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I went with IK but would love to see DA starting as well.

I think Lloyd starts Delly, but I want Aristode - like his 6'8" height and think he will have the best defense of the three.

Agreed with Deb that Delly is the likely choice from Lloyd. That doesn't assume that he'll have the most minutes at the wing.

Aristode is a beast when he's at 100% and Ivan is a dark horse candidate to breakout, although I realistically think he'll play more as a sophomore.

I'm intrigued to see if Lloyd would consider Peat at SF in a big lineup, with Awaka and Krivas in the frontcourt.

Peat will be playing what some of you people call "The 3". Krivas is the only player on the roster that can't play any other position other than his native 5.

The fact this is even a question means Lloyd did not find a suitable replacement for Carter. People keep saying we will replace CB with 3 average-good players. Only 1 is in CB's spot during the game though and none are as good as what we lost.

We just replaced a 5* freshman with a taller 5* freshman that has better instincts on defense.

Perhaps it's beneficial to find more than one replacement for a kid that is constantly in foul trouble.

I don't think Delly plays the 3 honestly. We need more depth at the 1 and 2 so I think that is where Delly subs in. The 3 is going to be a timeshare between Koa, Aristode, and Ivan depending on matchups and how good Tommy thinks these freshman are after a few practices. We got a lot of talented freshman just hope they can translate

Quote from: Blafresh on June 03, 2025, 09:24:09 PMI don't think Delly plays the 3 honestly. We need more depth at the 1 and 2 so I think that is where Delly subs in.

Subs in? If Delly is playing the 2, then he's starting at the 2. Sorry Burries. Tom makes the rules, not BDU.

The best two-way player should start at SF next season.
My vote would be for Aristode, and to have Kharchenkov come off the bench.
The remaining minutes at SF to go Peat, no SF minutes for Dell'Orso.
He would be locked in at SG and gets whatever minutes Burries is on the bench, or running at PG when Bradley/Nelson are not on the floor.
#BearDown

The good news is that Arizona has a LOT of options.  The only question of "depth" would rely on whether the freshmen bigs can contribute as backups behind Awaka and Krivas.

This is truly a great question on who

Starts on the wing .

I choose ivan is my guess he is 18 or 19 years of age, but not a typical freshman, he played against pros already.

My guess is he will be ready to get minutes  immediately, I wish he was a better shooter from deep, that seems like his weakness, hopefully  coaches can work on his shooting, before season  starts.


I really think any of the 3 players could start, I really like what I've seen from aristode in the highlights  very athletic, an seems like he can shoot the 3, hopefully  his foot is heeled  I could see him starting  he is probably  my favorite  of the 3 players, I think delly is better suited as a player off the bench, as a shooter, he tries on defense but can't move his feet fast enough an lacks athleticism.

Delly is however the only one that has college experience  an is on year 4, see what happens.

Quote from: TucsonTruckStop on June 03, 2025, 05:11:16 PMThe fact this is even a question means Lloyd did not find a suitable replacement for Carter. People keep saying we will replace CB with 3 average-good players. Only 1 is in CB's spot during the game though and none are as good as what we lost.

Nothing about Koa Peat is average-good. Koa will make you forget who Carter was almost instantly.

Quote from: Blafresh on June 03, 2025, 09:24:09 PMI don't think Delly plays the 3 honestly.

Dell is a Spot Shooter. In order for him to be useful to this team, Tommy will need to concretely choose to utilize a Point Guard.

Dell is Depth. Tommy would have to be the Worst Head Coach in the Nation if Dell is out there starting and playing heavy minutes. One must hope to believe he learned Something from last season as a Coach.

Quote from: |ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ| on June 03, 2025, 11:18:12 PMSorry Burries. Tom makes the rules, not BDU.

If Burries is not starting, then Tommy should be sent back to Gonzaga to suckle on Mark Few's teet until he learns how to Coach Freshmen.

