 6’9” Weight: 225 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Forward Hometown: San Jose, Calif.

T.J. MCCONNELL

RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON

BRANDON ASHLEY

Height: 6’10” Weight: 240 pounds Year: Freshman Position: Forward Hometown: Plano, Texas

Power: Joker You’ve just made the ZonaZoo go crazy. Add three points to your score.

SEAN MILLER KALEB TARCZEWSKI

Weight: Heavy Position: Mascot Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.

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— Compiled by Megan Coghlan

Height: 6’1” Weight: 195 pounds Year: Junior Position: Guard Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.

#31

Power: Local celeb Korcheck rebounds the ball. Your opponent must give you a card.

#20

Power: Veteran leader Mayes unifies the pack.

Trade a random card with your opponent.

#11

Power: Ranked rookie Gordon could be a one-anddone for Arizona basketball.

Subtract one point from your score.

#4

Power: Prince of point guards McConnell transferred from Duquesne to Arizona, so you must transfer one random card from your deck to your opponent.

B6 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

McKALE PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA ATHLETICS

MAKEOVER

McKALE CENTER opened 40 years ago, but in terms of attendance, remains one of the country’s most popular arenas. McKale Center will soon get $80 million worth of renovations.

Arizona’s 40-year-old arena set to undergo $80 million in renovations

BY EVAN ROSENFELD The Daily Wildcat

The UA’s McKale Center represents the heart of Wildcat basketball.

Besides housing one of the most famous arenas in college basketball, it also houses most of the athletic department’s 21 varsity sport offices, locker rooms, weight rooms and study rooms. McKale Center is the largest public indoor assembly building on campus and has endured decades of heavy use.

After the addition of the LowellStevens Football Facility , the relocation of Arizona’s baseball operations to Hi Corbett Field and the move of track and field and soccer to off-campus locations, the home of Arizona basketball is long overdue for a major facelift.

The 40-year-old arena will go through $80 million in renovations that will primarily feature a brand new scoreboard, new concourses constructed to improve access to all

seating and a home for fan amenities like restrooms and concessions. The project is being designed by AECOM and will be split into multiple phases. “We are going to start phase one as soon as we have the financial model in place that [UA] President [Ann Weaver] Hart and the Arizona Board of Regents can approve. Our hope is to be pretty aggressive with our time frames,� said Greg Byrne, vice president and director of athletics. “We’re out raising money every single day trying to make that a reality. The scoreboard will be in place by the time the Pac-12 season starts. If everything stays on schedule, that will happen the last week of December.�

Byrne said he doesn’t know how much of the money has been raised so far.

While the original plan was to renovate over two consecutive men’s basketball offseasons, Byrne said the department still isn’t sure how many phases the project would take.

Around campus, the McKale Center renovation is big news.

Communication junior and Wildcat basketball fan Eric Eisner said he believes McKale Center’s renovations will impact the program in four ways. “I think the fans are going to have a much more modern game experience. It will feel more like you are stepping into a Staples Center or Madison Square Garden,� Eisner said. “I also think it will affect our current athletes and will help in recruiting new talent.�

Eisner also said he thinks a remodeled McKale Center will make the arena more of a prime location to host tournaments and other sports events in the future.

However, while some fans see the renovations as a necessity, others don’t seem to think there is much of a need for it.

Ben Berger, a religious studies junior and frequent game attendee, said he has sat in the first row of the

ZonaZoo in McKale Center for every game he has attended. “To tell you the truth, I do not believe that McKale [Center] should be dramatically renovated or changed,� Berger said. “There is so much history in that building, and even without renovations, we are getting top-10 recruiting classes.�

He said the only things that should be renovated are the weight rooms and locker rooms, the same way they were renovated for the LowellStevens Football Facility.

Byrne said the renovations will only add in making McKale Center into one of the best environments in the nation for college basketball. “But it will also truly impact sports like women’s basketball and gymnastics,� Byrne said, “and will be a great tool for us to use more so than just for men’s basketball game days.� — Follow Evan Rosenfeld @EvanRosenfeld17

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THE DAILY WILDCAT • B7

Swagger returns to Arizona basketball Current men’s basketball team reminiscent of old days

RYAN REVOCK/THE DAILY WILDCAT

STUDENTS IN ZONAZOO wave the Bear Down banner. After a few lean years, at least by Wildcat standards, Arizona men’s basketball is once again selling out all of its home games. Since collecting a series of highly ranked recruiting classes and now a pass-first point guard in junior T.J. McConnell, Arizona stands near the top of the of the preseason rankings,

BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat

I

t hasn’t exactly been the Dark Ages for Arizona men’s basketball, but after a few rough years, the Wildcats are experiencing a renaissance.

