PointGuardU.com
06-11-2009, 07:29 AM
A Look at Next Season
By Pras
PGU Daily News
Nic Wise's decision to return to Arizona for his senior season was not surprising. And yet it was one of the most exciting announcements in an off-season filled with exciting announcements. Even though his odds of being drafted were low and the appeal of leaving school early for Europe was unclear, Wildcat fans had been waiting anxiously. It's hard to blame them for fearing the illogical, as little of what transpired the past few seasons has followed a rational path. Wise's decision was the last question mark left from two years of uncertainty. [coverattach=1]
And with the last question answered, Arizona can finally focus on basketball. For the moment, we can set aside worries about recruiting, our roster, and our coaching staff. It's time to look at our current players and how they will fare on the court next season. And with that, pointguardu.com offers you a first look at our opening day lineup.
Even with Wise's return, Arizona is painfully young. Wise is the sole senior and Jamelle Horne is the only junior. Fogg, Judkins, Lavender, and Jacobson are the noteworthy sophomores. Solomon Hill, Kyryl Natyazhko, and Kevin Parrom form the newest batch of freshmen. With a team this young, the growing pains will be intense and frequent. But just like our youthful rosters of the past, the early season will serve as a time to prepare for conference play. It's unlikely Arizona will return to the national scene right away, but if they can compete for the Pac-10 championship it will be a major step in the right direction.
Point Guard: Nic Wise, Garland Judkins
This is undoubtedly Wise's team, and it will show on the court. It's likely Wise will be asked to play 40 minutes a game. The ball will be in his hands for the majority of the offense, and he will be asked to penetrate and dish to his teammates. Wise will need to know when to get his teammates involved and when to score. Last season was good practice for Wise from a fatigue standpoint, but it's safe to say defenses game planned for Budinger and Hill first. Wise will have to adjust to being the focal point of opposing defenses. Also, he will no longer have two first round talents to pass to. Teams will try to get the ball out of Wise's hand and force Arizona's youth to make plays. Wise will be looked to for on court leadership, especially in close games. Staying out of foul trouble will be essential. Wise will likely battle Cal's Jerome Randle for best point guard in the conference.
Judkins' Arizona debut was rocky at best. Early in the season he showed the ability to contribute, but instead rode the bench the rest of the season for various reasons. Coach Miller has given him a clean slate, so it is up to Judkins to perform. Arizona needs him to be a viable backup to Wise, and to provide the team with one more player who can get into the paint.
Shooting Guard: Kyle Fogg, Brendon Lavender
Fogg had an impressive freshman season. The coaching staff raved about his ability to soak up everything he was told. He simply does what he is asked to do. His high energy on the defensive end and knack for timely steals made him a fan favorite. Towards the end of the season he also showed an ability to shoot, especially off two dribbles. Continued improvement by Fogg will be key to taking some of the pressure off Wise.
Lavender did not see much playing time last season. Early on, the coaches felt he wasn't ready and thus later in the season he didn't have the experience to contribute in big games. No one has doubted his ability, but rather the coaches suggested he was rushing and trying to do to much. This must have been in practice because in games he seemed extremely timid on the offense. Lavender is said to be a good shooter, but he is yet to knock down shots in game. Coach Miller likes to play his bench, as well as spread the floor with ball handlers, so Lavender should get plenty of opportunities to develop. If he can be for this team what Fogg was for last year's team, Arizona will have a solid, albeit young, backcourt.
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Small Forward: Solomon Hill, Kevin Parrom
Arizona's youth at this position may lead to more three guard sets. While both freshmen are highly touted, they will need time to adjust to the college game. Fans should not expect either to dominate right away. Hill and Parrom can play multiple positions and their versatility gives them a good chance to see playing time early. Hill is known for doing the little things as opposed to being a scorer. Parrom is said to be a strong rebounder, but not a perimeter threat. Both Hill and Parrom will be asked to play hard, defend well, and limit mistakes. To expect anything more is unrealistic at this point. Hill has the potential to crack the starting lineup by conference play, but expect to see Wise, Fogg, and Lavender on the floor together early on. If Hill can defend well, his height will be necessary in stopping taller small forwards. With Miller's system, there isn't as much a difference between the 2,3, and 4 spots as a more traditional offense, so these players may be seen all over the court.
