With 2019 in the books, time to look ahead to Arizona Basketball in 2020 and five New Year’s resolutions fo the Wildcats.
Last year was one many would like to forget for many reasons and with 2020 officially here, time to take a look at Arizona Basketball 2020 New Year’s resolutions. Their certain things we would like to see this program to accomplish this season and following as well. From higher percentage shooting, better team rebounding, advancing far in the NCAA tournament and landing some big recruits for the next season, these are realistic resolutions this team can achieve. We’ll also address a Sean Miller resolution as well that we would like to see happen.
Start of a new year and a clean slate is how the 2020 campaign begins for the Wildcats as they begin Pac-12 conference play against ASU on Saturday. During non-conference play, they finished at 10-3 with all losses due to common themes such as poor shooting. That is one thing that these players can control. Practice, belief, taking smart shots, these are all necessary for shots to fall in. The Wildcats started the season on fire, but have cooled off last month.
They have the talent to knock down their shots. All it takes is for them to start falling and this team can be a contender. No better way to build their confidence and achieve this goal of better shooting than by playing the Sun Devils at home. Better shooting is just one resolution of several the Wildcats need to focus on. The next one is rebounding.
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This team is way too talented in the frontcourt not to be dominating the glass. Right now Zeke Nnaji is the only one really stepping up on the glass. All the others need to well. They need to be more aggressive, box out and go after each board on both ends of the court like their life depends on it. I know it sounds cheesy, but facts. There are times this team comes across soft and teams like Gonzaga and Baylor took advantage of that, controlling the boards.
Better shooting and rebounding are two very realistic resolutions this team can accomplish. They shouldn’t though be satisfied with just those two. Getting this team back to the promised land, back where they truly belong, the Final Four. Yes, they do have a lot to work on to get there, but again the overall athleticism on this team has the goods to make a deep run during the NCAA Tournament.
Energy, focus, drive, hustle, teamwork, communication are all traits this team must focus on accomplishing in order to put head coach Sean Miller in a position to get to his first Final Four. They can be one of the best teams under Miller, but in order for that to happen everyone has to change their mindset and give it everything they have from here on out.
This team showed a glimpse what they are capable of against Illinois at home earlier this season:
The 2020-21 season. After this season ends, Arizona Basketball will be losing a lot of players. For this program to continue to be at the top, they need to recruit those at the top and for these recruits to choose Arizona. Miller and his staff must continue to work hard to replenish for next season and the future as well. These next couple of months, expect some Wildcat targets to make their decision and hopefully they choose to play for Sean Miller.
As I was putting this post together, Georgetown transfer James Akinjo committed to Arizona to bring in the new year. That’s what I’m talking about!!! That’s one major piece to the puzzle the Wildcats needed for 2020-21. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Lastly, we want to address Miller and his coaching style. Many feel like there are changes he can make, which would result in a higher winning percentage, especially in big-time games and also during the NCAA Tournament. We’ve addressed it before and suggested adjustments he could have made. In the end, it’s up to Miller in how he wants to coach. The one thing we would like to see Miller do this season (or next) really mixes things up on defense.
As much as he emphasis defense, he doesn’t really change it up too much. More zone defense and more full-court press would be nice. We can all hope.
These are some of our Arizona Basketball resolutions for 2020. Let us know your thoughts and what some of your resolutions for the Wildcats may be. At Zona Zealots, we would like to wish everyone a happy new year! Hopefully, this year will be one to remember. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!