Arizona Basketball: Time for Sean Miller to make some changes

Arizona Basketball suffered a tough loss to Oregon by 1 point in overtime and we learned there are things that Sean Miller must change going forward.

Another one. Another close game that Arizona Basketball loses at the end. This time it was in overtime, in which the Wildcats lost by 1 point to the No.9 ranked Oregon Ducks on the road. They had many chances to win the game and couldn’t get it done. Turnovers, missed free throws, poor execution and play-calling, missed foul calls by the referees and losing 50/50 balls contributed to the defeat. We learned more than anything that there are things Sean Miller must change going forward this season.

The blame for this loss can be put on both the players and coaching staff (let’s not forget the referees as well, that had some obvious missed calls). More then anything, we learned that this team struggles closing out games or coming up with the clutch shot at the end. It’s now happened twice in which the Wildcats had a chance to win at the buzzer, but couldn’t get it done.

Against St. John’s, Nico Mannion tried to replicate the game-winning layup he had against Pepperdine, but it didn’t fall. This time against the Ducks, it was Zeke Nnaji who had a chance to win the game with a jumper in the game but missed. He clearly got hit on the wrist by Payton Pritchard, which impacted the shot. Mannion then had a chance to win it in overtime, but he missed a running layup. The Wildcats even had a couple more chances after his miss, but weren’t able to even get a shot off.

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 must come up with better decision making at the end of games. In this one, I like the idea of getting Nnaji the ball, but it seemed as if Mannion waited too long to run the play. Miller didn’t even call a timeout prior to the last play in regulation, which is baffling? Should have called a timeout and set up a play.

In the end, getting the ball to Nnaji was the right idea, but should have gotten the ball deeper in the paint and with more time on the clock. That falls somewhat on the player but in this type of situation more on the coach.

Another thing we learned from this game is that Miller needs to instill toughness with his players. There were plenty of 50/50 balls that the Wildcats didn’t get after, resulting in points for the Ducks and lost of momentum. Nnaji and Stone Gettings seemed to be the only one diving for loose balls. Has to be everyone. Plus, when the frontcourt players get the ball down low, they have to finish with authority. Not just throw it up or lay it up, man up and dunk it!

Turnovers were another huge factor that contributed to the Ducks coming back and winning in overtime. Miller has to recognize when his team has a comfortable six-point lead with under two minutes to go, securing the ball is a must. That means he must communicate to this team, get Nico the ball or if you can’t don’t try and dribble into traffic.

Free throws. The Wildcats shot 9-14 for the game, including a missed 1-1 first free throw by Dylan Smith in the closing minutes of regulation that opened the door for the Ducks. This one is more on the players, making sure they are 100% focused when they get to the line and feel confident when taking it. Miller though can do his part and really emphasize during practice how important free throws are, especially during the Pac-12 conference. It doesn’t feel Miller does enough of this. He needs to.

The one thing Miller did a good job but can improve is his rotations. Chase Jeter was having a bad night and eventually, he was taken out of the game for Christian Koloko, who made an impact while in. Miller, for whatever reason, decided to put Jeter back in and had continued to perform poorly. Thankfully, Miller recognized this and put Koloko back in.

Why even put Jeter back in? Miller needs to do a much better job understanding the situation and immediately take players out who aren’t performing and don’t put them back in. It will be interesting to see who starts against the Oregon State Beavers at the center position.Based on Koloko played at the center position against the Ducks, he should be the starter. He’s tougher and more athletic around the basket that Jeter right now. That’s what this team needs coach!

Giving Gettings more playing time was a good move by Miller, but he could have played Max Hazzard and Ira Lee more minutes. Lee is your hustle guy and Hazzard can knock down a three. Again, understanding the situation and the needs of his team, Miller could have adjusted.

See what Miller had to say postgame:

https://twitter.com/APlayersProgram/status/1215495025598984193?s=20

At Zona Zealots, we hope Arizona Basketball can get back on track against Oregon State this Sunday night. We’d like to see Miller make some of these changes before the season ends. This team is too talented to keep on losing close games. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!