TUCSON, AZ – As the Blue team won in the annual Arizona Basketball ‘Red-Blue’ game by a 46-32 final, here is what we learned from the game.
It’s one of the greatest times of the year as a Wildcat fan, as we are in the midst of the Football season, and the Arizona Basketball season is just now beginning too!
Just like they do every year, Arizona once again hosted the ‘Red-Blue’ game to kick-off the year, and to dazzle fans for the upcoming season.
Arizona Wildcats
In front of a packed McKale Center on Friday evening, the Arizona Wildcats took to the court to kick-off the 2019-20 season.
For nearly two hours we saw a dunk contest and two, 20-minute halves of action to give fans a good idea of what to expect this year.
Playing for the ‘Red Team’ was Max Hazzard, the highly-regarded freshmen, Nico Mannion and Josh Green, Chase Jeter (although he was out with a groin injury), Ira Lee, Zeke Nnaji, Jake DesJardins and Kory Jones.
On the ‘Blue Team’ was; Devonaire Doutrive, Christian Koloko, Dylan Smith, Stone Gettings, Jemarl Baker, Jordan Brown and Matt Weyland.
Coming in, I think many including myself were thinking the Red Team would be the favorites to win, but clearly I was wrong. And after two halves, here is what we learned.
Devonaire Doutrive has improved significantly
I don’t think I’m alone in saying this, but boy am I glad Doutrive is back. After flirting with the idea of transferring, the sophomore is back, and that is a GREAT thing for Arizona.
On Friday evening he was the difference maker for the ‘Blue Team’, as he looked impressive, finishing the game with a game-high, 15 points and seven rebounds. He was also the winner in the Dunk Contest!
Last night Doutrive showed off the fantastic athleticism we all knew he had. Additionally, he showed a great shooting touch and more importantly he looks more confident from his freshman season.
If he can continue to play at this level, he’s going to have a huge season this year!
Nico Mannion is one heck of a point guard, and he’s got great passing and vision
It’s nice to have a competent point guard who can create, dish and facilitate again. On Friday night that was on full display as we all witnessed the long anticipated debut of Mannion.
In the ‘Red-Blue’ game Mannion did look like a freshman at times, but also one that is very good. Keep in mind he will make mistakes this season, but he has a very high ceiling, and made a couple unbelievable passes that not many basketball players can make.
He is going to be a big factor in Arizona’s success and last night he looked the part of a solid, collegiate level point guard.
Defense is going to be good again, and their length helps
Last night showed me this team has some great defenders, and even though it was a scrimmage, that didn’t stop guys like; Green, Baker, Koloko, etc. from going out there and treating it like an important conference game.
Arizona will have lots of size and length, and that’s going to be a nightmare for teams to match-up with. Look for the Cats to be vastly improved defensively this year.
Arizona has shooters
Last night wasn’t the greatest shooting performance from Arizona, but they have a couple guys that can hit threes. Nico’s shooting was a little off last night, but he showed a lot of potential, and actually think he will be one of Arizona’s better shooters.
Additionally, the addition of Max is huge, and Stone Gettings has range! He looked very comfortable from beyond the arc. While I don’t think this will be Arizona’s strongest shooting team, they are going to be able to knockdown some big shots this year!
Watch as head coach Sean Miller talks about his team…
At Zona Zealots, we’re excited to see Arizona Basketball back and hope the Cats can put together a great, 2019-20 campaign! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!