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How does Arizona basketball rank in Lindy’s preseason magazine?

by on Sep. 02, 2010, under Sports

It's OK to open your eyes; Derrick Williams is Lindy's Pac-10 Player of the Year/Photo by WildcatSportsReport.com

Just as the Arizona football season is ready to kick off, the college basketball preseason magazines begin to hit the stands.

As a contributing writer and editor for Lindy’s college basketball edition, I’m biased in that direction and would encourage everyone to pick up a copy for you and five more for your closest friends.

But, here, Arizona fans, beyond all the team previews and cool features, is the nitty-gritty of what you’ll probably be talking about:

The Wildcats are ranked second in the Pac-10 behind Washington and 30th in the nation.

Sound about right to you?

It does to me. Arizona can aspire for the league title, the Top 25 and a decent run in the NCAA Tournament, but those preseason rankings are probably at the high edge of what the Wildcats can realistically expect after a 16-15 season. No disrespect in those preseason judgments.

And here’s more — Lindy’s Pac-10 first-team:

G Ty Abbott, ASU
G Isaiah Thomas, Washington
G/F Klay Thompson, WSU
F Derrick Williams, Arizona
C Nikola Vucevic, USC

Williams, by the way, is Lindy’s Pac-10 Preseason Player of the Year.

There are a couple of ways to go with that — Thomas will be the best player on the best team and a top-notch scorer; Thompson could have a huge year if he and the rest of his teammates are better-conditioned to hold up late in the season in coach Ken Bone’s offense. But no argument here in the logic behind picking Williams.

FYI: I don’t have anything to do with the rankings; that job belongs to the always-dialed-in Frank Burlison of the Long Beach Press-Telegram. I did find it interesting/curious, however, that Lindy’s selected Arizona junior guard Kyle Fogg to its All-Pac-10 second team.

Burlison must have been paying close attention as Fogg dropped 51 points on UCLA in two regular-season games. But Fogg second team? He faces some new competition at shooting guard this season, and can he really improve that much on his 11.1-point scoring average?

OK, one final thing (and then you really have to buy the magazine). The predicted Pac-10 order of finish:

1. Washington
2. Arizona
3. UCLA
4. Arizona State
5. USC
6. Washington State
7. Oregon State
8. Stanford
9. Cal
10. Oregon

Discuss.

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  • Mark B. Evans

    When the season started last year, Miller had just five months to figure out the hand he was dealt (as coach Norman Dale put it).

     

    The program was in disarray, players were uncertain of their futures, and new players were pulled in at the last minute after USC’s Tim Floyd imploded.

     

    When the new season starts, Miller will have had 20 months to teach his system, develop his players, condition and strengthen them. They’re likely to be more confident and therefore more aggressive, playing faster and smarter.

     

    How many more wins over last year’s 16 will that translate to? Of the 13 non-conference games, they should be favored in 11 of them. Of the 18 Pac-10 games, they should be favored in 12 of them with four (Tempe Normal and UCLA) pick-ems and two as underdogs (UW).

     

    That should be 23 wins at a minimum, plus or minus two, depending on the breaks (as Gen. Turgidson put it), and not counting the Pac-10 tourney. That’s 4-to-7-seed territory in the NCAA.

     

    I’ll take that. (But I’d give up in a second for a 10-win football season and the Rose Bowl).

  • sethers

    I don’t necessarily disagree with this except that it has the 2 place team in the Pac-10 ranked at 30. Looking at the teams, I think it is correct, but it is a bit hard to swallow.

    • Anthony Gimino

      Well, the Pac-10 is still down and it had only two NCAA Tournament teams last season — only one into the Sweet 16. I think the league will be better — Arizona and UCLA are definitely back on the rise to their usual stature  — but the Pac-10 appears short on elite teams this season.

  • http://none JimBodkins

    16 wins last year – under duress – could have easily been 20 wins last year with Parrom healthy and even 5 good minutes a game from the post.

    They will have that this year.

    Parrom, Williams, Jones and Fogg will be solid.

    Jesse will be solid as long as they keep him in his first season in a simpler place – he is new to the system.

    Horne looks much bigger this year. You dont get bigger without effort. If Horne is making effort … well, this could be a good thing. Threes with strength on the boards.

    Kyryl and Tree – all we need is block defense, position and rebounding. They will know their roles this year and I suspect – remember Miller hasnt been focused on 5′s in recruiting – they have given Miller reason to believe they will play at least credible post this year.

    Lavendar and Hill will at least play solid roles. Based upon what I have read – Lavendar has manned up and may attempt a move to the next level this year. He has the skills to do that. Hill has – in my opinion – an unlimited potential … well, if there is a limiting factor it is Hill himself. He mentally stays in games, runs the floor, may be the best passer on the team (he was perhaps the only skip passer last year). If he is stronger and has developed a perimeter shot – he will move up to the Williams group.

    The new adds – Bejerano and Mayes – will be exciting … and freshmen. I think in some games Daniel will bring lightning to McKale. Mayes … I swear … will make a place for himself in the backcourt. He has skills and basketball savvy.

    Last years team could have had 20 wins with a break or two. This years team will have 20 wins with a bad break or two. I am not predicting anything. I would rather focus on team and player development. Much of the media’s focus of late has been on recruiting … which is fun. But Miller will make his name coaching more so than recruiting (as important as recruiting is). And Turner and Cook not withstanding … Miller is a better coach than recruiter.

    With tools to run the floor, defend the perimeter and open the center from the wings for Williams … it could be a long season for most of UofA’s opponents. Why? What is the answer to Williams with threats from the backcourt and wings? (Remember Elliots years here) He is going to have a major year – because he is that good and he will have more help this year than last.

    Should be a fun year.
    (unedited and too long)

  • oldwest2

    Here is my take short and sweet, I have no problem with the first 3 picks, but ASU at the 4th spot. I think they picked up some love somewhere, I think 6th spot is more like it for them.

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