Colorado guard Xavier Johnson said the Buffaloes should have no problem handling Arizona in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament (Ron Chenoy-USA Today Sports)

LAS VEGAS — The word “rivalry” was mentioned when Colorado coach Tad Boyle was asked about tomorrow’s Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinal game with Arizona.

Reporter: “I was curious your thoughts on this rivalry with Arizona? … It seemed there was a lot of emotion there last month in Boulder (when Colorado beat Arizona 71-58).”

Rivalry? Colorado is not UCLA or ASU or as hated/feared as those Stanford teams with Todd Lichti and Brevin Knight. We’re only two years into Colorado’s existence in the Pac-12.

Competitive games have taken place between the programs, including last year’s Pac-12 Tournament championship game, won by the Buffaloes 53-51, effectively knocking the Wildcats out of the NCAA tournament. The Sabatino Chen Affair — did he get the shot off on time? — happened Jan. 3 at McKale Center with the Wildcats escaping with a 92-83 overtime victory.

But, a rivalry? Arizona followers now know how UCLA must have felt when the Wildcats beat the Bruins in Pauley Pavilion in 1986 to claim their first Pac-10 title. The UA wanted a rivalry with UCLA to help boost its stature. A rivalry indeed materialized, one of the best in college basketball. Colorado, which has not been to the Final Four since 1955, is in the same situation.

“Absolutely,” Boyle said in response to the “rivalry” between Colorado and Arizona. “I think there is a lot of mutual respect between the programs, and I respect their coach (Sean Miller) and their coaching staff. I respect their players and their program, what it means to college basketball in the Pac‑12.

“I think what we did last year, and this year … I think we’ve earned some respect as well. So I look for a heck of a game.”

Colorado coach Tad Boyle says he respects Arizona’s program, coaches and players for what they mean to college basketball and the Pac-12 (Ron Chenoy-USA Today Sports)

Will the Arizona-Colorado rivalry evolve into one of the top 100 rivalries in sports? That’s what BleacherReport.com rates the Arizona-UCLA basketball rivalry. It rates the rivalry No. 84 ahead of the Phil Mickelson-Tiger Woods rivalry (No. 86) and Pittsburgh Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers rivalry (No. 87).

Colorado is on the right track to make it happen, winning the Pac-12 Tournament title in its first year in the league. The Buffaloes are 3-2 against Miller’s Wildcats since joining the Pac-12 last year. Colorado holds a 10-6 advantage overall against Arizona but 12 of those games were before 1975.

The Buffaloes are not shy about taking their best shot against Arizona, on the court and in the interview room.

“Pretty much they’re a bigger team than us. We all know this,” said Colorado freshman guard Xavier Johnson, who scored a career-high 19 points in the victory over Arizona in Boulder on Feb. 14. “Talent‑wise, I think we match up pretty good with them. They have Solomon Hill, great player, but we have André Roberson, who is just as good.

“So I don’t see any problem with us handling them.”

That’s the equivalent of Anthony Cook as a sophomore at Arizona in 1986, telling reporters that the Wildcats did not lose sleep over facing the Bruins. Cook would have never said such a thing. This is a different generation, a time when athletes believe in instant gratification.

Colorado and its followers also want something to hold on to with their move to the Pac-12 from the Big 12. The Buffaloes did not have a rival in the Big 12, although they claim their competitive football games with Nebraska in the 1980s constituted a rivalry.

Try telling Cornhusker fans that Colorado was as much of a football rival as Oklahoma and Texas.

Colorado State is more of a rival because Colorado shares the state with the Rams. The Pac-12 forced Utah on Colorado to be a rival when the schools merged with the Pac-12.

The competition Colorado has provided the conference is welcomed by the Pac-12 coaches. Boyle’s team benefits the Pac-12 during a time when Stanford is down and Washington is not as competitive as the Brandon Roy years. The question to ask is will Colorado have the staying power?

Arizona has seen programs rise such as Washington State under Kelvin Sampson and Tony Bennett but then fall because of a coaching move. Tim Floyd had USC rolling but the Trojans now are only a shadow of his teams. Ernie Kent had Oregon in the upper echelon of the league only to be eventually fired by his alma mater.

