Arizona Basketball: Chance Comanche, the Year of The Chief

The 6-foot-11 sophomore from Beverly Hills, Chance Comanche, has been a key part in the Arizona Wildcats success this season.

“Throw it down, big man!” That’s the phrase many fans have heard Bill Walton say this year about Chance Comanche, a great way to describe his play! From last year to this year, his improvement has been exciting to watch.

In his freshman season, Comanche did not get a lot of playing time averaging only about six minutes a game. He had so much potential, announcers couldn’t say enough about him. He just needed to put on some more weight and get some more touches inside, to be an impact player. And that’s exactly what happened!

Comanche’s stats from last year to this year show how much his confidence has risen:

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/8/2017.

Comanche doubled his points per game and overall rebound production allowing the Wildcats to be one of the top scoring offenses and rebounding teams in the Pac-12. Comanche’s minutes per game have now increased due to Coach Sean Miller’s confidence in him this year.

There were a couple of games this season so far that have stood out for Comanche, the Chief (nickname used by Bill Walton who did his research).

One of those games was against New Mexico. Comanche had 14 points, eight rebounds, and played aggressive defense. He also showed off his ability to run down the floor and finish the fast break:

Coach Sean Miller had some very positive things to say about Comanche after the game:

"Chance Comanche played his best game this season, maybe in two seasons. In a process things don’t all of sudden happen alright, you have to go through the bumps in a bigger role, learn what to do and not to do. He needed some confidence and he is filled with it now."

Comanche made a big impact in the first game against the  Stanford Cardinals, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. They call that a double-double! He played 25 minutes and was 3-5 from the charity stripe.  Those type of numbers will make your coach proud.

There have been numerous times this year when Comanche has hammered it down and brought the fans to their feet. He is one of the most dominant dunkers on the wildcats this season which has provided for many fun highlights. This dunk against Washington was one of those, and it came at a crucial time:

More from Wildcats Basketball

• Arizona Basketball likely to schedule Florida Atlantic for 2023
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s FIBA World Cup performance is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s
• Rawle Alkins a star in the Drew League this summer
• Arizona Basketball to play in ‘Battle 4 Atlantis’ in 2024
• Reflections on the Pac-12, the Arizona Wildcats, and other memories

Another thing you gotta love about Comanche is his dedication. During the offseason, he put in more time in the weight room and on the court to become a better player.  He went from 205 pounds to a 225 pound inside hammering machine! Plus, he has the confidence that he didn’t have last year which everyone has noticed, especially his coach Sean miller.

If Comanche keeps improving and continues to work on both ends of the court, he has a very good chance to play on the next level. It’s scary to imagine what he has in store for Wildcat fans next season!

Must Read: March Madness: Early NCAA Tournament Bracket predictions and ZZ Tourney Challenge

Everyone at Zona Zealots is very proud of Comanche’s progression over the past two years. We are all really looking forward to many more exciting plays by No.21. Way to go Chief and Bear Down!