Overview:
It hasn't been the smoothest season for coaching
legend Lute Olson, with suspensions having been
levied out to two of his best players (Chris Rodgers
and Hassan Adams) at various points during the
campaign. Even with the turmoil, Arizona has played
well enough to stay in the top 20 of the RPI
rankings for most of the season. The last time this
program wasn't part of the NCAA Tournament field,
David Lee Roth was still lead singer of Van Halen
and the USFL still fielded teams (it was 1984, by
the way).
Potential Difference Maker: With personnel
issues having prevented this team from gelling into
a cohesive unit, one very bright spot has been the
play of freshman forward Marcus Williams. In the
regular season finale against Washington (a 70-67
loss), he dropped in 20, but made a critical
turnover and missed two key free throws in the
closing moments. If he can put those disappointments
behind him and continue his development, this
tournament could be his national coming out party.
On Offense: 3-out-2-in motion. They do have
some set plays, but it’s mostly motion. They will
flair on the back-side to get open looks. If you
help on the drive they will kick it for an open
look.
On Defense: Man to man and they try to choke
off the lanes.
Strength: They have the ability to get it
going from the perimeter. Adams is a matchup problem
on the offensive end and can score points in
bunches.
Weakness: They have been out of sync, which
began with the trouble with Rodgers and has
continued throughout the season. Lack of continuity
and they aren’t very strong in the post. Ivan
Radenovic is more of a face-the-basket post player.
Key to Success: Obviously they need Adams to
play like he was earlier in the season when many
were tabbing him as a player of the year candidate.
They also need Rodgers to make some perimeter shots.
He was so valuable in that role last season.
How to Beat Them: Make their guards put the
ball on the floor. Don’t let them get into any type
of rhythm from the perimeter. Make them get their
points elsewhere.
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