It does more good than harm to have Colorado believing its equal in stature to Arizona. Let’s see if we are calling these programs rivals in five years.

WILDABOUTAZCATS.net publisher and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. Follow his reports on the Pac-12 Tournament from Las Vegas.

In case you missed it: The Top 10 Badass Defensive Players and the Top 10 Badass Offensive Players in Arizona football history

Other Semifinal Arizona Elite Eight Event:
>> Poll: 1996-1997 versus 2000-2001. Story: TucsonCitizen.com game story

First Round Arizona Elite Eight Event Matchups:
>> Poll: 1987-1988 versus 2010-2011. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis
>> Poll: 1993-1994 versus 2004-2005. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis
>> Poll: 1996-1997 versus 2002-2003. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis
>> Poll: 1975-1976 versus 2000-2001. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis

EDITOR NOTE: The following is a fictional depiction of what could occur between the 1987-88 and 1993-94 teams.

Sean Elliott

Damon Stoudamire

Khalid Reeves

A couple of minutes after the thrilling finish of the 1996-97 vs. 2000-01 semifinal of the Arizona Elite Eight Event, the next two legendary Wildcat teams took the court at McKale Center and the lights from the rafters shook from the noise.

The scene at McKale conjured memories from when Arizona swept USC and UCLA for the first time in the arena in the 1978-79 season, the Wildcats’ first in the Pac-10 with Fred Snowden as coach. This was like Arizona beating Duke in 1987 or again in 1991 in double-overtime at McKale, multiplied.

You thought the roar at McKale Center after Derrick Williams’ game-saving block against Washington last season was deafening?

Drunk with emotion from the classic finish that just transpired between the 1996-97 and 2000-01 teams, Arizona’s fans were immediately treated to the sight of the program’s best player — Sean Elliott of the 1987-88 team — preparing to face the Wildcats’ best backcourt in history — Damon Stoudamire and Khalid Reeves of the 1993-94 team.

The voice of the late Roger Sedlmayr, the arena’s former public-address announcer, was played when Steve Kerr of the 1987-88 team went to midcourt during the introductions of the starting lineups. The crowd’s imitation of Sedlymayr’s “Steeeeeve Kerrrrrr” announcement could be heard on Cherry Avenue a block away.

Reggie Geary had the daunting task of guarding Sean Elliott but if anybody could do it, Geary could

When post player Anthony Cook of the 1987-88 team shook hands with counterpart Joseph Blair of the 1993-94 club it looked like the number “10″. Cook, 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, was 60 pounds lighter than Blair, who was listed at 6-10 and 265.

The backcourts comprised of two of the best leaders in UA hoops history — Kerr vs. Stoudamire — and two of the more quiet, yet productive players in Craig McMillan (Lute Olson’s first Parade All-American) of the 1987-88 team against Reeves (the school’s single-season scoring leader with 848 points in that 1993-94 season).

Tom Tolbert of 1987-88 and Ray Owes of 1993-94 were workmanlike at the power forward spots, although Tolbert was a bit more animated and loose. Olson could lose his voice yelling at Tolbert to remain focused. Not so with Owes, who had the most serious look on the court, rivaling that of McMillan.

Reggie Geary, one of Olson’s best defenders in the coach’s 25 years at Arizona, relished the opportunity to try to throw Elliott off his game, but Elliott did not seem fazed from the start.

The All-American and national player of the year ripped the 1993-94 team thanks to the offensive flow of the 1987-88 team, which continues to own the school record for highest field-goal percentage (54.5 percent). Elliott scored 34 points off 14-of-29 shooting from the field, converting 6-of-12 from three-point range.

The teams were evenly matched for the most part with the lead changing hands 14 times and neither team leading by more than seven points. The 1993-94 team matched its largest lead of seven points, 79-72, with 3:54 left in the game as Stoudamire manuevered around a pick by Owes on top of the key to drill a three-pointer.

The 1987-88 team called a timeout to regroup from the spurt of five unanswered points from the 1993-94 team.