Since Arizona just missed out on the Final Four in 2005 — blowing a 15-point lead to Illinois in Rosemont, Ill., in the final four minutes of the Elite Eight — it hasn’t been the same.

Sure, the Wildcats came within a basket of making the Final Four in 2011 and made it to the Sweet Sixteen in 2009 and 2013, but they also missed the NCAA tournament twice and lost their opening game at the Big Dance twice.

The Wildcats lost their mojo, employing four head coaches during that span and seeing some impressive streaks end.

First came their string of appearances in the AP top 25 in 2005. Arizona was in the AP poll a record number of consecutive times from Nov. 30, 1987, to Dec. 12, 2005. Then came the sellout streak.

From 1987-88 to 2005-06, McKale Center sold out every game. As a Tucson native, I heard tales of people going to Tempe, Ariz., or Phoenix to see

T.J. McConnell. The transfer from Duquesne is so much a pass-first point guard that his Twitter handle is “@iPass4Zona.”

With a true point guard and talent like Gordon or junior Nick Johnson, games in McKale Center are starting to feel like the old days when Richard Jefferson, Andre Iguodala and Hassan Adams were slamming down alley-oops and the UA dominated the SportsCenter’s top plays.

McKale Center is rocking again. The UA even sells out Red-Blue games now. Excitement for the Wildcats is the highest it’s been since 2002, when they were ranked preseason No. 1 and ZonaZoo rioted for tickets.

More importantly, though, Arizona is a complete team again, with a strong front court, a good back court and enough depth to make a deep run in the tournament. Sure, in 2009 the Wildcats made it to the Sweet Sixteen, but they had to have all of the members of the Big Three (Wise, Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill) clicking to win.

After a rough eight years, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Arizona basketball, and it’s from the giant jumbotron at AT&T Stadium in North Texas, site of the 2014 Final Four.

— Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

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the Wildcats because they couldn’t get seats at McKale Center.

Finally, in 2010, the most important streak ended. Arizona had a streak of 25 straight years of playing in the NCAA tournament, second best all-time.

With eight players drafted, Arizona had talent from 2005-06 to 2012-13, but not the right combination. UA head coach Sean Miller has continually racked up top-10 recruiting classes — the 2013 freshmen were No. 5 according to ESPN — but they lacked the game-changer.

Finally, Miller has his point guard, his quarterback and his floor general.

Ex-Wildcats Momo Jones and Mark Lyons were great players and big-time playmakers, but they weren’t floor generals. The last true one to play at Point Guard U was Nic Wise, and during his 2007 to 2010 era, Arizona had a handful of big names and some fill-in players as recruiting suffered during the UA’s coaching carousel.

Now the Wildcats have a roster full of NBA players, including phenom Aaron Gordon, likely the most hyped freshman ever. Tucson native Sean Elliott or Arizona native Mike Bibby might have rivaled Gordon’s hype, but they played in the 1980s and 1990s before the recruiting hype exploded.

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MCCONNELL BRINGS HISTORY BACK TO MCKALE

BY LUKE DELLA

The Daily Wildcat

W

alking the hallways of McKale Center on his official visit a little over a year ago, junior point guard T.J. McConnell was sold.

From 1974 to 2010, the Wildcats constantly turned out topflight point guards, including eight All-Americans at that position. During that time, the UA earned the nickname “Point Guard U.” In the past four years, however, Arizona has been in an increasingly downward spiral with the position.

With the Wildcats quickly losing their long-standing reputation, fourth-year head coach Sean Miller was in need of a new point guard. He found McConnell, who played against the Wildcats in 2011, knocking on his front door.

“When I talked to coach Miller I knew what kind of opportunity I had out here, and I jumped on it,” McConnell said. “When I came here on my visit, they of course told me about all the great point guards.”

