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Arizona Basketball: Wildcats prepare for the season with exhibition game

By David Rosen

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 26: Wilbur the Wildcat is seen before the Arizona Wildcats take on the Xavier Musketeers in the West Regional Semifinal of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples Center on March 26, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 26: Wilbur the Wildcat is seen before the Arizona Wildcats take on the Xavier Musketeers in the West Regional Semifinal of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples Center on March 26, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Basketball will prepare for the regular season with an exhibition game against Chico State this Friday.

The time has come. The 2019-20 Arizona Basketball season will get under away with an exhibition game against Chico State on Friday. It won’t count, but the game will be good preparation for the first official game of the regular season against NAU at home on November 6th. It’s the Wildcats versus the Wildcats!

The last time these two teams met was two seasons ago, in an exhibition game. Arizona defeated Chico St 91-53. Allonzo Trier, Deandre Ayton, and Parker Jackson-Cartwright were the three leading scorers. Wow, what a trio that was. The Wildcats don’t have the same type of triple threat this time around, but do have players who know how to put up buckets!

This being the first time the Wildcats will be playing an actual opponent, coaches and fans will get an early indication of how they play as one cohesive unit. Also, will be an opportunity for everyone to define their roles on the team. Plus, let’s face it I am sure the players will finally enjoy competing against someone different.

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In exhibition games, coaches typically like to try out different rotations and see what’s working and what’s not working. Interesting to see how head coach Sean Miller uses his deep lineup. Everyone will be guaranteed minutes in this one, that’s for sure.

Wildcats will have no problem winning this game. They will though need to remain focused from beginning to end in order to build confidence and momentum into the season opener against NAU.

Leading up to this game, everyone has been putting work. For their efforts, three players have received the gold jersey for the hardest working in practice: Devonaire Doutrive, Zeke Nnaji and Josh Green. Each of them brings a sense of toughness and dedication to improving their skills, which is what this team needs this season to be successful.

One of the biggest questions is around how freshman sensation Nico Mannion will handle the pressure leading this team. Against Chico State we will get a sneak peek into that but truly won’t get any answers until the regular season beings, when things count.

Who will the starting five be? Whose coming off the bench? How many points will they score? Who will shine on both ends of the floor? These are all questions we’ll know the answer to soon enough.

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At Zona Zealots, we are just excited about Arizona Basketball about to start. It’s been too long, that’s for sure. If you are unable to attend the game in person, it will be televised on the Arizona Live Stream at 6:30 pm PST this Friday, don’t miss it! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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