Jud Buechler played to form, making some scrappy plays for the 1987-88 team

The 1987-88 team started the game on fire, opening a 15-8 lead, getting two three-point baskets from Kerr, a jumper from McMillan and another three-point basket from Elliott.

Reeves kept the 1993-94 team close early, scoring 11 of its first 13 points.

The shots kept falling for the 1987-88 team, however, and after a baseline jumper by Tolbert, it held a 28-21 lead with 8:37 left in the first half.

The 1993-94 team continued to chip away by getting the ball to Reeves, Stoudamire and Blair at the post. After a short hook shot by Blair with 2:52 left in the half, the 1993-94 team trimmed the 1987-88 lead to 39-37.

Geary stripped Elliott as time was winding down, and reserve forward Corey Williams filled the lane on a pass from Geary to finish the first half with a layup as time expired to give the 1993-94 team a 43-40 halftime lead.

The 1993-94 team continued its surge after the break, and after an 11-4 run fueled by six points by Stoudamire, its lead was extended to 57-50. Olson used the speedy Kenny Lofton off the bench often against Stoudamire but Stoudamire kept in the flow of the game for the most part.

Elliott took control when the 1987-88 team needed him the most. He hit two quick three-pointers to put keep the game close. The 1993-94 team quickly called a timeout to regroup. The Gumbies — the 1987-88 reserves — were doing their part cheering on their teammates and frolicking as Matt Muehlebach and Sean Rooks playfully tried to snap each other with a towel.

Anthony Cook had a crucial tip-in late in the game for the 1987-88 team

Both teams traded baskets for much of the remainder of the game, and the 1987-88 team found itself down 80-74 with 2:35 left. That’s when things got wild.

After sprawling on the ground for a loose ball, Jud Buechler tossed the ball ahead to Lofton, who located Buechler open on the wing for a three-pointer and got the 1987-88 team within three points.

Elliott blocked off the passing lane, and tapped an errant pass to Kerr, who dribbled down the court and spot up for a three-pointer that hit nothing but net to tie the game at 80 with 1:21 remaining.

After a Reeves jumper and a Blair free throw, the 1993-94 team took an 83-80 lead with 40 seconds left. McMillan then received a pass from Elliott and tried a three-pointer from the corner. The shot was short and Cook was able to reach high for the tip-in, cutting the lead to 83-82 with only 18 seconds remaining.

Stoudamire was fouled with 14 seconds remaining, and he uncharacteristically missed the first free-throw attempt. He ranks No. 10 on the Arizona career charts with a free-throw percentage of 80.4 percent. He made the second to put the 1993-94 team ahead 84-82.

The 1987-88 team, out of timeouts, quickly brought the ball up the court. Coming off a high screen by Cook, Elliott received the ball with Geary tightly guarding him on the right wing.

Geary, aware of Elliott’s deadly quick first step to the basket, did not crowd him too much, allowing Elliott some space just outside the three-point line … the clock ticked down 7 … 6 … 5 … 4 … the McKale crowd was on its feet holding its collective breath.

Elliott drove toward the baseline and pulled up for a jump shot, avoiding the help defense by Owes, and nailed the mid-range shot at the buzzer to send the game into overtime with an 84-84 tie.

Kerr nailed a three-pointer after the 1987-88 team won the overtime tip. Elliott then converted on a strong move to the basket, using that quick first step, to lay the ball in and give the 1987-88 team an 89-84 lead.

The 1993-94 team could not respond, going scoreless for the first three minutes of overtime. The 1987-88 team built its lead to 92-84 before Stoudamire nailed a three-pointer with 1:45 remaining.

From there, it came down to free throws for the 1987-88 team, and it converted. Kerr, Elliott and Tolbert made all six of their attempts down the stretch as the 1987-88 team held on for a 98-92 victory.

The win set the stage for Arizona’s first Final Four team — 1987-88 — against the Wildcats’ first national championship team — 1996-97 — for the Arizona Elite Eight Event title.