Arizona’s last two floor generals, 2011-12 Arizona point guard Josiah Turner and 2012-13 guard Mark Lyons, were probably told the same thing, but where are they now?

Enter two-year starting, Duquesne University junior transfer McConnell: a 6-foot-1, defensive-minded, pass-first, “true” point guard.

The team has had a problem with defense in recent years, and McConnell’s ability to defend can help fix that, Miller said.

“Point guards, they pressure

the team play harder. We’ve the other team both ways,” absorbed his defensive style like Miller said. “When we have the a sponge,” said junior guard Nick ball by running their team, and Johnson. then by pressuring the other In comparison, while team defensively by setting the McConnell was at Duquesne standard and tone.” and Turner was the leader of McConnell, a Pittsburgh Point Guard U, Arizona ranked native who wasn’t highly 262nd in steals and 83rd in recruited out of high school, assist-to-turnover ratio and spent his first two years of had the 212th lowest turnover college playing at his hometown margin. university. During his freshman So Miller, a former point year at Duquesne, McConnell guard from ranked fourth Pennsylvania in the country himself, was in in steals. His When I came contact with 2.5 assist-tohere on my McConnell about turnover ratio visit they of his potential was the sixthcourse told me to not just be a highest ratio for point guard at a freshman in all about the Point Guard U NCAA history. great point as Turner was, McConnell guards. but to be the improved on — T.J. McConnell, next Damon his defense in junior guard Stoudamire or his sophomore Jason Gardner. season, finishing “When I came here [to visit] I third in the country in steals. knew this is what I wanted and “I give 110 percent on defense,” McConnell said, “along I know I didn’t make a mistake coming here,” McConnell said. with everyone on the team.”

Following the 2012 season, Miller would probably argue McConnell packed his bags that wasn’t the case before and headed to the Southwest McConnell joined the team in in hopes of being the next Mike 2012 and began influencing Bibby. the Wildcats to have a more Due to NCAA transfer rules, defensive mindset.

McConnell was forced to sit out As a sophomore, McConnell the 2012-13 season. Though led the Dukes to the 19th best limited to just practicing with assist-to-turnover ratio and the team, McConnell still found third-best turnover margin in a way to influence the Wildcats. the country.

“He pushed us in practice,” The year following his Johnson said of McConnell last transfer, however, Duquesne fell season. “He came in and, of to 307th in steals per game and course, immediately was part of 231st in assist-to-turnover ratio and had the 302nd best turnover the team, but it was as if he had been part of the team all along margin. Duquesne finished the with how he pushed us.”

2012-13 season with an 8-22 With McConnell on the overall record. practice squad and fifth-year “He makes everyone on

“

“

senior Lyons taking over the squad for just one year, Arizona actually got worse on defense.

Lyons, a 6-foot-1, athletic, shoot-first playmaker disguised in a point guard’s body, was the answer for the time being. In his only year as a Wildcat, Lyons made big shot after big shot and helped the Wildcats reach the Sweet Sixteen. But for the most part, the team went as far as Lyons took them, and overall, Arizona didn’t resemble a Point Guard U team.

With Lyons now gone, it’s McConnell’s turn to bring stability and take the Wildcats back to the days of Reggie Geary and Khalid Reeves, when point guards respected the name Point Guard U and took pride in wearing the Wildcats uniform.

McConnell doesn’t need to take over the team to do this.

His defensive focus as a natural point guard will guide Arizona back to the days when recruits were sold on the history of the program, the same history that brought McConnell to Arizona and that can be seen on the walls around McKale Center.

“I’m just trying to be a leader and be the next great point guard at Point Guard U and try to bring Tucson a Pac-12 championship and national championship,” McConnell said.

“Those names [on the McKale Center wall] are unbelievable and if I could be half the point guards they are, I’ll be very happy.”

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

KEENAN TURNER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ABOVE T.J. McConnell guards a Cal Poly player on Nov. 9 at McKale Center.

TYLER BAKER AND CHARLOTTE DRENKHAHN/ THE DAILY WILDCAT

LEFT T.J. McConnell shoots against Augustana on Oct. 28 at McKale Center.

B10 • The Daily Wildcat

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

seniors overcome

challenges

Women’s hoops tries to replace graduated superstar, injured forward with three seniors this year

and making sure we’re where we need to be,” Butts said.

