Even if Kevin O’Neill is thinking about bolting or seeking some sort of settlement, he probably couldn’t say it at this point. Maybe he’s just waiting to see what other offers might arise. Or maybe he really is just happy to be an assistant again.
Whatever the case, O’Neill’s season-ending news conference today seemed to be one of those confusing, read-between-the-lines affairs that have become so common at Arizona this season.
O’Neill said he planned to be back to fulfill a two-year agreement but added this:
“I think everybody should fulfill their contractual obligations until they choose otherwise, or are told otherwise,” he said.
Which means — if I understand that statement correctly — nothing.
Actually, O’Neill and the UA have very little binding agreements left at this point. O’Neill gave UA a verbal two-year commitment when he arrived last May and UA in turn offered him $375,000 for each of those two years. But all assistant coach contracts are year-to-year at UA, meaning neither the university nor O’Neill is bound for 2008-09.
And, while Jim Livengood named O’Neill the successor to Olson in December, Livengood says that plan was mostly a contingency for next season in the event Olson left for good.
Hmm.
Here’s what O’Neill said today: “As I sit here today, I’m planning on being the next coach, too.”
But what would he do in the meanwhile? Olson has already said UA will go back to his uptempo style next season. So would O’Neill return to being in charge of the Wildcats’ defense, as he was expected to do when hired last spring?
Maybe not. Even though O’Neill said he had a “great” meeting with Olson on Tuesday, the two apparently didn’t discuss who would run the defense next season.
“I don’t know,” O’Neill said. “You’d have to ask coach that. I wouldn’t assume anything.”
UA
SID Richard Paige posted
KO’s comments today on UA’s website.
WOW….and it continues. Everyone is laughing at our program right now, we are a sinking ship. Livengood or Lute you need to go on record with a plan, sooner rather than later, this is really hurting our team. I feel bad for the players, this is the best time of their lives and they have to deal with this type of drama.
Bruce thanks for answer in the other post, but Lute should come out and say something, why wait until the end of the tourny who cares. Cal just fired their coach today, they didn’t wait.
— chris from the oc 03/26/2008 04:03 PM #
Every time there is a statement or news release it becomes even more comical.
What poor leadership and what an embarrassment this situation has become.
If this were Ohio St., Michigan, Kentucky, etc. all of these clowns involved would have hit the pavement a long time ago.
This is what happens when you let an individual become bigger then the program. This will do wonders for recruiting; barf.
— JK 03/26/2008 04:34 PM #
MCDonalds All-American game beginning statement “ I heard the assist record in this game is 13, I’ll try and get 20”….B. Jennings
BTW…they just said Bayless called Jennings and told him he was going to return. I guess I was right all along.
— marco 03/26/2008 06:57 PM #
Bruce – Are we in or will be in shortly an important Spring recruiting window for college basketball? If so, any word on priorities, key recruits, etc.?
— SCDave 03/26/2008 07:08 PM #
Hey Bruce… good article as usual. I wish the team would just be more clear about everything.
Do you know roughly what teams are on the non-conference slate for next year?
— Jimmy 03/26/2008 07:08 PM #
Marco are you kidding me? I didn’t get home until just now, and Jennings is on the bench, but who said that at the beginning? Interesting indeed.
Jennings had 2pts 8Assists…remember, he is the type of player that can score when needed AND get others to score…I wish I had seen him play tonight…maybe he will get back in.
— Darren 03/26/2008 08:10 PM #
Darren- Jennings made the assist comment, and Gotlieb made the comment about jennings talking to Bayless
— marco 03/26/2008 08:28 PM #
Jennings looked good…that dunk was sick also…can’t wait for him to be in an AZ uniform…and if what Gottlieb said is true…oh my
— Darren 03/26/2008 08:44 PM #
Bruce, thank you for this candid reflection on the interview today.
I also liked the writing on your article posted on star.net tonight. Thanks.
— CatZona 03/26/2008 09:21 PM #
Bruce, I floated this in a comment at the end of one of your last two articles, but I’m wondering what your take is, if it’s something anyone connected to the program has brought up?
