Next 4 Games

[bdroker]

Every game has the potential for a loss.  If we don't get Edey into early foul trouble, FAU/Bama get hot from beyond the arc or Wisconsin decides to flop in the lane at the buzzer...any of these teams could beat us.

They're solid opponents and there's no shame in losing (as long as we show effort on the defensive end).

Hoping for 4 wins but I think 10-1 in OOC play would still be considered a HUGE moral victory for this young team.

Truth be told... I am less concerned about trying to get Edey in foul trouble, than our bigs staying out of foul trouble...let him get his 25&12, but we need balance and keep their guards off the foul line

[KansasCityCats]

Yup. I'd assume that Boswell will go pro...especially if his outside shot remains above 50%.

If one youngster transfers, that leaves us with 3 vacant scholarships. One walk on and two transfers would likely fill the roles.

We're finally building a "program", instead of a class of one-and-dones. Been a while since we've seen stability in Tucson...and it's even harder to be consistent in the crazy world of NIL/free-agency. Props to the staff.

[arxpert]

Yup. I'd assume that Boswell will go pro...especially if his outside shot remains above 50%.

If one youngster transfers, that leaves us with 3 vacant scholarships. One walk on and two transfers would likely fill the roles.

We're finally building a "program", instead of a class of one-and-dones. Been a while since we've seen stability in Tucson...and it's even harder to be consistent in the crazy world of NIL/free-agency. Props to the staff.

I wouldn't say a "program" just yet. Tommy is bringing in transfers to play big starters minutes. He hasn't really "lost" anyone yet. Which is why I am going to remain bearish at the moment until I know we do not lose KJ Lewis or even Anderson. Time will tell as we usher in the Phillips, Bryant, Stephen era.

[arxpert]

Every game has the potential for a loss.  If we don't get Edey into early foul trouble, FAU/Bama get hot from beyond the arc or Wisconsin decides to flop in the lane at the buzzer...any of these teams could beat us.

They're solid opponents and there's no shame in losing (as long as we show effort on the defensive end).

Hoping for 4 wins but I think 10-1 in OOC play would still be considered a HUGE moral victory for this young team.

Truth be told... I am less concerned about trying to get Edey in foul trouble, than our bigs staying out of foul trouble...let him get his 25&12, but we need balance and keep their guards off the foul line

This is where I am too. Yao Edey can get his 2's, but we have to make sure he stays off the FT line (our bigs don't get in foul trouble, especially Keshad trying to hedge and hack on Edey's dribble).

Purdue Guard Play is what I am watching for. Their continuity is better. This includes Gillis who is probably a SF, but still in their chemistry of ball handling.

[KansasCityCats]

Although we have lots of options at the wing in 2023-24, losing KJ would hurt.  Again, Arizona is his dream school so I couldn't envision him leaving because he understands that he'll take over the SG position after Love graduates.

I really hope that Anderson stays because he continues to improve every time he steps on the court & he has a bright future...although losing him wouldn't be a big blow to the Cats because we still have Krivas, Veesaar AND Stephen projected to return at 7'+ in '24-25.

[arxpert]

Although we have lots of options at the wing in 2023-24, losing KJ would hurt.  Again, Arizona is his dream school so I couldn't envision him leaving because he understands that he'll take over the SG position after Love graduates.

I really hope that Anderson stays because he continues to improve every time he steps on the court & he has a bright future...although losing him wouldn't be a big blow to the Cats because we still have Krivas, Veesaar AND Stephen projected to return at 7'+ in '24-25.

Does anyone know when Henri plans to return to action?

[KansasCityCats]

It would be a huge bonus to get him back before the next four games. Having Veesaar at the FT line at the end of games would change the mentality of our team (in lieu of Ballo).

[TucsonTruckStop]

Very true.  Although the next oldest contributor is Sophomore Jaden Bradley.  Boswell, Krivas, Anderson, Veesaar, Lewis, Murauskas, Borovicanin and Martinez are all under the age of 20. 

Assuming we don't bring in a grad transfer...and with Phillips, Bryant and Stephen coming in next year...Arizona could have all 13 guys on the roster under the age of 21 when the school year begins.

But only 2 of those guys are getting valuable minutes in tough games.

[TucsonTruckStop]

It would be a huge bonus to get him back before the next four games. Having Veesaar at the FT line at the end of games would change the mentality of our team (in lieu of Ballo).

Just forget about Vesaar this year. He won't contribute.

[TucsonTruckStop]

I also think this 4-game stretch will tell us how good this team is. We will be playing teams that have actually proven they can beat really good teams. Duke and MSU have not beat anyone good yet, so not sure how good they are and doubt they advance far in the tourney.