Crutchfield, a transfer from Oklahoma State, could make a big impact this season. She scored 12 points in Arizona’s game against Michigan. Crutchfield said to expect to see leadership from the seniors this season. “[My coaches] tell me skills and things to work on,” Crutchfield said. “I try to do that, try to be more of a leader on the court, try to make sure people are in the right and just lead by example. I

BY Brittney Smith think that’s what I’ve gotten a little The Daily Wildcat bit better at.”

Griffitts has also already made fter losing two key players from 2012- contributions, having scored 18 13, the Arizona points against Michigan and 12 women’s basketball points against Iona. The defense team has already is also expected to win games for faced some challenges this Arizona this season.

“Obviously we can score points, season. The task falls on the seniors to help the rest of the team we have a lot of offensive threats,” Griffitts said. “It’s just defense overcome those challenges.

Despite having two close that’s going to help us win and losses under their belts from the having the heart to stop the ball Iona Tip-Off Tournament last and defend our basket.”

Gloyd has also emerged as a weekend, head coach Niya Butts leader despite said she was her season optimistic about We need ending injury. the season. our seniors “Even though “We showed a she’s not on to make lot of things that the floor, Alli were good,” Butts plays and Gloyd is a huge said. “I like our we need leader for us. togetherness. them to set She is a huge W e ’ r e the tone for vocal leader and understanding we need that,” our younger and catching on Griffitts said. defensively and players.

“She’s a great — Niya Butts, offensively a lot head coach positive energy faster than we on the bench, in have in the past.” the games and Arizona faces a tough schedule with plenty of in practice, and on the sideline road games and a strong Pac-12 she really pumps us up and has conference to compete with. On definitely taken that leadership top of that, a few key players have role for us.”

Junior guard Candice Warthen succumbed to injuries.

Senior forward Alli Gloyd is has emerged as a leading scorer. out for the season with a torn She racked up 22 points, four ACL. Plus senior forward Erica assists and three steals against Barnes suffered a concussion Iona and 21 points, nine assists and has only recently been able and three steals against Michigan.

But for Arizona to succeed this to participate in some team season, the seniors are the ones activities.

“There are always challenges. who will have to step up their play We started off with two tough and use their experience to their challenges. Our schedule takes advantage.

“They have to produce on the us on the road the first couple of games [and] it’s tough to win floor for us,” Butts said. “We need on the road,” Butts said. “We got our seniors to make plays and a few people banged up, so our we need them to set the tone for —knowing job is going to be tough in terms our younger players­ of making sure we balance going how to close out games, things hard, having longer practices and to do offensively, things to do defensively and how to do them.” having shorter practices.”

Arizona is chasing a winning Leadership is a challenge for Arizona too, with its former leader season after going 12-18 last year.

“Come watch,” Butts said. and standout player Davellyn Whyte now in the WNBA. “That’s it. We’re working hard Underclassmen are showing every day. We’re going to give it progress but the remaining our best shot and we feel pretty seniors are expected to lead. good about what the outcome is The team has four seniors this gonna be.” year: Kama Griffitts, Carissa Crutchfield, Barnes and Gloyd.

“All of our seniors are taking on — Follow Brittney Smith that role in terms of making sure @BrittSmith14 we have what we need to have

A

“

“

Ryan revock/The Daily Wildcat

Senior Kama GriFFitts looks for someone to pass to against Fort Collins on Nov. 2 in McKale Center. Griffitts is one of four seniors on the team this year, but with the loss of senior Alli Gloyd, Griffitts will be a key player for the Wildcats.

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Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

The Daily Wildcat • B11

working on being

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ryan revock/The Daily Wildcat

FRESHMAN GUARD Ashley Merrill drives the ball toward the basket against Fort Lewis on Nov. 2 at McKale Center. The UA is trying to replace the leadership of WNBA player and former Arizona guard Davellyn Whyte.

Tired of losing close contests, Arizona women’s basketball head coach Niya Butts is putting more emphasis on finishing games

BY Roberto Payne The Daily Wildcat

Finishing games was already a major area of concern for Arizona women’s basketball before the season started and then it lost its first two games in overtime.