Power Forward: Jamelle Horne[coverattach=2]
This is where Arizona's lack of depth starts to show. Horne is really the only player capable of playing the power forward position, and he is really more of a small forward. Last year, fans were hoping he could develop into a Hassan Adam's like complement to Jordan Hill. People were calling for Horne to spend more time in the paint and less time shooting jump shots. Horne had some nice rebounding games off the bench, and towards the end of the season showed some range. Miller may give him permission to roam the perimeter in an effort to spread out the offense, but Horne hasn't shown the ability to beat people off the dribble. Defensively, he will be matched up with opposing power forwards, where he will be at a disadvantage. Horne needs to contribute by rebounding, defending, and altering shots. His offense will come off put backs and open jump shots. As the team's second oldest player, he will need to transform from playful youngster to focused veteran. And of course, we must hope his mental lapses are behind him. If he can't stay on the floor, there aren't many places for Arizona to turn.
Center: Kyryl Natyazhko, Alex Jacobson
This is major unknown for Arizona. Landing Natyazhko was an impressive feat, but it didn't exactly solve our low post depth. Jacobson had a few nice plays last year, and seemed comfortable taking short jumpers, but fans generally don't think he will be able to contribute at a high level. That leaves Kyryl, who is expected to win the starting spot. His game seems suited for Miller's offense, as he has decent range and appears to move well. But the transition to college can be difficult for big men, as they will play against much bigger, older, and more experienced post players. This position will be a major concern for Arizona and it will be interesting to see how Miller addresses it. Despite Arizona's traditional weakness at the center position, fans have been treated to 10 years of Bramlett, Woods, Frye, and Hill. This year's team doesn't have anything close to that. Arizona's ability to solve their post problem will likely determine if they can compete for the conference or will finish in the middle of the pack.
Many questions remain, but they are questions of on court performance, which is a pleasant change. The Lute Olson Era ended with Wise at the point, and the Sean Miller Era will start with Wise at the point. Wise is the link to the past and the bright spot of the immediate future. It appears the tradition at Point Guard U is safe for years to come.
By Pras
PGU Daily News
Nic Wise's decision to return to Arizona for his senior season was not surprising. And yet it was one of the most exciting announcements in an off-season filled with exciting announcements. Even though his odds of being drafted were low and the appeal of leaving school early for Europe was unclear, Wildcat fans had been waiting anxiously. It's hard to blame them for fearing the illogical, as little of what transpired the past few seasons has followed a rational path. Wise's decision was the last question mark left from two years of uncertainty. [coverattach=1]
And with the last question answered, Arizona can finally focus on basketball. For the moment, we can set aside worries about recruiting, our roster, and our coaching staff. It's time to look at our current players and how they will fare on the court next season. And with that, pointguardu.com offers you a first look at our opening day lineup.
Even with Wise's return, Arizona is painfully young. Wise is the sole senior and Jamelle Horne is the only junior. Fogg, Judkins, Lavender, and Jacobson are the noteworthy sophomores. Solomon Hill, Kyryl Natyazhko, and Kevin Parrom form the newest batch of freshmen. With a team this young, the growing pains will be intense and frequent. But just like our youthful rosters of the past, the early season will serve as a time to prepare for conference play. It's unlikely Arizona will return to the national scene right away, but if they can compete for the Pac-10 championship it will be a major step in the right direction.
Point Guard: Nic Wise, Garland Judkins
This is undoubtedly Wise's team, and it will show on the court. It's likely Wise will be asked to play 40 minutes a game. The ball will be in his hands for the majority of the offense, and he will be asked to penetrate and dish to his teammates. Wise will need to know when to get his teammates involved and when to score. Last season was good practice for Wise from a fatigue standpoint, but it's safe to say defenses game planned for Budinger and Hill first. Wise will have to adjust to being the focal point of opposing defenses. Also, he will no longer have two first round talents to pass to. Teams will try to get the ball out of Wise's hand and force Arizona's youth to make plays. Wise will be looked to for on court leadership, especially in close games. Staying out of foul trouble will be essential. Wise will likely battle Cal's Jerome Randle for best point guard in the conference.
