Thursday, November 25, 2004
Arizona really did need this
Andy Katz points out what all UofA fans know to be true: Arizona really had to win last night against Michigan lest they spiral out of control on the road to disaster. Watching the game last night, I'll be the first to admit that Arizona was "lucky" to escape with a win and, after getting slapped by Virginia (just man-handled!) last Sunday, this could very well have saved their year. Michigan seemed to have momentum and control of the interior through out the game, especially in the first half. The Cats claimed to have practiced how to attack to 2-3 zone, but you wouldn't know it watching the bulk of this game. Michigan had plenty of opportunities to put UA away and fortunately they were unable to capitalize. Inexperience? Maybe, but Michigan did win last season's NIT (which any college hoops fan knows assures them of a successful NCAA bound season this year). I like the Wolverines to make a lot of noise in the Big Ten and finish in the top three in that conference behind Illinois and probably Michigan State. The Spartans still have some work to do before they sell me on being legit. For instance, some ability on the perimeter would help.
So tomorrow night, I get the matchup that I and all of college hoops was looking for: #17 Arizona vs. #1 Wake Forest. From the looks of the impressive victory over Providence last night, Wake looks every bit the #1 ranked team. Chris Paul and Justin Gray form perhaps the best if not one of the top five backcourts in the country and will spread the Cats thin. Something I'm looking forward to: Chris Paul vs. Mustafa Shakur at the point guard matchup. Two years ago, this pair were rated the top high school point guards in the country. Now, they get to square off against one another. I'd like to say this will be the key to the game, but really, the key for Arizona will be to establish themselves inside with Channing Frye who can't afford to settle for jump shots. Also, Hassan Adams will need to improve his shot selection if Arizona is to stand any chance.
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So tomorrow night, I get the matchup that I and all of college hoops was looking for: #17 Arizona vs. #1 Wake Forest. From the looks of the impressive victory over Providence last night, Wake looks every bit the #1 ranked team. Chris Paul and Justin Gray form perhaps the best if not one of the top five backcourts in the country and will spread the Cats thin. Something I'm looking forward to: Chris Paul vs. Mustafa Shakur at the point guard matchup. Two years ago, this pair were rated the top high school point guards in the country. Now, they get to square off against one another. I'd like to say this will be the key to the game, but really, the key for Arizona will be to establish themselves inside with Channing Frye who can't afford to settle for jump shots. Also, Hassan Adams will need to improve his shot selection if Arizona is to stand any chance.
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