That is insulting to even think that Burries is coming to UofA to play off the bench like Carter because of a kid from Campbell with limited abilities for a Very stacked OOC Slate and Conference Slate.

Dell is the guy who plays heavy minutes vs ITT Tech, University of Phoenix Online, and My Brown Mackie in between trips to Storrs or Los Angeles for Real Games.

Quote from: mvpreed2 on June 04, 2025, 06:41:51 AMThe best two-way player should start at SF next season.

The moment people start understanding that there is only 1 player on the entire roster who is playing 1 position is the moment you all mentally break through and understand what Basketball is in 2025.

Krivas is a 5.

Everyone else is a 1 2 3 or 4 on Offense and a 4 3 2 1 on Defense.

No one has 1 job except the SLO-MO.

Quote from: Jdmarti on June 04, 2025, 09:37:52 PMI wish he was a better shooter from deep, that seems like his weakness

This comment makes Ivan a Red Flag no pun.

If you can't shoot the ball then you have to sit until you can.

I don't think Tommy has any intention of playing "Team International". Just a pitstop for Tommy's international clout until they all transfer out to UNLV, Boise, San Francisco, Pepperdine, maybe even St Mary's like the Phenom Paulius Mauraskas.

Bradley
Burries
Peat
Awaka
Slo-Mo Krivas

6th Man - Del Taco

That's all anyone needs to really know for now and if Aristode shows up as a monster then he will be pushing Krivas off the court because Krivas can only play about 20 minutes anyway from what I've seen. So there is nothing wrong with being more athletic 1-4 with Tobe Rodman mucking it up down low. If Awaka can become closer to 80% from the Stripe then this team can win the Natty without Injuries. Everyone on the roster is highly incentivized this season to Win and not fuck around. Even Bryce James who EVERYONE is forgetting about and could EASILY play PG for this team with a superior basketball IQ and Size. Something DIFFERENT that no other team has available to them.

Anything less would be uncivilized.

Quote from: KansasCityCats on June 04, 2025, 06:44:52 AMThe good news is that Arizona has a LOT of options.  The only question of "depth" would rely on whether the freshmen bigs can contribute as backups behind Awaka and Krivas.

There is nothing, but depth on this team. It is the Starters that pose the worry this year. Are they ready to put up the numbers needed? We don't know yet. Burries and Peat need to be 30-45pts on any given night for this to work. Bradley + Krivas are about 25-30pts. We are supposed to be above 80ppg on the LOW END. So in reality the Starters are the uncertainties. There are TONS of depth options available and it doesn't matter who gets in the game, it is a matter of do we have someone that can get them the ball in the Half Court because this roster after the Top 6 or 7 (counting James) is NOT out running ANYONE. Intelligent, accurate Long Passing will be this team's best friend after Bradley and Burries are trapped 3/4 to Mid Court.

Quote from: arxpert on June 04, 2025, 09:45:40 PM

Quote from: TucsonTruckStop on June 03, 2025, 05:11:16 PMThe fact this is even a question means Lloyd did not find a suitable replacement for Carter. People keep saying we will replace CB with 3 average-good players. Only 1 is in CB's spot during the game though and none are as good as what we lost.

Nothing about Koa Peat is average-good. Koa will make you forget who Carter was almost instantly.

Koa will predominantly play PF. ADO, Aristode and Ivan will see the most time at the 3.

Burries is at the 2 and Peat is at the 4. Awaka will start at the 5 if Krivas isn't ready or back up both 4 and 5. Peat will slide down to 3 at times but can't see him starting there.

From the small sample size of clips I have seen of Ivan, he looks like he needs to have the ball more than I think our team will allow as a starter. Not sure if Aristode is ready but could see him starting at the 3 if he can consistently defend and get to the open spot. Maybe later.

But Delly can provide consistent spot up shooting now. As long as he doesn't start the season like last year with him being lost and turning the ball over, which I think we are past in year 2, the 3 is what he returned for in my eyes. If he starts at the 2 over Burries, #^}**}*{*#!

