Arizona Basketball looks to regain prominence nationally as they boast a top recruiting class.
With the Arizona Basketball 2019 recruiting class almost set for 2019, the Wildcats class ranks No. 1 followed by USC and Villanova according to 247Sports. Head Coach Sean Miller is putting the finishing touches on his number one class. Let’s zoom in and see what the 2019 Cats will bring us.
It is safe to assume that the 2019 basketball team will look more like the traditional Wildcats we are used too. With the depth up front to intimidate opposing teams. Along with the guards to spread opposing defenses out that will open drive lanes for both guards and forwards.
With the addition of Nico Mannion, Terry Armstrong, and Josh Green to go with Brandon Williams and Brandon Randolph, the guards should be able to execute and run Miller’s offense effectively. Not only will they be able to run the offense these guards can create their own shot while also causing fits on the defensive end. They will provide the lateral quickness for Miller to get out and press other teams up and down the floor. Hopefully leading to easy fast break points.
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Then one can not forget about Alex Barcello who plays with such heart and passion. That heart and passion of the bench could be invaluable down the home stretch of the season.
Look for the Miller and his coaches to run the offense through the athletic collection of guards he will have at his disposal in 2019. Also, he will rely on the guards to create enough pressure on the defense that it will become very challenging for other teams to get into their offensive sets.
Not only did Miller go out and gain the commitments from guards who will aid in helping the returning guards. He also brought in some much-needed size to his front line. Christian Koloko and Zeke Nnaji will join forces with Chase Jeter, Ira Lee and Emmanuel Akot. Also hopefully Devonaire Doutrive will have mature physically to also provide athleticism and muscle up front.
We wrote about him in Chicago in the spring. Yesterday he showed up again in a big way.
— AAU Basketball Coverage (@aau_bball) July 21, 2018
2019 Zeke Nnaji (D1 Minnesota/Hopkins Royals) highlights against Upward at the Adidas Summer Championships.@ZekeNnaji_Hoopz @D1Minnesota @HopkinsRoyals pic.twitter.com/2pVAFkv0NL
NICO MANNION ON FULL FORCE 🔥 @niccolomannion pic.twitter.com/jOfytXsy66
— Overtime (@overtime) November 24, 2018
From the sound of things, Miller wants to get out and run. Forcing teams to get back on defense in an efficient way. As a big man, it will important to run the floor so the guards can find them for easy dunks.
As far as expectations heading into the 2019 season, they will be as high as ever as having the number one recruiting class will pump confidence into the fans. Be careful Cat fans as this is a dangerous cliff to be standing on. Similar to the 2018 Wildcat Football, the team on paper does not always translate to games. But for now, it is fun to speculate on what could be and the possibilities of bringing a national championship back to Tucson. No one deserves it more than Sean Miller and us the loyal fans who have been there every step of the way. Until then, BearDown and Go Cats!