Last year, the Wildcats lost 10 games by 11 points or fewer, including an 81-77 defeat in double overtime at the hands of ASU. The UA opened the season with an 82-75 loss at Iona and a 73-71 loss to Michigan. “[Finishing] is a daily thing,” said head coach Niya Butts. “We emphasize that as a staff, and we try to put them in situations where they have to focus on that.”

Finishing games can be anything from hitting shots down the stretch to getting a defensive stop near the end of the game.

Last year’s star Davellyn Whyte is gone, and no one has filled her role as the closer. Whyte demanded the attention of the opposition at all times and was the kind of player who could hit big shots.

Whyte, who now plays for the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA, was selected all-conference by the coaches all four of her years in Tucson. There isn’t one player on the roster who demands that kind of respect, but there are a few who are close. Junior guard Candice Warthen may be the player most likely to assume the closing role.

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game, with 40.7, in its first three contests and has established herself as the most potent scorer on the team by averaging 22 points per game. Warthen missed last season with a knee injury, though.

“I wouldn’t say that I can accomplish all the things that Davellyn did and be who she was,” Warthen said. “I’m good at my own things.”

While scoring is necessary down the stretch, Butts has said defense is something the team continues to work on and is a critical component.

“We’re right there on the edge, and we don’t either have that push through to make that last shot or we don’t have the push through to make that last defensive stop,” Butts said. “We’ve got to do a better

job of finishing.”

Defensively, Arizona gave up 73.3 points per game in its first three, which is up from last year’s average of 65.8 points allowed per game. That increase has been offset by a much-improved scoring offense, but the team understands defense is the key to success.

“We’ve been focusing a lot on defense,” said freshman forward LaBrittney Jones.

“I think our defense will really impact us finishing games out. It will be a huge thing for us to get over the hump and win games.”

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B12 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

Talented freshman class vital for Arizona Injuries and graduation mean women’s basketball’s four-player freshman class must grow up quickly and contribute right away and figure to start several more throughout the season.

“I’m a tall guard; most guards Arizona women’s basketball are pretty small,” Merrill said. will rely heavily on its freshman “We’re very versatile. … We all class because of injuries and the bring different things to the court, loss of one of the best players in and I think that’s what makes us a special group.” school history.

Whyte, who plays for the San The graduation of last year’s star Davellyn Whyte and injuries Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA , to senior forward Alli Gloyd and is first in school history in games senior forward Erica Barnes have played, 126, and in minutes, forced head coach Niya Butts 4,243, and is second on the career to insert four freshmen in the scoring chart with 2,036 points.

Rounding out the group of rotation: LaBrittney Jones, Dejza James, Breanna Workman and freshmen is 6-foot-1 forward Dejza James, who was a threeAshley Merrill.

“We’re looking for them to star recruit according to the 2013 make an immediate impact,” ESPNW HoopGurlz recruiting rankings.

Butts said.

Apart from Jones, James has Jones came to Arizona as the 87th-rated prospect in the nation made the biggest statistical according to the 2013 ESPNW impact of the freshmen to the HoopGurlz recruiting rankings, team. She averaged nine points, even after sitting out her senior 6.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks year of high school with a knee through Arizona’s first three games. injury.

“As a unit, I think we’re going to Big things are expected of Jones, and the freshman forward be a really big factor,” Workman has backed up that ranking with said. “We’re going to have to her play on the court. Jones has come together … and take some started the Wildcats’ first two of the responsibility.”

The four freshmen have games and their exhibition, and had per-game averages of 11 combined to account for 88 of the points, 7.3 rebounds and 1 block team’s 226 total points scored in the first three games in those three contests. of the season. That Her freshman total equates to teammates said We all bring 38.9 percent of the they feel that different things team’s offense.

Jones can be a to the court, The four freshmen key player for the also account for 62 and I think team. of the team’s 102 “Off the that makes total rebounds in court, she’s us a special those three. That calm,” Workman group. total equates to said. “On the — Ashlet Merrill, 60.8 percent of court, she’s freshman guard the team’s total the opposite. rebounds.

She goes hard, “We feel really and she’s really good about our young folks,” aggressive.”

The departure of Whyte left a Butts said. “They’ve been working hole at guard that the team will hard in practice, and we feel like look to fill on a committee basis. they’re going to add a lot [to the Part of that committee includes team].”