In case you missed it: The Top 10 Badass Defensive Players and the Top 10 Badass Offensive Players in Arizona football history

1987-88 Arizona Wildcats (35-3)
–Beat North Carolina 70-52 in the West Regional Final; lost to Oklahoma 86-78 in the Final Four. To note: The Wildcats of 1987-88 continue to hold school records for victories (35), points in a season (3,234), average margin of victory (22.9 points), field goals made (1,147), field-goal percentage (54.5 percent), three-point field-goal percentage (48.3), fewest foul-outs (only six), and fewest blocked shots by opponents (only 1.4 a game).

1993-94 Arizona Wildcats (29-6)
–Beat Missouri 92-72 in the West Regional Final; lost to Arkansas 91-82 in the Final Four. To note: The Wildcats made a school-record 279 three-pointers, which was broken last season by the 2010-11 club, which made 296. Starting backcourt Damon Stoudamire and Khalid Reeves combined for 1,487 points (an average of 42.5 points a game).

Other Semifinal Arizona Elite Eight Event:
>> Poll: 1996-1997 versus 2000-2001. Story: TucsonCitizen.com game story

First Round Arizona Elite Eight Event Matchups:
>> Poll: 1987-1988 versus 2010-2011. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis
>> Poll: 1993-1994 versus 2004-2005. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis
>> Poll: 1996-1997 versus 2002-2003. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis
>> Poll: 1975-1976 versus 2000-2001. Story: TucsonCitizen.com analysis

EDITOR NOTE: The following is a fictional depiction of what could occur between the 1987-88 and 1993-94 teams.

VOTE ON HOW YOU FEEL THIS GAME STORY SHOULD END AT WILDABOUTAZCATS.NET!!!

Sean Elliott

Damon Stoudamire

Khalid Reeves

A couple of minutes after the thrilling finish of the 1996-97 vs. 2000-01 semifinal (still to be determined) of the Arizona Elite Eight Event, the next two legendary Wildcat teams took the court at McKale Center and the lights from the rafters shook from the noise.

The scene at McKale conjured memories from when Arizona swept USC and UCLA for the first time in the arena in the 1978-79 season, the Wildcats’ first in the Pac-10 with Fred Snowden as coach. This was like Arizona beating Duke in 1987 or again in 1991 in double-overtime at McKale, multiplied.

You thought the roar at McKale Center after Derrick Williams’ game-saving block against Washington last season was deafening?

Drunk with emotion from the classic finish that just transpired between the 1996-97 and 2000-01 teams, Arizona’s fans were immediately treated to the sight of the program’s best player — Sean Elliott of the 1987-88 team — preparing to face the Wildcats’ best backcourt in history — Damon Stoudamire and Khalid Reeves of the 1993-94 team.

The voice of the late Roger Sedlmayr, the arena’s former public-address announcer, was played when Steve Kerr of the 1987-88 team went to midcourt during the introductions of the starting lineups. The crowd’s imitation of Sedlymayr’s “Steeeeeve Kerrrrrr” announcement could be heard on Cherry Avenue a block away.

Reggie Geary had the daunting task of guarding Sean Elliott but if anybody could do it, Geary could

When post player Anthony Cook of the 1987-88 team shook hands with counterpart Joseph Blair of the 1993-94 club it looked like the number “10″. Cook, 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, was 60 pounds lighter than Blair, who was listed at 6-10 and 265.

The backcourts comprised of two of the best leaders in UA hoops history — Kerr vs. Stoudamire — and two of the more quiet, yet productive players in Craig McMillan (Lute Olson’s first Parade All-American) of the 1987-88 team against Reeves (the school’s single-season scoring leader with 848 points in that 1993-94 season).

Tom Tolbert of 1987-88 and Ray Owes of 1993-94 were workmanlike at the power forward spots, although Tolbert was a bit more animated and loose. Olson could lose his voice yelling at Tolbert to remain focused. Not so with Owes, who had the most serious look on the court, rivaling that of McMillan.

Reggie Geary, one of Olson’s best defenders in the coach’s 25 years at Arizona, relished the opportunity to try to throw Elliott off his game, but Elliott did not seem fazed from the start.

The All-American and national player of the year ripped the 1993-94 team thanks to the offensive flow of the 1987-88 team, which continues to own the school record for highest field-goal percentage (54.5 percent). Until the last minute of the game, Elliott scored 29 points off 9-of-20 shooting from the field, converting 6-of-12 from three-point range.

