(How) does Arizona plan to fill its roster?

[iowajake]

How does Arizona plan to fill its roster?  International players?  Late committing transfers?  

The 'Cats currently have 9/10 players for next year -- 10 with Carter Bryant, 9 if he opts for the NBA.

And/but without Bryant, our rotation would only be ~7 players.  Bryce James isn't expected to play much if at all next season.  And Tucson native and Harvard grad transfer Evan Nelson may only earn spot minutes as the backup point guard.

A 7 man rotation is ... risky.  One or two injuries would create a real challenge.  And 3 of the 7 are freshmen (Peat, Burries, Aristode), 1 of whom (Aristode) missed this past season due to injury.

Seems like we need a couple more guys who can play.  And yet Arizona has not been connected to many - almost any - potential transfers.  What do you think the 'Cats are planning / have up their sleeve?  International players?  Late committing transfers?  

[KansasCityCats]

I think Nelson is capable of playing minutes if necessary. He's an upperclassman with a nice stroke and fundamental defense.

The biggest need is finding another body in the post, specifically a backup to Krivas at Center.

Unless the staff has an international player in mind, I assume that they're working on the portal for a big. That would provide at least 9 realistic options to see the court.

[arxpert]

I want to see Tommy snag someone who drops out of the Draft pool process. Pay the big ugly Nate Bittle. Just pay the man. Win a Chip. Krivas can't play more than 25min a game anyway. We can't afford a big drop off at the 5 to Awaka. We need someone else.

[mvpreed2]

Returners
Awaka
Bradley
Bryant
Dell'Orso
Krivas
Nelson


Commits
Aristode
Burries
James
Peat

I will include Bryant on this roster until I know he isn't.
Nelson is going to be PG3, and I expect him to get the same amount of minutes that Martinez got.
Five returners penciled in the rotation, three freshmen will be included also (omit James).

I want Lloyd to go out and get a C2/PF2 that way Awaka can play exclusively at PF, and Bryant can play exclusively at SF.
Two experienced bigs that can play, but won't command major minutes...you know what?
Lloyd needed guys just like guys he had on this roster already in Veesaar/Anderson, or even Stephens.
Both of them could have ran PF in this offense, and possibly been C2 in this rotation also.
Stephens could have ran exclusively as a C2/C3 in a pinch just for some bench depth.
 
It seems like every time I start to think about the archetype of what this roster needs?
It usually ends up being someone who was already on the roster!
#BearDown

[arxpert]

Five returners penciled in the rotation, three freshmen will be included also (omit James).

I am wondering why you are omitting Bryce James. Did Bryce say he refuses to play and is just coming here to pass time and get a free ticket to LA to be with Lebron and Bronny?

I think Bryce will play and is a darkhorse talent.

People may have forgotten that Koloko was a 3 star player.

[mvpreed2]

I am wondering why you are omitting Bryce James. Did Bryce say he refuses to play and is just coming here to pass time and get a free ticket to LA to be with Lebron and Bronny?

I think Bryce will play and is a darkhorse talent.

People may have forgotten that Koloko was a 3 star player.

James is not being included because he is going to be buried on the depth chart regardless if he plays SG/SF.
I have heard him listed somewhere between 6'4 and 6'7, but my point still stands.

My point is Lloyd does not really do positions, it would essentially be James battling with Aristode and Dell'Orso for whatever minutes are left over from Burries/Bryant on the wing.
I am sure Lloyd will play Bryant at PF some, so that frees up what 6-8mins/game?
I am not trying to overlook James and his ability, but I do not think he will get enough consistent minutes (for me) to pencil him in as a lock in the 2025-26 rotation is all.
#BearDown

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[KansasCityCats]

James will definitely have the fewest minutes of the four incoming freshmen but he is still a viable D-1 option in our depth chart.

I still think Nelson will earn 15 MPG.

Yes, a PF and/or C would be ideal. Obviously, it isn't necessary that they're starter material but they'll need to be ready for decent minutes.

[arxpert]

Well, however anyone wants to slice it, I am not disqualifying Bryce James.

That sounds like a move I would make and that the peanut gallery wouldn't.

Twilight "Zona"

Bryce is going to make some big shots for this team next year. We aren't a deep team with or without Carter as things stand. I think it will become apparent.