Arizona Basketball: Wildcats Red and Blue Game preview

The Arizona Basketball team’s First Watch Red and Blue game is just a few days away, time to preview all the action.

This is Arizona! Wildcat fans the wait is almost over, your 2018-19 team is just as eager as we are to get this season started. Before the team kicks into action with exhibition games, the Wildcats will be playing under the bright lights this Sunday afternoon in the annual Red and Blue game.

This year the game will be sponsored by First Watch, how appropriate, considering this will the first time fans will get to see their team in action for this upcoming season.

As in previous years, except to see player intros, the fan favorite slam dunk contest and then the full court red vs blue scrimmage game. I attended last year’s event and had a blast! Not only is the one opportunity for those who don’t normally attend games at McKale Center to do so, but also to check out the team in a very relaxed and fun environment. Plus the players get a chance to show off their talent to their coaches, teammates and most importantly their fans.

In addition to the schedule list of events, 2019-20 commits Nico Mannion and Josh Green announced they will be attending to take in all the action. Also, class of 2019 Wildcat recruits Zeke Nnaj and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will be making their visits this weekend as well and will be in attendance. No better way to get the full Bear Down experience than visiting during Red and Blue game weekend.

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Before the dunk contest begins, the players get introduced. This is a time for players to have some fun, whether it showing off their dance moves or what their favorite song may be. Last year Rawle Alkins stole the show when he came out on a scooter due to an injury and surgery he was recovering from at the time.

One other event add to this year’s lineup will be former Wildcat greats getting their name added to the Ring of Honor inside McKale Center:

The highlight for most would be the slam dunk contest. In year’s past there have been some spectacular high above the rim acrobatic dunks. From former Wildcat Aaron Gordon displaying his powerful finishing abilities to Alkins dunking over Coach Sean Miller’s head, this event is one not to be missed.

Last year, Brandon Randolph had some amazing dunks, including one in which he grabbed the ball above a student manager’s head and then went between his leg for the finish. Others such as Alex Barcello and Ira Lee did not disappoint either. Lee dunked the ball with a vengeance and then took off his top to display Khalil Tate‘s Jersey, then struck the Heisman pose.

This year expect to see some more high flying action from these three and also some newcomers. Wouldn’t be surprised to maybe see Chase Jeter, Omar Thielemans or even Brandon Williams participate and display their dunking skills. One thing is for sure, this dunk contest will excite Wildcat fans no matter who wins!

Relive last year’s dunk contest:

After the dunk contest, players will divide up and take part in a full court red vs blue scrimmage. Should be quite interesting to see first off who will be playing on each team and second to see how each player will be utilized. Because there are many guards on this year’s roster, Miller has the luxury of having three players who can handle the ball at the point with Williams, Justin Coleman and Barcello. For this scrimmage game though he will probably have those players split up so that way he can get an idea of each to handle the responsibility at point guard.

For others, will be an opportunity to show the coaching staff they deserve that starting role in their respective position, especially at that shooting guard position because there are so many who can shoot the ball well. For the inside players, Lee, Theilemans, Ryan Luther and Jeter they will probably be split up as well and will need to show they can defend as well as shoot the ball.

Those players who have gone through this before have experienced the excitement that it brings to Wildcat fans. For those that haven’t, it’s a chance for them to get a true sense and understanding of how special of a place it is to play. At Zona Zealots, we would like to welcome the new faces and returnees back inside McKale Center this Sunday, Bear Down!

First Watch Red and Blue Game details:

When: Sunday, October 14 at 12:00pm MST on Pac-12 Networks

Where: McKale Center

Tickets are still available and can be purchased HERE.