Arizona Basketball: How the loss of Brandon Williams impacts the 2019-20 season

Arizona Basketball received some devastating news as sophomore Brandon Williams will miss the 2019-20 season after having knee surgery.

One of the best players on the team and one of the best freshman in the Pac-12 and country a season ago, Brandon Williams, will miss the 2019-20 season after having knee surgery. His absence will truly be missed by fans, players and coaches. We hope he is able to get back to 100% and dominate the court during the 2020-21 season for Arizona Basketball.

Not having Williams impacts the team on many levels. The starting lineup will change. Players such as Max Hazzard, Devonaire Doutrive and Dylan Smith will see an increase in minutes. Alex Barcello rethinking his transfer? Just sayin.

The biggest impact will be the role Nico Mannion will have at the point guard position. Sean Miller will rely on him to play a serious amount of minutes and be a major contributor throughout the season as well into postseason. Will be interesting to see how the freshman sensation handles the spotlight. Something tells me he will do just fine.

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Other players such as Josh Green may have to flex into the two position (which he is very capabale in doing), to provide either Mannion or Hazzard time to rest on the bench or if they get into foul trouble. Both Mannion and Hazzard should be the starting one, two combo, which is not bad at all! Having Hazzard though is going to be huge for Miller as he can rely on him for his experience and ball handling at the point guard position.

Smith and Doutrive likely are coming off the bench, but with increased minutes. Both of these players, especially Doutrive will benefit from this the most as he is the type of player that can shine if given the chance. He is now the new x-factor for the Wildcats this season.

Last season in 26 games played, Williams averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. Everyone will need to step up their game even more now to make up for the loss in point production.

Sean Miller shared his thoughts on the loss of Williams:

He will truly be missed. It has all been his dream to play at Arizona and to see this happen to such a great young man is hard to see. Everyone at Zona Zealots and Wildcat fans from all over the globe hopes you get well soon B Will, we miss you already! As always, Bear Down Arizona!