Arizona Basketball: Jimmy Dykes criticsm of Nico Mannion is unfair

ESPN is at it again, this time it’s college basketball analyst Jimmy Dykes criticism of Arizona Basketball freshman Nico Mannion during the Baylor game.

ESPN continues to find ways to attack Arizona Basketball. Never ends. During a Top 25 matchup between Arizona and Baylor, college basketball analyst Jimmy Dykes criticized Nico Mannion. Wow, unbelievable. From what they said a couple of years ago regarding Sean Miller on live television to this, where does it end? One thing is for sure, what Dykes said was unfair.

During a game in which Arizona was struggling offensively, but fought to stay in it, Dykes questioned Mannion’s effort level and how his overall rating of a point guard dropped in his eyes. It just wasn’t what he said, but how he said it. It’s one thing to express one’s opinion, but the context in which he did it was uncalled for.

To judge one player’s performance on just one game is unfair, to say the least. Yes, he is one of the premier point guards in college basketball, but everyone has a bad game, no one is perfect. The Wildcats did lose, but Mannion did have a solid outing with 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds. That’s not so bad Dykes. Mannino is still one of the best point guards in the country even if he just has one bad night, wow.

More from Wildcats Basketball

• Arizona Basketball likely to schedule Florida Atlantic for 2023
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s FIBA World Cup performance is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s
• Rawle Alkins a star in the Drew League this summer
• Arizona Basketball to play in ‘Battle 4 Atlantis’ in 2024
• Reflections on the Pac-12, the Arizona Wildcats, and other memories

Miller was, of course, asked about Dykes commentary during the game in the latest press conference. In savage Miller style, he responded by saying “Everybody has their opinion. Obviously if you look at his coaching record, I think it speaks for itself. He’s a very knowledgeable guy.”

Knowledgeable guy indeed Miller. As Arkansas women’s basketball coach he went 43-49 in three years. Gotta love how Miller in a very cool, calm collected way deals with people like Dykes.

Add him to the list of people at ESPN who have attacked Arizona. Some have apologized, but some haven’t. Will Dykes apology for what he said about Mannion, who knows? He should have never said anything in that manner towards an 18-year-old, who will likely be an NBA lottery pick next year.

Would not be surprised either to see Dykes change his opinion about Mannion as the season continues. That’s how this works. They flip flop their opinion like it’s no big deal. Those representing ESPN should act in a professional manner, but some just don’t.

At Zona Zealots, we know that players are going to have off nights, but it shouldn’t be okay for someone like Dykes to say what he did. We can hope he will apologize, but if history says anything it may not happen any time soon. For now and as always, let us all Bear Down!