The teams were evenly matched for the most part with the lead changing hands 14 times and neither team leading by more than seven points. The 1993-94 team matched its largest lead of seven points, 79-72, with 3:54 left in the game as Stoudamire manuevered around a pick by Owes on top of the key to drill a three-pointer.

The 1987-88 team called a timeout to regroup from the spurt of five unanswered points from the 1993-94 team.

Jud Buechler played to form, making some scrappy plays for the 1987-88 team

The 1987-88 team started the game on fire, opening a 15-8 lead, getting two three-point baskets from Kerr, a jumper from McMillan and another three-point basket from Elliott.

Reeves kept the 1993-94 team close early, scoring 11 of its first 13 points.

The shots kept falling for the 1987-88 team, however, and after a baseline jumper by Tolbert, it held a 28-21 lead with 8:37 left in the first half.

The 1993-94 team continued to chip away by getting the ball to Reeves, Stoudamire and Blair at the post. After a short hook shot by Blair with 2:52 left in the half, the 1993-94 team trimmed the 1987-88 lead to 39-37.

Geary stripped Elliott as time was winding down, and reserve forward Corey Williams filled the lane on a pass from Geary to finish the first half with a layup as time expired to give the 1993-94 team a 43-40 halftime lead.

The 1993-94 team continued its surge after the break, and after an 11-4 run fueled by six points by Stoudamire, its lead was extended to 57-50. Olson used the speedy Kenny Lofton off the bench often against Stoudamire but Stoudamire kept in the flow of the game for the most part.

Elliott took control when the 1987-88 team needed him the most. He hit two quick three-pointers to put keep the game close. The 1993-94 team quickly called a timeout to regroup. The Gumbies — the 1987-88 reserves — were doing their part cheering on their teammates and frolicking as Matt Muehlebach and Sean Rooks playfully tried to snap each other with a towel.

Anthony Cook had a crucial tip-in late in the game for the 1987-88 team

Both teams traded baskets for much of the remainder of the game, and the 1987-88 team found itself down 80-74 with 2:35 left. That’s when things got wild.

After sprawling on the ground for a loose ball, Jud Buechler tossed the ball ahead to Lofton, who located Buechler open on the wing for a three-pointer and got the 1987-88 team within three points.

Elliott blocked off the passing lane, and tapped an errant pass to Kerr, who dribbled down the court and spot up for a three-pointer that hit nothing but net to tie the game at 80 with 1:21 remaining.

After a Reeves jumper and a Blair free throw, the 1993-94 team took an 83-80 lead with 40 seconds left. McMillan then received a pass from Elliott and tried a three-pointer from the corner. The shot was short and Cook was able to reach high for the tip-in, cutting the lead to 83-82 with only 18 seconds remaining.

Stoudamire was fouled with 14 seconds remaining, and he uncharacteristically missed the first free-throw attempt. He ranks No. 10 on the Arizona career charts with a free-throw percentage of 80.4 percent. He made the second to put the 1993-94 team ahead 84-82.

The 1987-88 team, out of timeouts, quickly brought the ball up the court. Coming off a high screen by Cook, Elliott received the ball with Geary tightly guarding him on the right wing.

Geary, aware of Elliott’s deadly quick first step to the basket, did not crowd him too much, allowing Elliott some space just outside the three-point line … the clock ticked down 7 … 6 … 5 … 4 … the McKale crowd was on its feet holding its collective breath ….

Will the game remain in favor of the 1993-94 team with an 84-82 score? Will Elliott prove to be the hero again maneuvering against one of the best UA defenders of all time? You finish the plot. Vote on what you think would/should happen next at WILDABOUTAZCATS.net. Here are the scenarios to choose from:

Scenario 1: Elliott, 6-foot-8, sizes up Geary’s defense and decides to elevate for the three-pointer using his height advantage of six inches against Geary. He drills the three-pointer at the buzzer, reminiscent of his late three-point shot above the key against Duke’s Danny Ferry at the Meadowlands on Feb. 26, 1989. The 1987-88 team prevails 85-84 to advance to the Elite Eight Event championship game.

