Jordan Hill’s sore back made him grimace in the second half tonight, while Nic Wise and Chase Budinger each logged 37 minutes.
They had just over 22 hours remaining after tonight’s win over Florida Atlantic before tipping off against UAB, when all three figure to be sorely needed again.
They say they aren’t worried about it.
Wise joked about playing four games in AAU ball and Budinger noted that there’s “no practice” Tuesday, only a game. And Russ Pennell had to have noticed that UAB’s top two players, Robert Vaden and Paul Delaney, each played 39 minutes while the Blazers sweated out their first-round game with Santa Clara.
“It’s tough because we played so many guys for a lot of minutes, and then we have to do it again tomorrow,” Pennell said. “A good thing is that the other team is in the same situation. A big thing is to get our guys rested tonight.”
The Blazers’ game ended at about 8 p.m., giving them three more hours’ rest, for what it’s worth.
Big test tonight to see if this team has anything to make us forget the troubles of the past month.
Bruce – any word or thoughts on who you think will be the coach of the future?
— Wildcatike 11/18/2008 05:57 AM #
Just getting to the preseason NIT semi-finals is a victory in itself.
It’s going to be a long, difficult year riddled with fatigue and, hence, injuries. But, I am hoping this team stares adversity in the face and takes it on, regardless.
I did not see the game last night, but there looked to be some positive signs. Thing is, I already like this team more than last year’s squad.
— Nick 11/18/2008 11:27 AM #
Why Oh Why cant these guys shoot Free throws? Fendi plays inside and can expect to be fouled- and yet with all the time he has had to work on it; BRICKS
A 15 ft shot with no interference and only the three juniors have a decent stroke from the line; I know Bruce can give me some info on how many important games of note have been won and lost from the stripe.
— Larry 11/18/2008 12:09 PM #
Not relevant to this column but ASU picked up a good one today in Demitrius Walker who was expected to sign with USC.
— adman 11/18/2008 12:34 PM #
Ike — It’s mostly speculation at this point, with some coaches putting out or responding to “feelers” — conversations via third parties so that both can deny having any contact. If I had to guess, I’d think Dixon, Few, and Drew would be at the top of the list — considering the expected interest of both sides. I think Chris Lowery and Randy Bennett are really good options should they want to go a “cheaper” route (i.e. $1+ million a year vs. $2+ million). But it’s still far too early to know.
I’ve heard the Izzo rumor too and I know he has been interested in a warmer climate but believe that, in the long run, it would be tough for him to leave his fortress at MSU for the situation at UA. And Calipari just seems far too expensive.
— Bruce Pascoe 11/18/2008 12:58 PM #
Arizona seems to have a matchup problem tonight with UAB. Who guards Vaden, UAB’s top scorer and 3 pt shooter?
Vaden could easily get Chase in foul trouble and he needs to be on the floor. Will it be Horne or perhaps do we see a three guard lineup from Arizona with Fendi on the bench?
Fair start to the season but it means little with a loss tonight; the old one step forward, two steps back. I hope to see more of Judkins and Fogg. Not too bad for two freshmen. Lavender too. Although all games are important it is clear Arizona will have to develop some depth. Better now than in the middle of the PAC-10 schedule.
— SCDave 11/18/2008 06:09 PM #
Bruce wrote:
“I’d think Dixon, Few, and Drew would be at the top of the list…”
Sweet baby Jesus…
Let it be Mark Few.
— Senior A 11/18/2008 07:43 PM #
How funny.
Right after posting the above, I went to Yahoo sports and saw this:
Idaho vs #9 Gonzaga:
Idaho 9
Gonzaga 43
That’s with 6:44 left in the first…
Get Few damn it!
— Senior A 11/18/2008 07:47 PM #
WOW. In a season when every win is going to count, that is awful.
— Darren 11/18/2008 11:42 PM #
a horrible, horrible loss. what was horne thinking? heartbreaking. shocking. i have never seen anything like that.
— Mike H 11/18/2008 11:43 PM #
It was a tough one. But the game shows they can fight their way back and win, which would have happened had Horne not fouled.
— confused, maybe not 11/18/2008 11:46 PM #
Dumbest play since Chris Webber’s timeout. How can he not know the score is tied?
— jim 11/18/2008 11:54 PM #
what will Horne’s daddy say now? He was pretty vocal when it looked like Horne would transfer. I hope Horne rebounds from this complete brain fart.
— jim 11/18/2008 11:57 PM #
I’d argue that it was dumber than Chris Weber’s play. Losing track of time outs is a whole lot easier than not realizing the score. It is inexplicable. I didn’t know they had special education at the collegiate level but Horne just proved that theory wrong.
— azcat05 11/18/2008 11:57 PM #
Am I missing something. Is Zane Johnson still on the team?
— adman 11/19/2008 12:06 AM #
Thanks Bruce. I have to think there is no way in hell that Calipari leaves Memphis with the team he has built around him…. NO WAY.
— Wildcatike 11/19/2008 05:21 AM #
Last nights Freshman errors may really be a coaching error because I like to set the players down in chairs(rest)AND GET IN FRONT OF THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL PLAYERS UNDERSTAND WHAT PLAY IS GOING TO BE IN OPERATION IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
— Fleming 11/19/2008 11:46 AM #
#4 ADMAN ALL THE TOP RECRUITS IN THE VALLEY USED TO COME TO THE U OF A. OH HOW TIMES ARE A CHANGING.
— BL24 11/19/2008 04:21 PM #