If someone were to say the NCAA Tournament just finished and it’s way too early to begin analyzing college basketball again, they would be completely correct. However, let’s do it anyway. The Arizona Wildcats are shaping up to be a formidable team for the upcoming NCAA season; spearheaded by the number one recruiting class in the country. While never guaranteeing success (see, Duke 2018), Arizona’s incoming recruits plus their returning players should see the Wildcats greatly improve. Avoiding any complications from the upcoming FBI trial, the Arizona Wildcats look promising heading into the upcoming season.
Arizona Wildcats Look Promising Heading Into 2019-20 Season
Dynamic Duo
The success or failure of this Arizona team greatly rests on the shoulders of their recruiting class, led by five-star players Nico Mannion and Josh Green. Both top 15 players, the chemistry between these two has already begun. Both Mannion and Green represented Team World at the Nike Hoop Summit. This relationship must continue to grow if they are to succeed as a duo.
Nico Mannion
Mannion is the number one ranked point-guard in the nation. He is coming out of Phoenix, Arizona and played for Pinnacle High School. He’s a consistent inside-out scorer with high IQ to go along with great feel and vision. These intangibles will become a crucial part of his game, playing alongside fellow top prospect in Green.
Josh Green
Green is the nations 2nd ranked small forward. Originally from Australia, and having played for IMG Academy, Green is an efficient two-way player and a highly versatile wing. With an ability to slash and attack the rim, as well as an improved outside shot, Green’s scoring potential can make himself and Mannion a deadly combo.
Both prospects have tremendous upside. If they can find the perfect mix on the court they may prove to be near unstoppable on both ends. Assuming both are willing to sacrifice and ‘play their roles’, the Mannion-Green dynamic could potentially be one of college basketballs best duos.
The Returning Class
While the play of the two incoming freshmen will be key, Head Coach Sean Miller and the Wildcats will also rely heavily on their returning players. Most significant of these is sophomore Brandon Williams, who was a stand out for the disappointing 2018 Wildcats squad.
Finishing 17-15 and failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, there were few bright spots for the Wildcats last season. Two sparks came from Brandon Randolph and Brandon Williams. Randolph has declared for the NBA Draft, leaving his future at Arizona undecided. Williams will look to take on a bigger role should Randolph leave for good. Additionally, look for improved play from Chase Jeter and Dylan Smith.
Putting It Together
Arizona has the best recruiting class in the nation. They have a strong group of returning players and a highly talented coach in Sean Miller. If the players are able to find on-court harmony, and Arizona can ignore the distractions of the current FBI investigation, they may well be a team poised to make a deep run in next years tournament.
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