Arizona Basketball: Zeke Nnaji continues to be the most consistent Wildcat

This season Zeke Nnaji has been the most consistent player for Arizona Basketball and has been a key part of the Wildcats’ success this season.

Eighteen games into his freshman season and Zeke Nnaji continues to be one the most consistent players, not just for Arizona Basketball, but in the Pac-12 and in the country. He is one of the leaders on this team and for a freshman to be in that position says a lot about how talented he has. Scary to think the upside he has. In a couple of years, whether that’s in college or in the NBA, Nnaji is going to be a tremendous player.

His versatility down low has forced teams to double team him. When they do that, it opens things up. As the season has progressed, Nnaji has gotten much better in making quick decisions when he has received the ball down in the blocks.

Currently, Nnaji is averaging 16.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game (leading Arizona in both categories), which includes seven double-doubles. His season-high in rebound was 16 against Gonzaga (he had 17 points that game as well). In all but two games Nnaji has scored in double figures and had 26 points against San Jose St.

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Adding to his resume, Nnaji leads the Pac-12 in field goal percentage at 65.3%. The majority of his shots are low in the paint where he is unstoppable because of his footwork and strength. It doesn’t hurt either that his teammates are getting him the ball inside. When he isn’t dunking or making the easy shot under the basket, Nnaji has the ability to knock down the jumper in the paint. Plus, he has shown he can knock down a three, going 3-9 from beyond the arc.

When the Wildcats have struggled to get going offensively it’s because they don’t get Nnaji the ball inside enough. Now sometimes that has been due to solid team defense, preventing him from getting any good looks or has just been a lack of poor execution by the Wildcats on offense. Whatever the case may be, like when Deandre Ayton was playing, just feed him the ball…good things happen!

Rebounding. That is one thing Sean Miller has called out to his team’s attention on many occasions this season. Nnaji has listened and delivered. He is tied for fourth in the Pac-12 in total rebounds with 156 and fifth in rebounds per game with 8.7. Whether it’s on offense or defense, Nnaji fights on the board, giving his team second chances or limiting them.

Besides shooting and rebounding, Nnaji has consistently brought that energy and passion to each game. As a fan and a teammate, you have to love that! Remind you a little bit of T.J. McConnell, who would bring that level of energy to each game.

At Zona Zealots, we love how Zeke Nnaji continues to play at an elite level every game. He will be a key part of this team’s overall success over these next couple of months and into March Madness. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!