The 2019-20 version of Arizona Basketball is ranked No.21 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, which motivates this team, even more, to prove all doubters wrong.
The 2018-19 Arizona Basketball season was one many would like to forget. Luckily we soon can as tipoff for the 2019-20 season starts with an exhibition game on November 1st against Chico State. Arizona was not ranked at all in the Top 25 last season, but this season they start at No.21, which will likely change for the better.
Heading into last season, expectations were low, which was unusual for a program with such a rich tradition of winning. There were several reasons for that, but we are here to talk about the present. This year, with a full squad of talent, expectations are slowly getting back to where Wildcat fans are used to seeing.
The loss of Brandon Williams has impacted preseason predictions, both in the Pac-12 and nationally. Even though they are without one of the best guards in the country, the Wildcats are still a very strong team and one that should not be slept on. Just imagine if Terry Armstrong had stayed, this roster would have been downright scary.
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Besides Arizona at No.21, the only other Pac-12 school represented are the Oregon Ducks at No.15. These preseason rankings are surprising, as teams like the Washington Huskies and Colorado Buffaloes, who both received the most other votes, should have been ranked within the Top 25.
Many doubt the abilities of this team hence the No.21 ranking and the prediction of the Wildcats to finish third in the Pac-12, according to ESPN. That will only motivate this team that much more to prove all doubters wrong. A team with that type of chip on its shoulder is a dangerous team.
Proving doubters wrong is nothing new for former and current Arizona Basketball players. Look no further than former Wildcat Allonzo Trier who went from being undrafted to a two-way contract and now he is one the top players for the New York Knicks.
In order to achieve this mindset, changes are required. Nico Mannion made one of those changes:
Nico Mannion says goodbye to social media until after the season. He's 100% focused! Love this!! #RedMamba 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZMwEUPIuZC
— BearDownU.com (@BearDownU) October 19, 2019
Redemption. All of the pieces to the puzzle are in place, it’s just a matter of execution. Having a freshman leader in Nico Mannion combined with the experience and skillset of Chase Jeter, this team has a real good chance of cutting down the nets, both in Las Vegas and Atlanta. At Zona Zealots, we have always believed in this team, no matter what the case may be. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!