Judkins' Arizona debut was rocky at best. Early in the season he showed the ability to contribute, but instead rode the bench the rest of the season for various reasons. Coach Miller has given him a clean slate, so it is up to Judkins to perform. Arizona needs him to be a viable backup to Wise, and to provide the team with one more player who can get into the paint.
Shooting Guard: Kyle Fogg, Brendon Lavender
Fogg had an impressive freshman season. The coaching staff raved about his ability to soak up everything he was told. He simply does what he is asked to do. His high energy on the defensive end and knack for timely steals made him a fan favorite. Towards the end of the season he also showed an ability to shoot, especially off two dribbles. Continued improvement by Fogg will be key to taking some of the pressure off Wise.
Lavender did not see much playing time last season. Early on, the coaches felt he wasn't ready and thus later in the season he didn't have the experience to contribute in big games. No one has doubted his ability, but rather the coaches suggested he was rushing and trying to do to much. This must have been in practice because in games he seemed extremely timid on the offense. Lavender is said to be a good shooter, but he is yet to knock down shots in game. Coach Miller likes to play his bench, as well as spread the floor with ball handlers, so Lavender should get plenty of opportunities to develop. If he can be for this team what Fogg was for last year's team, Arizona will have a solid, albeit young, backcourt.
[multipage=Page 2]
Small Forward: Solomon Hill, Kevin Parrom
Arizona's youth at this position may lead to more three guard sets. While both freshmen are highly touted, they will need time to adjust to the college game. Fans should not expect either to dominate right away. Hill and Parrom can play multiple positions and their versatility gives them a good chance to see playing time early. Hill is known for doing the little things as opposed to being a scorer. Parrom is said to be a strong rebounder, but not a perimeter threat. Both Hill and Parrom will be asked to play hard, defend well, and limit mistakes. To expect anything more is unrealistic at this point. Hill has the potential to crack the starting lineup by conference play, but expect to see Wise, Fogg, and Lavender on the floor together early on. If Hill can defend well, his height will be necessary in stopping taller small forwards. With Miller's system, there isn't as much a difference between the 2,3, and 4 spots as a more traditional offense, so these players may be seen all over the court.
Power Forward: Jamelle Horne[coverattach=2]
This is where Arizona's lack of depth starts to show. Horne is really the only player capable of playing the power forward position, and he is really more of a small forward. Last year, fans were hoping he could develop into a Hassan Adam's like complement to Jordan Hill. People were calling for Horne to spend more time in the paint and less time shooting jump shots. Horne had some nice rebounding games off the bench, and towards the end of the season showed some range. Miller may give him permission to roam the perimeter in an effort to spread out the offense, but Horne hasn't shown the ability to beat people off the dribble. Defensively, he will be matched up with opposing power forwards, where he will be at a disadvantage. Horne needs to contribute by rebounding, defending, and altering shots. His offense will come off put backs and open jump shots. As the team's second oldest player, he will need to transform from playful youngster to focused veteran. And of course, we must hope his mental lapses are behind him. If he can't stay on the floor, there aren't many places for Arizona to turn.
Center: Kyryl Natyazhko, Alex Jacobson
This is major unknown for Arizona. Landing Natyazhko was an impressive feat, but it didn't exactly solve our low post depth. Jacobson had a few nice plays last year, and seemed comfortable taking short jumpers, but fans generally don't think he will be able to contribute at a high level. That leaves Kyryl, who is expected to win the starting spot. His game seems suited for Miller's offense, as he has decent range and appears to move well. But the transition to college can be difficult for big men, as they will play against much bigger, older, and more experienced post players. This position will be a major concern for Arizona and it will be interesting to see how Miller addresses it. Despite Arizona's traditional weakness at the center position, fans have been treated to 10 years of Bramlett, Woods, Frye, and Hill. This year's team doesn't have anything close to that. Arizona's ability to solve their post problem will likely determine if they can compete for the conference or will finish in the middle of the pack.
Many questions remain, but they are questions of on court performance, which is a pleasant change. The Lute Olson Era ended with Wise at the point, and the Sean Miller Era will start with Wise at the point. Wise is the link to the past and the bright spot of the immediate future. It appears the tradition at Point Guard U is safe for years to come.