Arizona Basketball: Expectations for the 2019-20 incoming class

Arizona Basketball has one the top incoming classes for the 2019-20 season, but with that comes expectations.

Expectations are one of those things that can be a good thing, but also a bad thing. How an individual or a group of individuals handles them will determine how successful a team can be. The group of incoming freshman for Arizona Basketball has many expectations this season: bring Wildcat basketball back to the top of the Pac-12, deep run in the NCAA Tournament and of course win more games then last season.

Expectations come with a lot of pressure. It’s one thing to perform well in practice, but come game time is when it counts. There are practice players and then there is game time players, those who love the pressure and rise to the occasion. This group of incoming freshman have the skill level and experience to perform at a high level in high pressure moments.

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Having played in competitive AAU circuit events and other competitions, they have the foundation of what it will take to meet and exceed those expectation. Of course, nothing can simulate the actual college basketball experience until the season begins, but they can be prepared for it during these next couple of months.

It will be important for these freshman to take in everything they are being taught and told by returning players and coaches. Getting to know the plays, getting a feel for their teammates and understanding their role on the team are all important factors that will contribute to this team’s success.

This incoming class is led by one of the best point guards in the country, Nico Mannion. Expectations are high for him and will be interesting to see how he handles all the media attention. Something tells me he will be just fine.

In today’s social media driven world, it is very easy for these freshman to get onto social media and see all the hype. Nothing at all wrong with that as long as they don’t let it get to their head. Don’t see that happening at all with these group of young men.

That’s another thing to keep in mind here. These are young men. For them to step into the position they are about to embark this fall is a lot of pressure. Expectations are high. No way around that. They are ranked as the No.1 class in the Pac-12 and one the top overall classes in the country. These freshman will need to be prepared right from the beginning of the season because every opponent will look to knock them down. Bring it!

When schools see the letter A across the chest, the level of their game steps up a notch or two. These freshmen will need to quickly understand that and not take anyone for granted. At on Zona Zealots we have three words of advice for this incoming class, Bear Down Arizona!