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Round Table: What should Arizona Basketball Coach Sean Miller have his team practice?

By Shereen Rayan

Feb 2, 2017; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller meets with his team before the start of the second half in a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Wildcats won 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller meets with his team before the start of the second half in a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Wildcats won 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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The last few Arizona Basketball games had us at Zona Zealots thinking if we were Sean Miller, what would we be practicing with our team this week?

As Arizona Basketball head coach Sean Miller has his plan for practice percolating during the game that we get a glimpse of in his post-game press conference.

The many ZZ contributors chat back and forth without abandon during each basketball game. I thought to pose them a question that I was trying to answer myself: What Would Sean Miller Do this week in practice?

Here are our thoughts:

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Shereen Rayan –

The team’s defense got better, and the players seem to be able to play zone defense now, with a double-team strategy under the basket. One mission accomplished. Dusan Ristic actually dove on the floor to get the ball multiple times, so he got the message.

I am still not seeing much boxing out. So we are going to go over the basics once more this week. The ball goes up, even if you took the shot, find a man and get between him and the basket for the rebound. Don’t just watch your shot as it either goes in or misses, follow it!

The other crucial thing I would practice is ball awareness, know where the ball is at all times, not just your man.

Finally. Lauri Markkanen and Allonzo Trier are shooting three’s until they make ten straight each practice. But what do I know?

Eric Townsend –

If I’m Sean Miller, what would I be practicing this week?

Set plays (especially with Lauri, and to help break zones), and jump shots. I think our focus was a lot better this past game against Cal, we had back-to-back grind it out wins this week, but our shots just aren’t falling.

Defensively against Cal, we looked great, but our offense is still in a funk. Just keep practicing jump shots and hopefully design or at least work on plays that can help break some stingy zones we’ve been facing.

Kevin Jiang –

If I’m Sean Miller, I would work on the basics this week: boxing out, layups and free throws. The Cats simply don’t lose when they impose their will on the glass, which they struggled to do against UW the first time around.

Furthermore, they need to stay aggressive on offense by driving and forcing fouls. Lastly, all of the Cats should envision themselves taking and making free throws. I think the Cats will be fine. They just need to stick to the basics without burning themselves out during practice.

David Rosen –

If I were Coach Sean Miller, I would be focusing my practice on constant ball movement around the zone. And also not let up on crashing those boards.

Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) is blocked by California Golden Bears center Kingsley Okoroh (22) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) is blocked by California Golden Bears center Kingsley Okoroh (22) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Benz –

We are officially in the dog days of the college basketball season, mid-February. Three weeks and six days separate us from Selection Sunday, and at this point, you are who you are. With that being said, I don’t think Arizona lacks any major skills.

I think Sean Miller should be emphasizing effort on defense and on the glass. This group of Wildcats has proven that they can defend and rebound at a high level, but it’s just a matter of putting forth the effort to do so at this point. Arizona did a fantastic job of limiting Ivan Rabb on Saturday night, largely due to post doubles.

The Cats were able to double Rabb, who is solid at passing out of double-teams, and then they were able to rotate back and defend the three-point line. This team has proven that they can win both high-scoring and low-scoring games.

At this point, it becomes about giving 100% effort for 40 minutes; and if the Cats can do that, they should find themselves in a great position come March (maybe April?!)

Peggy McClain –

I think basketball should practice free throws. While I admit, some more time working on breaking down the zone is necessary.

I was disappointed in the free throw shooting Saturday. As the games get tighter late in the season and in the post-season, it is imperative they can drive to the basket and pick up free throw opportunities late in the game.

We will win or lose do or die games at the line. Also, while Lauri is in a slump, Parker looking a little tentative deciding whether to shoot (his defense was great though against Cal), it will give all the guys a chance to gain some confidence getting the ball through the hoop. That could bode well in a tight game, either from the line or the floor in a pressure situation.

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For what it’s worth, Coach Miller, those are our thoughts, but you are the master so keep doing your thing. What do you think the Wildcats need to practice on? Let us know! Bear Down Arizona! NO. 5 IN THE NATION ABOVE UCLA AND OREGON AIN’T TOO SHABBY!

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