Scenario 2: Elliott continues to dribble toward the baseline and pulls up for a jump shot, avoiding the help defense by Owes, to tie the game at 84 and send the game into overtime. The 1987-88 team takes control of the extra period, behind the leadership of Kerr and Elliott, and emerges victorious to advance to the Elite Eight Event championship game.

Scenario 3: Elliott takes a step back against the shorter Geary and launches a three pointer that rattles around the rim and falls out. Blair corrals the rebound and the 1993-94 team survives to advance to the Elite Eight Event title game.

Scenario 4: Elliott makes a quick move toward the lane, drawing Owes away from Tolbert temporarily. Elliott quickly slips the ball to Tolbert, who attempted the jumper from the free-throw line that bounced off the front end of the rim, off the backboard and into the hoop. The game goes into overtime and the 1993-94 team quickly gained advantage behind a couple of three-pointers by Reeves. Stoudamire’s free-throw shooting in the end kept the 1993-94 team ahead and it prevails to move on to the Elite Eight Event championship.

In case you missed it: The Top 10 Badass Defensive Players and the Top 10 Badass Offensive Players in Arizona football history

1987-88 Arizona Wildcats (35-3)
–Beat North Carolina 70-52 in the West Regional Final; lost to Oklahoma 86-78 in the Final Four. To note: The Wildcats of 1987-88 continue to hold school records for victories (35), points in a season (3,234), average margin of victory (22.9 points), field goals made (1,147), field-goal percentage (54.5 percent), three-point field-goal percentage (48.3), fewest foul-outs (only six), and fewest blocked shots by opponents (only 1.4 a game).

2010-11 Arizona Wildcats (30-8)
–Lost to Connecticut 65-63 in the West Regional Final. To note: The 2010-11 Wildcats set school records for three-point field goals made (296) and opponent three-point field-goal percentage (only 29.3 percent).

VOTE ON THIS MATCHUP AT WILDABOUTAZCATS.NET!!!

Previous Arizona Elite Eight Event Matchups (Polls still open at WILDABOUTAZCATS.net):
>> 1993-1994 versus 2004-2005
>> 1996-1997 versus 2002-2003
>> 1975-1976 versus 2000-2001

MATCHUPS

Point Guard

Steve Kerr (1984-1988) vs. Lamont “MoMo” Jones (2009-2011)

Steve Kerr

Lamont MoMo Jones

A Kerr vs. Jones matchup at the starting point guard spot is as contrasting as this Elite Eight event can muster. Kerr is the cool, calm and collected player from the serene beach town of Pacific Palisades, Calif., while Jones is the rough and tumble, get-in-your-face player from Brooklyn.

Their polar-opposite characteristics is indicative of the different capabilities each team had to offer. The teams had one thing in common: They share the record for playing the most games in a season (38) in the program’s history. But more contrasts exists than similarities.

The 1987-88 Wildcats, led by the deft outside shooting of Kerr, shot a school-record 48.3 percent from three-point range. The 2010-11 edition, captained by the defensively active Jones on the perimeter, held opponents to a school-record low of 29.3 percent from three-point range.

Who would win the battle? The 1987-88 team with its offensive perfection or the 2010-11 team with its defensive prowess?

Kerr set UA records shooting 57.3 percent from three-point range and posting an assist-to-turnover ratio of almost 5-to-1 (150 assists compared to only 36 turnovers). Jones was not as good of a shooter making only 31.6 percent of his three-pointers last season. But he converted 82.8 percent of his free-throw attempts and was clutch in memorable victories over California, scoring a career-high 27 points in a three-overtime game in Berkeley, and Duke, with 16 points, six assists and no turnovers in the Sweet 16 game.

Kerr was the model of reliability and consistency. Little-known fact: Kerr played all 50 minutes (a school record) in a double-overtime 79-72 victory over Cal at McKale Center on Jan. 12, 1986.

Jones is the only starter on an Arizona Elite Eight team who transferred to another school. He switched to Iona this season to be closer to home so he can be near his ailing grandmother. The NCAA granted Jones, a junior, a hardship waiver and allowed him to play this year for Iona.

