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Post Game Commentary: UA 72-51

Nick Johnson

Arizona shooting guard Nick Johnson is Mr. Reliable for this club.

Arizona improved to 2-0 after beating the UTEP Miners 72-51 in Tucson. Post game commentary, analysis and recap discussed.

Gary Randazzo
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      PEB13

    • As a DTV customer I was fortunate enough to find it on the tube last night much to my delight. First chance I got to really see the team play. The turnovers, as discussed, were about the only thing that really "hurt" them. Also, I'm about fed up with some of this ticky tack fouls they are calling. I was also impressed by our bigs and their ability to contest and rebound. It was good to see AZ fight for boards and actually get them with regularity. Chol's block (that was negated by a foul call) was sick as well as Jerrett's all ball snuffing of their big guy (which was clearly clean but called a foul). I like what I'm seeing 2 games in. Scary thing for other teams is AZ will only continue to get better.

      Btw, nice write up Gary.

      TewaWildcaT

    • I have to say the refs were better then I remember any Pac 12 crew being in the past. Yes the ticky tack fouls sucked but overall I thought they called in the same for both teams and for both halves.

      liver97

    • They mave have been better then years passed, but they still sucked imo.

      TewaWildcaT

    • Good stuff as always Gary. You're right about the huge improvement especially with our big men. It's interesting to watch Miller's rotation evolve. With Mayes and York looking less than impressive I think that he has to have either Lyons or Parrom in the game with Nick. Mayes isn't a good decision maker and is still only effective as a spot up shooter. It's obvious that coach can't keep Ashley off the floor for too long. He is so active and got his hand on so many tips and boards. I'm loving watching his development. What was up with all the dumb fouls in the 2nd half? That part was brutal to watch.

      labeardown

    • I'm not one to complain about officiating too much, however, it does seem like other conferences get away with more physical play. It's not a bad thing for the refs to call it tight and the players adjust, but once you start playing Big East or Big Ten Schools in the tourney, it makes it harder to adjust after a season of ticky tack. So, I'm with you guys, I would like to see the officials let them play a little more.

      Mike Menges

    • labeardown said...

      Good stuff as always Gary. You're right about the huge improvement especially with our big men. It's interesting to watch Miller's rotation evolve. With Mayes and York looking less than impressive I think that he has to have either Lyons or Parrom in the game with Nick. Mayes isn't a good decision maker and is still only effective as a spot up shooter. It's obvious that coach can't keep Ashley off the floor for too long. He is so active and got his hand on so many tips and boards. I'm loving watching his development. What was up with all the dumb fouls in the 2nd half? That part was brutal to watch.

      I'll disagree a little on Mayes and York. I think Jordin has done just fine in his backup role. Let's not forget that in game 1 he came in and scored 10 points in a few minutes to get the team going. Is he as good as Lyons, no, but he's not too bad of a player and he'll be a key player for us at times, just like he was against CSU.

      As far as York, I think he's done okay in his first couple of appearances. His problem is he came in with a class that showcases three big men who are playing extremely well after just two games. York has a lot of speed and could really help us out against smaller teams. I'm not saying he's going to take a lot of minutes from anyone as this team is loaded with very good to great players, but I would also say he hasn't been less than impressive. I hope he stays happy as I bet he'll be big time in his junior and senior years.

      Cattyshack

    • York will get plenty of minutes over the course of the season. Ebb and flow will dictate his play. Right now, as mentioned, Mayes is doing enough in the reserve guard role off the bench to warrant minutes. Also, Miller always defaults to upperclassmen in the second half when then game's outcome is still in doubt. My guess is if Mayes is struggling in a game York will get his chance to step up and deliver.

      Thus far, I feel York has already improved defensively from the two exhibitions so his lack of minutes aren't because of defense. I've seen him create several turnovers credited to himself or non-box score types like last night's in transition where he backed off the shooter (that was trying to draw a foul), which got the shooter off balance and resulted in a brick. Offensively, York's shot is dead on (and in good form), but only a few have fallen.

      I know York-type players and he needs five shots to get into rhythm. Right now he's getting 2-3 shots per game so don't expect much firepower. However, a game will come where he needs to play and help the team, he'll get 6-8 shots and score 10+ points.

      *BTW, great posts gents!

      Gary Randazzo

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