Jesse Perry celebrates one of his baskets against UConn. Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
This is the first in a series of player-by-player look-backs at the Arizona Wildcats basketball season. We’ll have some stats, quotes and the best in photography from US Presswire and Getty Images.
JESSE PERRY, F, 6-7, 210, Jr.
–The junior college transfer added toughness to the frontcourt, slipping into the starting lineup Dec. 22 against Robert Morris. That’s where he stayed, except to give way to senior Jamelle Horne on Senior Day at McKale Center.
–Perry and Horne split time at the power forward position. Perry was the clean-up man around the basket, averaging 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 19.5 minutes per game.
–Perry’s best game was his last — in the West regional final loss to UConn. He had 14 points on 7 of 9 shooting, also pulling down seven rebounds.
–Perry after the loss to UConn: “All I can say for my guys is that we came out and fought until the clock hit zero. I’m just proud of them, where we came from to get to this point.”
–His season-high scoring was 16 points vs. Robert Morris.
–Season-high rebounding was eight at Oregon on Dec. 30.
–His final shooting totals: 47.1 percent from the field (90 of 191), 28 percent from 3-point range (7 of 25), 69.2 percent from the free throw line (63 of 91).
–Perry made this site’s All-Dreadlocks Team for the NCAA Tournament.
–Additional reading: Patrick Finley, Arizona Daily Star: Perry was season’s nicest surprise for UA
Coach Sean Miller says:
“He’ll have a similar role (next season). I think Jesse will get a lot better, though. He played this year between 200 and 210 pounds. He’s not going to play next year between 200 and 210. I think he will be significantly bigger and stronger, and that alone will make him better.”
Sophomore forward Derrick Williams says:
“Jesse Perry was a big part of us doing well this season. When he came on his visit we needed a guy just like Jesse. … He’s going to do the dirty work, get rebounds, going to have put-backs, do anything that Coach asks of you.”
Jesse Perry wrestles for possession with Texas big man Alexis Wangmene during the NCAA Tournament. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Jesse Perry was never afraid to hit the floor. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Jesse Perry dunks for two of his 14 points vs. UConn. Photo by Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
On more than one occasion, Perry showed the ability to go up and under for a layup. Photo by Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE
Hair goes flying as Jesse Perry battles for a loose ball with UCLA's Malcolm Lee. Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE