With Arizona (10-3, 0-0) set to take on Arizona State (9-4, 0-0) this weekend, the Wildcats will get a crucial piece back with the return of Stone Gettings.
The Pac-12 season is here, and to kick things off, Arizona will face ASU on Saturday inside McKale Center. Luckily for the Wildcats, they will presumably be back at full-strength with the return of Stone Gettings!
It was a rather rough end to the non-conference slate of games. Despite starting the season 9-0 and winning the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Arizona has come crashing down, losing three of their last four games.
Arizona Wildcats
During that stretch, Arizona’s level of competition had increased, but in the process, their shooting had diminished, as did their rebounding and they had lost a bit of their toughness as well. Perhaps a direct result to the loss of senior transfer, Gettings.
Originally a California native that went to Cornell, Gettings came to Tucson prior to last season, but after transferring, Stone had to do one of the hardest we could imagine… wait. Wait until he could finally get his chance to play.
Finally, he got his chance to start the year, appearing in eight games this thus far, averaging roughly 13.5 minutes, scoring 5.4 points per game, while grabbing 2.5 rebounds. Sure, those aren’t worldly numbers, but nonetheless, very important for a team that thrives on the contributions of many.
Then an unfortunate injury happened that cause Gettings to wait even more. During a rather intense practice, Stone got injured, suffering from a facial fracture that has since sidelined him for the past few weeks.
As we’ve seen in his absence, his disappearance has been detrimental. Sitting out for what has seemingly felt like an eternity at this point, finally he will make his return.
The news of Gettings status broke on Thursday afternoon when head coach Sean Miller spoke of his availability this weekend!
Sean Miller on the return of Stone Gettings (face fracture): pic.twitter.com/11nWqFmXxq
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 2, 2020
The news of his return is huge as it’s important for Arizona to be at full health moving forward, but more it’s even more important that he returns to possibly bring some much needed toughness back in this squad.
At Zona Zealots, we’re happy to see Stone return and hope he has a big impact come Saturday! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!