Arizona Basketball: Zeke Nnaji, the scoring machine

Arizona Basketball freshman forward Zeke Nnaji has been putting on a clinic these last four games, especially with his scoring abilities.

Scoring machine. In four games played, Arizona Basketball freshman star Zeke Nnaji has been on fire from the field! In four games played, he has only missed six shots from the field, going 31-37. The last two games for Arizona, Nnaji has made 15-15 and has only missed three free throws this season, making 18-21. For his efforts, he was rewarded with the first-ever Pac-12 Freshman of the Week and has a strong chance to win that again for his play this past week.

The majority of his shots have been contested. It’s not like he is taking wide-open shots. Now some shots he is able to create his own space, whether it’s right underneath the basket or finding seems in the middle of the zone. Whether they are contested or not, he is able to confidently shoot the ball off the glass or take the shot straight away.

His ability to run the floor has helped as well. Having guards, such as Nico Mannion, Jemarl Baker, Max Hazzard, who are always looking to push the pace, Nnaji’s ability to catch the ball on the fast break and finish makes him a difficult matchup for anyone.

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Another thing he is doing really well is asserting himself down low, which has helped his teammates deliver him the ball in prime position. Plus, knocking down shots has helped him quickly earn the respect of his teammates to look for him on offense.

In the four games he has played, Nnaji has scored 20, 19, 26 and 19 points…that’s 21 points per game! He continues to put up those type of numbers, Nnaji has a legit chance to be one of the best freshmen recruited by head coach Sean Miller.

The question is when will he miss? Maybe the next game or in a few games, who knows? Even if he does end up missing a shot, what Nnaji has accomplished in the short period he has been a Wildcat is remarkable. Recently Miller compared Nnaji’s scoring streak to some of the greats, Derrick Williams and Deandre Ayton.

Zeke Nnaji. Remember the name. Once his career his done at Arizona, he will go down as one of the great big men to have played under the lights inside Mckale Center. As a Wildcat, enjoy every minute he is on the court because before you know it he’ll be having a successful career at the next level. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!