I don't think Koa will get any minutes at the 3

I think minutes at the 3 will come down to only, ivan, aristode, delly,
Also some of them will get backup minutes at the 2 when burries is on the bench, I do wish we would have brought in one experienced wing  out of the portal, but it sounds like the price was to high with so many players  asking for 3 or 4 million, is alot.

We we will need our freshman  to be really good right away, an hopefully  the returners can take there game up another level, jaden Bradley  was really good last year hopefully, he can take his game to another  level.

Quote from: KansasCityCats on June 03, 2025, 02:02:11 PMAgreed with Deb that Delly is the likely choice from Lloyd. That doesn't assume that he'll have the most minutes at the wing.

Aristode is a beast when he's at 100% and Ivan is a dark horse candidate to breakout, although I realistically think he'll play more as a sophomore.

I'm intrigued to see if Lloyd would consider Peat at SF in a big lineup, with Awaka and Krivas in the frontcourt.

I don't see Toby and Mo in the lineup together, much if at all. Is Krivas effective at all fromn outside 5 feet? I don't recall

Yes, Krivas has a nice little mid range game. I assume he's been working on his shot, while the leg is healing.

SloMo aka Kirk Walters Jr. is going to have to prove himself

If I had my way, and I don't, Aristode starts at the 3 and is backed up by Ivan. Delly backing up Burries seems workable and appropriate, with a few mins at 3 here and there.

Quote from: |ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ| on June 12, 2025, 11:25:21 PMIf I had my way, and I don't, Aristode starts at the 3 and is backed up by Ivan. Delly backing up Burries seems workable and appropriate, with a few mins at 3 here and there.

This would be my rotation at the 2/3 as well.
I do not understand why Lloyd is so in like with Dell'Orso.
Yes, he is an elite shot-taker and when he is hot, a very good shot-maker.
He is a defensive liability and I would hunt him very possession if I were playing against Arizona.

I believe Burries/Aristode gives you the best advantage on both sides of the ball.
If nothing else, you should be at a net zero for both of them.
I believe you should be at a positive when you add what I believe Aristode is projected to be on the defensive end.
#BearDown

Quote from: mvpreed2 on June 13, 2025, 09:18:44 AM

Quote from: |ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ| on June 12, 2025, 11:25:21 PMIf I had my way, and I don't, Aristode starts at the 3 and is backed up by Ivan. Delly backing up Burries seems workable and appropriate, with a few mins at 3 here and there.

This would be my rotation at the 2/3 as well.
I do not understand why Lloyd is so in like with Dell'Orso.
Yes, he is an elite shot-taker and when he is hot, a very good shot-maker.
He is a defensive liability and I would hunt him very possession if I were playing against Arizona.

I believe Burries/Aristode gives you the best advantage on both sides of the ball.
If nothing else, you should be at a net zero for both of them.
I believe you should be at a positive when you add what I believe Aristode is projected to be on the defensive end.
#BearDown

Dell Orso is a good player, but he is put in bad situations defensively very easily. Tommy has no real defensive strategies so we are at the mercy of teams using basic screens to get Delly matched up with a 6'9" 250lb PF any time they want. Offensively he can make things happen spot shooting or up and under layup drives.

I don't think we will be Phi Slamma Jamma this year, but if Tommy is at least a good coach, we may be able to play the fundamental way and move the ball enough to at least keep up in some games and when we play tougher defensive teams we will have to rely on the playmaking abilities of Bradley, maybe Burries - but mainly Koa Peat should be carrying this team much-like Derrick Williams in the past. We may have a Momo-Solomon-Derrick situation next season, but I doubt they will stick to it for us to see dividends more than this year.

I am not putting all my eggs in the Aristode basket until I see what he looks like vs real competition.

If Krivas goes King Kong mode then I guess anything is possible, but I don't see it in him.