Workman and Merrill, both of whom are back court players over six feet tall. The duo has three — Follow Roberto Payne combined starts between them @RPsportreporter (two for Merrill, one for Workman)

BY ROBERTO PAYNE The Daily Wildcat

“

“

RYAN REVOCK/THE DAILY WILDCAT

FRESHMAN GUARD Ashley Merrill drives the ball towards the net against Fort Collins on Nov. 2 at McKale Center. Merrill is one of four freshmen expected to make an impact this season.

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PAC-12

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

BY LUKE DELLA

The Daily Wildcat

1.

No. 6 Arizona With so many highly ranked recruits, this is head coach Sean Miller’s most talented team, one that is more athletic and defensiveminded than any other school in the conference. The Wildcats don’t have as many early season questions as most teams, but the most major one is who will replace Mark Lyons as the go-to player. The UA is bound to be in a couple of close games this season and someone will need to rise as the man to take the shot.

2.

No. 18 Oregon No school in the conference has come as far as the Ducks in the past four years. In the short time period, Oregon has gone from a middle-ofthe-road conference team to a Sweet Sixteen contender and it’s all thanks to head coach Dana Altman. This season, the Ducks have a lot of talented transfers, but will be led by their young point guard, sophomore Dominic Artis.

3.

Colorado T h e Buffaloes can no longer be

underestimated.

They have proven that they will be contenders for at least a few more seasons. Colorado lost starters Andre Roberson to the NBA and Sabatino Chen to graduation but return guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Askia Booker. This Buffaloes team lacks experience but should be able to make up for it in depth.

4.

No. 22 UCLA The Bruins clearly have the talent to contend but how they adjust to new head coach Steve Alford will be the question. Junior guard Norman Powell is an underrated talent.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the improvement of sophomores Tony Parker, Kyle Anderson and last season’s dark horse, Jordan Adams.

5.

Stanford The Cardinal struggled in 2012-13 because of its guards’ surprisingly low shooting percentage.

Center Dwight Powell’s sometimes passive playing style overshadowed what

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B13

Arizona sits atop season opening Pac-12 power rankings

was a breakout season for the athletic big man. He returns for his senior season and will once again be Stanford’s go-to man.

The Cardinal will go as far as Powell takes it.

6.

Arizona State Point guard Jahii Carson might be the best in conference. If he can play well in big games, the Sun Devils might actually make it to the NCAA tournament. The biggest question for this team will be how Penn State transfer Jermaine Marshall fits into the backcourt with Carson and how he will replace former Sun Devil Evan Gordon at the two-guard.

7.

California You can never count out a Mike Montgomery team. But without Allen Crabbe, the Golden Bears are in search of a new leader. Senior point guard Justin Cobbs is the early season replacement but extremely talented freshman Jabari Bird might be the answer in the end.

The Daily Wildcat

8.

Washington The Huskies were left hanging when Aaron Gordon chose Arizona. The run-and-gun style offense that Washington plays would have been perfect for Gordon and made the Huskies early season favorites.

Instead, Washington has one of the deepest teams that can still surprise the conference. If all of the players stay healthy for once, the Huskies could fight their way into the tournament with upset wins.

9.

Oregon State J u n i o r forward Eric M o r e l a n d ’s 1 4 - g a m e suspension to start the season will test OSU’s front court.

Nevertheless, the Beavers still have size with 6-foot-8 forward Devon Collier and 6-foot-10 center Angus Brandt. Off the bench, OSU also has 6-foot10 Daniel Gomis and 7-foot freshman Cheikh N’Diaye to take up space.

10.

Utah A f t e r being a joke in 2011-12, the Utes arrived last season as a

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legitimate opponent. Sophomore forward Jordan Loveridge is the real deal but center Dallin Bachynski will have big shoes to fill replacing reliable Jason Washburn.

11.

Washington State A veteran and more talented team than Utah, the Cougars aren’t going to get very far if they don’t play defense. Plus, it could cost head coach Ken Bone his job if they don’t.

12.

USC N e w head coach A n d y Enfield turned Florida Gulf Coast into the darling of the 2013 NCAA tournament. He’ll need a lot more talent if he wants to do that in his first year with the Trojans.

However, he does have a talented guard in J.T. Terrell who could make an All-Conference team by the end of the season.

