Take It From Me
Note: I've decided to rename Living It Live "National Champion Drive" since I am no longer in school, living it live.
It's been quite some time since I last posted. I've been busy with trying to find a job (since I graduated in December), and taking care of things around the house, but I wanted to jump back into writing about Arizona basketball, so here we go.
It's been quite a season, hasn't it? Here's a little flashback:
Arizona stormed out of the gate to a record of 12-1, and after watching Arizona come from behind to win at Washington by 9 - McClellan shot absolutely lights out in that game - I started thinking about how I could get my hands on some Final Four tickets.
Then came a four point loss at Washington State two days later, a two-point home loss to Oregon, and getting swept in L.A. After the party that was 12 straight wins, some sort of hangover was inevitable, and the cure for losing 4 of 5 came at just the right time. I had never been so happy to see Arizona State up next on the schedule.
Arizona looked much better dominating ASU 71-47. Their defense was solid - ASU shot just under 35% - and they out-rebounded the Sun Devils 33-21. They shot well, making 50% from the floor (with Marcus Williams out of the lineup), and shared the basketball (16 assists). I was very encouraged, and excited for Arizona's next game. The ship had been righted.
Or so I thought. A rematch against North Carolina was a chance to avenge the 86-69 smack-down the Tar Heels laid on Arizona last year in Chapel Hill. It was a chance to prove losing four of five was a fluke, and solidify some of the confidence they seemed to have lost. Instead, Arizona shat the bed on national television, and was outplayed in nearly every facet of the game. (They out-rebounded UNC 41-38.)
What seems alarming is that Arizona combined to go 1 for 23 from 3-point range. That's pretty bad, but sometimes the ball just doesn't go in. This team can shoot the ball. What is alarming is they weren't sharing the ball. The Wildcats combined for 10 assists against the Tar Heels. If I recall correctly, a lack of synergy was Arizona's undoing last year.
Earlier in the season Arizona was absolutely rolling when their offense came from back-door cuts and patience to pass the ball until an easy shot presented itself.
Thankfully, the season is not over yet. Before the game from hell, Arizona's five losses were by a combined 20 points. Close losses will burst the bubble of a team that feels they can beat anyone. So take it from me: All this team needs is a little confidence. Lute Olson and his staff will prepare the Wildcats for every game, and these kids will work hard. Don't give up on Arizona just yet.
It's been quite some time since I last posted. I've been busy with trying to find a job (since I graduated in December), and taking care of things around the house, but I wanted to jump back into writing about Arizona basketball, so here we go.
It's been quite a season, hasn't it? Here's a little flashback:
Arizona stormed out of the gate to a record of 12-1, and after watching Arizona come from behind to win at Washington by 9 - McClellan shot absolutely lights out in that game - I started thinking about how I could get my hands on some Final Four tickets.
Then came a four point loss at Washington State two days later, a two-point home loss to Oregon, and getting swept in L.A. After the party that was 12 straight wins, some sort of hangover was inevitable, and the cure for losing 4 of 5 came at just the right time. I had never been so happy to see Arizona State up next on the schedule.
Arizona looked much better dominating ASU 71-47. Their defense was solid - ASU shot just under 35% - and they out-rebounded the Sun Devils 33-21. They shot well, making 50% from the floor (with Marcus Williams out of the lineup), and shared the basketball (16 assists). I was very encouraged, and excited for Arizona's next game. The ship had been righted.
Or so I thought. A rematch against North Carolina was a chance to avenge the 86-69 smack-down the Tar Heels laid on Arizona last year in Chapel Hill. It was a chance to prove losing four of five was a fluke, and solidify some of the confidence they seemed to have lost. Instead, Arizona shat the bed on national television, and was outplayed in nearly every facet of the game. (They out-rebounded UNC 41-38.)
What seems alarming is that Arizona combined to go 1 for 23 from 3-point range. That's pretty bad, but sometimes the ball just doesn't go in. This team can shoot the ball. What is alarming is they weren't sharing the ball. The Wildcats combined for 10 assists against the Tar Heels. If I recall correctly, a lack of synergy was Arizona's undoing last year.
Earlier in the season Arizona was absolutely rolling when their offense came from back-door cuts and patience to pass the ball until an easy shot presented itself.
Thankfully, the season is not over yet. Before the game from hell, Arizona's five losses were by a combined 20 points. Close losses will burst the bubble of a team that feels they can beat anyone. So take it from me: All this team needs is a little confidence. Lute Olson and his staff will prepare the Wildcats for every game, and these kids will work hard. Don't give up on Arizona just yet.
posted by mike destasio at 3:14 PM
0 comments