Quote from: arxpert on June 13, 2025, 11:41:39 PMDell Orso is a good player, but he is put in bad situations defensively very easily. Tommy has no real defensive strategies so we are at the mercy of teams using basic screens to get Delly matched up with a 6'9" 250lb PF any time they want. Offensively he can make things happen spot shooting or up and under layup drives.

I don't think we will be Phi Slamma Jamma this year, but if Tommy is at least a good coach, we may be able to play the fundamental way and move the ball enough to at least keep up in some games and when we play tougher defensive teams we will have to rely on the playmaking abilities of Bradley, maybe Burries - but mainly Koa Peat should be carrying this team much-like Derrick Williams in the past. We may have a Momo-Solomon-Derrick situation next season, but I doubt they will stick to it for us to see dividends more than this year.

I am not putting all my eggs in the Aristode basket until I see what he looks like vs real competition.

If Krivas goes King Kong mode then I guess anything is possible, but I don't see it in him.

A lot of my predictions is hoping Bradley/Krivas are able to take a small enough step that the freshmen would be able to make plays in situations they are comfortable in.
Bradley being the lead guard should (hopefully) allow Burries/Peat to play freely within the offense, and not feel pressured to make plays for others.
Krivas being able to monitor and/or control the paint should (hopefully) allow Aristode/Peat to get weak side blocks by being able to rotate off of their assignment.

You made an excellent point though.
It is safe to reserve the opinion until you see all of these freshmen play/produce during real competition.
#BearDown

Quote from: mvpreed2 on June 14, 2025, 10:37:35 AM

Quote from: arxpert on June 13, 2025, 11:41:39 PMDell Orso is a good player, but he is put in bad situations defensively very easily. Tommy has no real defensive strategies so we are at the mercy of teams using basic screens to get Delly matched up with a 6'9" 250lb PF any time they want. Offensively he can make things happen spot shooting or up and under layup drives.

I don't think we will be Phi Slamma Jamma this year, but if Tommy is at least a good coach, we may be able to play the fundamental way and move the ball enough to at least keep up in some games and when we play tougher defensive teams we will have to rely on the playmaking abilities of Bradley, maybe Burries - but mainly Koa Peat should be carrying this team much-like Derrick Williams in the past. We may have a Momo-Solomon-Derrick situation next season, but I doubt they will stick to it for us to see dividends more than this year.

I am not putting all my eggs in the Aristode basket until I see what he looks like vs real competition.

If Krivas goes King Kong mode then I guess anything is possible, but I don't see it in him.

A lot of my predictions is hoping Bradley/Krivas are able to take a small enough step that the freshmen would be able to make plays in situations they are comfortable in.
Bradley being the lead guard should (hopefully) allow Burries/Peat to play freely within the offense, and not feel pressured to make plays for others.
Krivas being able to monitor and/or control the paint should (hopefully) allow Aristode/Peat to get weak side blocks by being able to rotate off of their assignment.

You made an excellent point though.
It is safe to reserve the opinion until you see all of these freshmen play/produce during real competition.
#BearDown

If Bradley OR Burries + SloMo become "Salim and Channing Frye" in tandem then we would have a lot going for us with the peripheral talents at Forward. Tommy doesn't really coach an Inside-Out game though. He is all Moonball Lob. The ball rarely finds it's way back out once sent inside. Always been a problem with his coaching strategy. Never coaches any Bigs to Pass the ball well. Not saying anyone has to be "Jokic" out there, but just a little bit of a threat of Basketball IQ to make a pass to someone after 2 or even 3 players crash down on them down low (Houston...) can make a huge difference. Especially if Tommy can coach the players to move without the ball and develop Dell Orso into a "Rip Hamilton" style catch and shoot type player. That would be a true asset to compliment how the others play.

Arizona didn't have bigs that kicked it back out over the past two seasons but Lloyd had Ballo, Koloko and Tubelis sharing the ball with nice assist numbers as their careers progressed.

Hopefully Krivas can jumpstart that trend.