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

B14 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball Guide • Monday, November 18, 2013

Staff Picks Men’s Basketball Beat writers and editors predict the outcome of the 2013 season

BY JAMES KELLEY

BY LUKE DELLA

The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

With the talent on this Arizona basketball team, expectations should be high. A worst case scenario for the preseason No. 6/5 Wildcats would be another trip to the Sweet Sixteen. The best-case scenario is of course a national championship.

There may not be a better defensive team in the nation. And while he may be new, Arizona has an on-court leader in junior point guard T.J. McConnell. The Duquesne transfer has set the defensive standard for the rest of the Wildcats by giving 200 percent effort on the court.

The key to this year’s team will be the development of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Gabe York. If those two can be effective off the bench, the sky is the limit for this team.

The Wildcats will finally return to the Final Four, because they are deep and talented. They can run out an athletic line up, use bruisers or a combination. The only limit is head coach Sean Miller’s imagination. The UA is so good that I had to strain to come up with a “most overrated” Wildcat and went back and forth when picking a “most underrated.” New point guard T.J. McConnell makes everyone better, on offense and defense, and Aaron Gordon is already a force.

By March, “Air Gordon” will be close to unstoppable — remember how Miller suited up Derrick Williams in March 2011?

Record: 35-4 Postseason: Final Four Most overrated: Nick Johnson, I guess Most underrated: Brandon Ashley

Record: 34-5 Postseason: Elite Eight Most Overrated: The water boy Most underrated: Brandon Ashley

BY MEGAN COGHLAN The Daily Wildcat

Let me count the blessings this Arizona team has.

Junior T.J. McConnell is this year’s true point guard. After sitting out last year due to transfer rules, he has finally released the monster that roared on the bench for a season.

There’s head coach Sean Miller, who has given the team the most road wins in the Pac-12 since he joined five years ago. He also happens to be a master recruiter. This year’s roster has the FIBA U19 World Championship MVP and No. 4 overall 2013 recruit Aaron Gordon, who has already shown his talent on the court.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is another five-star recruit who has proven his athleticism as a freshman.

I have high expectations for the team that was ranked No. 6/5 in the preseason polls. A squad like this is bound to make the Final Four.

BY EVAN ROSENFELD The Daily Wildcat

Next March, Arizona’s men’s basketball team will return to the Final Four for the first time since 2001. This year’s team possesses the necessary blend of leadership, experience and talent to succeed and make it far into the postseason.

Highly touted freshman forwards Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, returning sophomores Gabe York and Brandon Ashley and junior guards T.J. McConnell and Nick Johnson are poised to enjoy breakout seasons. McConnell represents Arizona’s first pass-first point guard since Josiah Turner. Gordon is expected to leave for the NBA after this season, becoming the UA’s third-ever one-and-done.

Record: 36-3 Posteason: Final Four Most overrated: Kaleb Tarczewski Most underrated: Gabe York

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Record: 34-5 Postseason: Final Four Most overrated: Nick Johnson Most underrated: Gabe York

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THE DAILY WILDCAT • B15

Staff Picks Women’s Basketball Beat writers predict the outcome of the 2013 season

BY BRITTNEY SMITH The Daily Wildcat

Arizona is in for a year of rebuilding after losing its standout, Davellyn Whyte. But the team has plenty of material to rebuild with in a refreshed Candice Warthen, a junior guard returning from an injury, who will be leading the team this year. Warthen has a few freshman under her lead who will be looking to develop more as the year continues, namely in LaBrittney Jones and Dejza James. Fellow seniors Kama Griffitts and Carissa Crutchfield will be looking to contribute some solid points each game. Offensively and defensively, Warthen will be the difference maker in each game this year.

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BY ROBERTO PAYNE The Daily Wildcat

Inconsistency and injuries could very well doom the Wildcats this year as the team aims to fill the void left by departing star Davellyn Whyte. She left Arizona as the second leading scorer in program history and won’t be replaced by any one player. Head coach Niya Butts has praised team play and defense as keys to the season but might not have the bodies to thrive in the always-competitive Pac12. Butts will rely heavily on junior guard Candice Warthen and freshman LaBrittney Jones as conference play begins in January.

Sadly, the season could already be decided by that point.

Record: 12-18

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B16 • The Daily Wildcat

Monday, November 18, 2013