TUCSON, AZ – Kicking off the Tommy Lloyd era of Arizona Basketball, we look at the major takeaways in the Wildcats’, dominant win!
The 2021-22 Arizona Basketball season officially kicked off last night in Tucson, as the Wildcats took on Eastern New Mexico in their only Exhibition game of the year.
Arizona came away with a big win, outpacing the visiting Greyhounds 96-50 to begin the Tommy Lloyd era of Arizona Basketball.
Overall, the Wildcats looked pretty sharp in their dominant win, as five different players finished the game with double-digit scoring totals and the team looked like a team that means business this season.
So with the 2021-22 Arizona Basketball season officially underway following the Exhibition win, these were the major takeaways.
Tommy Lloyd and Arizona promised for a more up-tempo offense and we got it last night:
It was hinted before the season that Arizona was seeking to run a more up-tempo style of offense, and on Monday they didn’t disappoint. The Wildcats had 78 offensive possessions, more than in any game last season, and took 72 shots. Arizona finished 36-72 shooting including 13-33 from three.
The pace of the Wildcats’ play was a big reason in which they finished the game scoring 96 points, and having five different players finish with double-figures.
Justin Kier brings much-needed veteran leadership to the Wildcats:
One of the newer faces on the Wildcats this season, Justin Kier was a breath of fresh air last night. A graduate transfer guard from Georgia, Kier brings leadership to this team that was lost with the departures of James Akinjo, Terrell Brown, Jr., etc.
Overall, he had a nice impact, finishing his evening with 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 5-7 shooting (4-6 from three).
In the Wildcats’ 46-point win, his leadership was present. He was vocal, he calming, and he brought confidence to the team that will be greatly welcomed this season.
Christian Koloko has finally benefitted from a full off-season:
One of the bigger and more pleasant surprises from last night was the play of Arizona big man, Christian Koloko. A former star at the talented Sierra Canyon High School in Southern California, Koloko came to Tucson with a lot of raw talent and untapped potential.
The unfortunate thing for Christian the past couple of years, was that he never had a full off-season to train. Remember, he came in as a true freshman and had limited time to adjust, and last year, his training was interrupted because of Covid.
Finally, we are beginning to see that player we hoped he would become, as he looked confident and poised, imposing his will on the opposing team. He even hit a three-pointer!
Hopefully, this translates into continued regular-season success, but overall, there was a lot to like from him on Monday evening!
Arizona should have a deep rotation:
Lastly, the Wildcats looked like a deep team last night. Granted it was Exhibition and Arizona dominated as expected, however, the Wildcats used every one. And to narrow it down, even more, it was a rotation of about 10 guys, with freshmen Shane Nowell and Adama Bal getting the fewest minutes, each logging 12 and 10 respectively.
Keep in mind, that Arizona was also without Pelle Larsson, the transfer from Utah. Assuming they get him back soon, Arizona can use 8-9 players easily and still have the production be somewhat consistent throughout. Overall, the Wildcats look deep!