Arizona Basketball: The new and improved Devonaire Doutrive
By David Rosen
The 2019-20 Arizona Basketball season got under away and everyone witnessed the new and improved sophomore Devonaire Doutrive during the Red and Blue game.
Doutrivvvvvvvvvvvvve. Get used to hearing a lot of that this season. The sophomore guard Devonaire Doutrive made a statement during the Red and Blue game that he is ready to be an immediate impact player for this team. After initial reports came out this summer he was planning on transferring, but then decided to stay at Arizona Basketball, it was the best thing that could have happened for this program and Doutrive.
In his freshman season, he didn’t see much playing time, but when he was out on the floor he was impactful. This season Doutrive will likely see a lot more playing time, especially with the absence of Brandon Williams. During the post-Red and Blue game press conference, Miller even mentioned that Doutrive may be the backup point guard to Nico Mannion.
He wasted no time in showing Wildcat fans the new and improved version, Doutrive 2.0. He started things off by winning the slam dunk contest with two spectacular dunks. The first one was a windmill dunk over 7 footer Christain Koloko and then the second was a catch off the side of the backboard and finish (assisted by Mannion). I was there in person and wow both dunks showed his ability to get up and finish with authority.
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In the scrimmage game, Doutrive continued his dominance leading all scorers with 15 points. It was apparent immediately that he had a whole new sense of confidence in his abilities handling the ball, creating his own shot off the dribble, finding his teammates and knocking down the jumper.
Listed at 6 foot 5 and 180 pounds, it is apparent as well that Doutrive has been spending time in the gym. In his freshman season, he was slight of frame, but not this season. He has the strength needed to be able to handle contact and finish through it.
With this year’s roster and depending on how things go, would not be surprised to see Miller even try to put Doutrive in the starting line up alongside Mannion. Especially early on in the season when trying to figure out rotations and who plays best together, Doutrive could be a starter. More than likely though it would be Max Hazzard starting because of his lethal shooting abilities.
Must Read. Arizona Basketball: What we learned from ‘Red-Blue’ game. light
At Zona Zealots, we are truly happy for Devonaire Doutrive. He has put in the work and finally starting to pay off. We are all glad he decided to stay in Tucson and continue to be a part of Arizona Basketball. As always, Bear Down Arizona!