Shooting Guard

Craig McMillan (1985-1988) vs. Kyle Fogg (2009-2012)

Craig McMillan

Kyle Fogg

McMillan, a Parade magazine and McDonald’s All-American, was the first blue-chip recruit signed by Lute Olson. Fogg was a late relatively obscure addition to the Class of 2008, noticed by former assistants Russ Pennell and Mike Dunlap at the 2008 Cactus Classic on Arizona’s campus.

Both matured into decent college players, serving as functional complementary players to standouts such as Sean Elliott and Derrick Williams. UA fans should be forever grateful to Fogg, who served as the host on Williams’ recruiting trip to Arizona’s campus before the 2009 season.

McMillan and Fogg also came up big late in memorable games at McKale Center.

McMillan converted the “McMiracle” or “McClutch” last-second shot against Oregon State in 1986 after picking up a loose ball from a deflected inbounds pass from Kerr that was almost the length of the floor. That victory unseated the Beavers as the dominant team in the Pac-10. The Cats won their first conference title that season.

Arizona beat USC and former coach Kevin O’Neill 86-84 in double-overtime on March 6, 2010, after Fogg sank three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point shot with 0.02 seconds left in regulation. The pressure-packed free throws tied the score at 69 and forced the first overtime.

“I wish I could tell you that I’ve got ice water going through my veins, but, man, I was shaking,” Fogg told reporters after the game.

McMillan and Kerr comprise the only UA backcourt with each player ranked in the top 10 on UA’s career three-point field-goal percentage list. Kerr is tops with his 57.3 percentage and McMillan is sixth at 41.1 percent.

Small Forward

Sean Elliott (1986-1989) vs. Solomon Hill (2010-2013)

Sean Elliott

Solomon Hill

This matchup is unfair for Hill, not because he would not welcome the challenge of playing against the greatest Wildcat in the history of the program. Most players would be at a disadvantage against Elliott, especially a player like Hill who is blossoming but has not yet reached his potential.

Hill would benefit from seeing up close the manner in which Elliott played. No other UA player is better to emulate than the school’s career scoring leader with 2,555 points, which at the time topped Lew Alcindor‘s Pac-10 record. He is the only Wildcat to lead the program in scoring four consecutive seasons.

Former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian, an Arizona nemesis, once said about Elliott: “He plays as though he invented the game of basketball.”

Elliott was the third overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft, taken by San Antonio. That was the highest a UA player was drafted at the time. Hill is not projected to be picked in the first two rounds, according to NBADraft.net. There is always next year for Hill to further prove himself as a versatile prospect.

“I think his progress won’t just be felt in one statistical area,” Arizona coach Sean Miller said. “He’s always given us a lot of things as a player, and that well roundedness is what we want him to do better more than any single stat.”

Power Forward

Tom Tolbert (1987-1988) vs. Derrick Williams (2010-2011)

Tom Tolbert

Derrick Williams

This is one spot the 2010-11 could have an advantage over the 1987-88 club because of the way Williams could extend his game to the perimeter. Tolbert, however, would be a load for Williams to handle around the basket.

Significant in Arizona’s tournament run to its first Final Four in 1988 was the way Tolbert outplayed North Carolina All-American forward J.R. Reid in the Elite Eight game won by the Wildcats 70-52. Tolbert scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half. He shot 7-of-11 from the field after halftime and scored 12 points during a decisive 19-6 run.

That run started with Tolbert’s acrobactic, behind-the-back, reverse shot that went in and drew Reid’s third foul. Tolbert made the free throw for the three-point play that put Arizona ahead to stay 43-42. Reid and Tolbert were both about 6-8 but Reid weighed 256 pounds compared to Tolbert at 240, but Tolbert somehow got the circus shot to go in.

“I figured it had a 100-to-1 shot to go in,” Tolbert told reporters after the game. “I’ve made shots like that in practice, but never with a 256-pound monster hanging on me.”

