Arizona Basketball: Wildcats biggest nemesis Frank Kaminsky III joins Suns

One of Arizona Basketball’s biggest nemesis, Frank Kaminsky, is now officially a member of the Phoenix Suns.

It’s one of those names when mentioned drives Arizona Basketball fans crazy. For multiple reasons former Wisconsin Badger Frank Kaminsky is why the Wildcats never made it the Final Four in 2014 and 2015. There were moments during each Elite 8 game that led to the Wildcats being knocked out, but Kaminsky is one of the main reasons why.

Kaminsky coming back to Arizona as a Phoenix Sun has many fans outraged. From a basketball standpoint, it makes sense for the Suns to add size and strength to their lineup. But from a fan standpoint not so much. Many people will still likely make the trip from Tucson to see Deandre Ayton play, but there will be a decreased amount that does so. Would not be surprised to see him get booed early on in the season.

Kaminsky has done alright in the NBA. He will be entering into his fifth season in the league after playing four with the Charlotte Hornets. His career average is 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Will be interesting to see how his style of the game fits in with the Suns and how well he complements Ayton down low.

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At Wisconsin, he was one of the leaders on the team during his last two seasons. His play in both Elite 8 matchups against Arizona in 2014 and 2015 caused all sorts of issues and is why the Wildcats loss. Let us not forget though the flop against Kaleb Tarczewski or the lucky hook shot with time running out that drove Wildcat players and fans crazy.

In the first matchup in 2014, Kaminsky led all scorers with 28 points and 11 rebounds on a night in which none of his teammates could score. The Wildcats didn’t have an answer to stop him and it came down to who could score more points in OT. Wisconsin went on to win 64-63.

Arizona played a solid game all around, but couldn’t put together enough defensive stops, especially on Kaminsky who just couldn’t miss. That’s what makes the NCAA Tournament so hard to win. Can have a great showing, but still coming away at the buzzer with a loss.

The following year it was Wisconsin again in the Elite 8. Kaminsky led all scorers again, this time with 29 points and six rebounds. He did have some help with Sam Dekker going 5-6 from three. The Wildcats led at half have by three, but the Badgers poured it on in the second half and came away with a 85-78 win.

Again, another game in which Kaminsky couldn’t miss. Also in this one, he had the infamous flop against Tarczweski early in the first half. Foul was called on Zeus, of course, it was. Sometimes calls just don’t go your way.

These two teams have not played since the 2015 Elite 8 meeting, but rest assured once they do meet again the Wildcats will be ready to bring it!

Now you understand why Kaminsky coming to play basketball in the state of Arizona is resulting in negative reaction by Wildcat fans. Maybe it may work out for the Suns, but Wildcats will never forget what he did and what could have been for this program.

At Zona Zealots, we will always remember the 2014 and 2015 Arizona Basketball teams for how much they accomplished, but getting unlucky during the NCAA Tournament. Thanks Frank. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!