Williams made an acrobatic shot of his own against Texas last year enabling the Wildcats to advance to the Sweet 16. With 9.6 seconds left, Arizona got the ball into Williams, who put his head down and charged toward the basket. He was bumped hard by Jordan Hamilton and blindly flung the ball toward the basket as he tried to lighten the impact with the floor. The ball went in and Williams hit the free throw, putting Arizona ahead by the winning margin of 70-69.

“If we would have lost the game, I would have taken it really hard on myself knowing that I didn’t have a great game,” said Williams, who had 17 points in the game but shot 4-of-14 from the field. “A lot of people on my team feed off of me.”

The 2010-11 team fed off Williams much like the 1987-88 team fed off Elliott, one other rare similarity between the two teams.

Center

Anthony Cook (1985-88) vs. Jesse Perry (2011-2012)

Anthony Cook

Jesse Perry

Another matchup pitting players with different styles at the same position, although Perry (6-7 and 217) is more of a power forward playing at the post position.

Cook, a wiry 6-9 and 195 pounds, ranks in the top five of UA’s career statistical categories such as blocked shots (record holder with 278), rebounding (861), and field-goal percentage (62.9). In the 1987-88 season, Cook was instrumental to the Wildcats’ success. He averaged 15.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He also shot 61.8 percent from the field.

He may not have been physically imposing but the way he played was huge.

After Arizona won its first-round game against Cornell in the 1988 NCAA tournament, Lute Olson turned to Cook in the postgame press conference and said, “Flex for us, Anthony. Show these guys how big you really are.”

“We used to think we were playing with four guys,” Olson continued, “but then we’d find out that Anthony was standing sideways.”

Perry, a junior college transfer, looks like he means business with his fierce expression and those long and wild dreadlocks. He proved he can be a big-game performer, scoring 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting against Connecticut in Arizona’s 65-65 loss in last year’s Elite Eight game. He also pulled down seven rebounds.

A little-known fact is Perry, because of his aggressive style, went to the free-throw line with the most frequency in 2010-11 behind only Williams. Perry shot a free throw an average of every 8.1 minutes while Williams’ incredible average was at 3.4 minutes. Perry leads the Wildcats this season with a free throw attempt an average of every 7 minutes.

“He always offensive rebounds, he gets fouled, he’s getting better on our defensive end as he learns what we do,” Sean Miller told the media last season about Perry.

Bench

1987-1988 key reserves: Kenny Lofton, Joe Turner, Jud Buechler, Harvey Mason, Matt Muehlebach, Sean Rooks and Mark Georgeson.

2010-2011 key reserves: Kevin Parrom, Jamelle Horne, Jordin Mayes, Kyryl Natyazhko and Brendon Lavender

Kenny Lofton

Kevin Parrom

Arizona’s reserves of 1987-88 started the tradition of the Gumbies — those loveable guys on the bench who seemingly stood and cheered for every basket made.

Lofton was lightning quick and could jump out of the gym, exhibiting the skills of a center fielder, a position he played for 17 seasons in the major leagues. As a sixth man, he gave Olson’s team a tremendous change of pace, especially taking over for Kerr, who was not fleet of foot but made up for that by taking care of the ball.

Buechler, a future NBA player who averaged 11.7 minutes a game in 1987-88, also spelled Elliott adequately to give the All-American forward enough rest. Mason and Turner — who each added charisma to the team – did their part by giving enough support for McMillan, Tolbert and Cook.

Muehlebach and Georgeson played sparingly and Rooks redshirted that season. They formed the nucleus of the Gumbies.

Miller’s reserves in 2010-11 were symbolized by their fortitude. Parrom overcame early foot injuries to be a catalyst for the Wildcats. Horne, a senior, did not sulk and continued to try his hardest when Perry took over his starting position. Mayes was an overlooked freshman guard during the recruiting process who relished playing in pressurized moments.

Natyazhko and Lavender never gave up. Natyazhko played solid in the Pac-10 tournament for the Wildcats. Lavender, who struggled with his perimeter shot most of the season, kept working on that part of his game.

Don’t forget: For all the links, Twitter feeds and news feeds related to Arizona and its opponents, go to Morales’ site WILDABOUTAZCATS.NET. No other Arizona sports Web site is like it!