UA and NBA alum C-F Sean Rooks, who is now head-coaching in the California NBA rookie league, as 2nd or 3rd assistant and position coach for the bigs in Wildcat Land — ya think?
Rooks is Cat basketball personified, worked his way up the ranks into a lengthy, productive NBA career. and he knows the game, the players and Coach O.
My guess would be that with all that experience, Sean knows a thing or two about the C-F positions and how to get the most out of Hill, Onobun, Horne, Tangara, Jacobsen and Withey.
This team can no longer get it done without the proper help, needed development of its big men.
Hill needs help, personally, to fine-tune his game, and the others would benefit from one-on-one and group coaching as well to elevate their game.
And I can’t think of a better guy than the man affectionately known as Wookie to give these young men what they need and the program what it’s been lacking for too long now.
BEAR DOWN, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA!
BEAR DOWN!!
— Carlos 03/26/2008 10:13 PM #
Chris — They’re now saying Lute is expected to hold a press conference Tuesday. We’ll see if he clears anything up.
Marco — That may well turn out to be true but I don’t think Bayless has really decided yet. I called his brother after the broadcast and he said Bayless was still deciding. Lute also has yet to meet with Bayless’ parents and I’m guessing Bayless will also canvas some NBA people.
SCDave – The spring signing period does open next month, but UA may not be pursuing anybody for it. Lute says he doesn’t want any of the three seniors KO offered, even though he has at least one scholarship remaining if everybody comes back. If Bayless and/or Budinger said quickly that they were definitely leaving, it’s possible Lute might try to round somebody up. But the November signing period is more critical here; UA needs players from the class of 2009 in a big way and I think that will be their focus this spring. But it may be tougher to recruit now that Olson has taken a year off for medical reasons and there does not appear to be a succession plan any more.
Jimmy — Here’s the latest version of the 2008-09 nonconference schedule (still subject to changes of course but the opponents listed are confirmed):
Nov. 17 Preseason NIT home game
Nov. 18 Preseason NIT home game (if UA wins Nov. 17)
Nov. 26 Preseason NIT semifinal, New York (if UA wins Nov. 18)
Nov. 28 Preseason NIT final or third-place game, New York
Dec. 2 Loyola Marymount
Dec. 5 at Texas A&M
Dec. 10 San Diego State
Dec. 13 Houston
Dec. 20 at UNLV
Dec. 23 Kansas (Fiesta Bowl Classic)
Still TBA: Three more games, probably all at home.
Catzona – Thanks. I’m just trying to make some sense out of this like we all are.
— Bruce Pascoe 03/26/2008 10:21 PM #
Does anyone seriously think that O’Neil will be able to recruit effectively after his audition as a head coach this year. If you are a starter, expect to be run into the ground all season. Expect to play a grueling structured low scoring game. If you are not a starter expect to sit on the bench and only get into a game for one or two minutes every fourth or fifth game if you are lucky. As a starter or a substitute, expect to lose about half the time. This is based on O’Neils record as a head coach and not just wild negative conjecture.
Regardless of the legal contract situation, it might be better to cut O’Neil loose to make it clear that he will not become the eventual head coach when Lute retires. There are probably verbal committments that could be litigated by O’Neil, but even if he wins some money, it would have a strong negative effect on the rest of his coaching career. Expect an out of court settlement, perhaps held confidential as a personel matter.
— Edwin S. 03/26/2008 10:59 PM #
#12, Edwin-
All good points. The situation other than the players, is looking like a joke.
O’Neill is bad for AZ basketball, but Livengood made him the sucessor to Lute.
So now it becomes a litigious nightmare.
Until everyone starts to write Shelton, we will be stuck with bad decisions in the athletic department.
robert.shelton@arizona.edu
— Steal Your Face 03/27/2008 01:36 AM #
Bruce,
In your story today, it seems KO contradicts himself. He says that he can only coach his own style, but also says he evaluated the roster and then chose the best style. So which one is it? Is it just a coincidence that his evaluation of the roster just happened to lead him to choose his own style, which he says is the only way he coaches?
KO is just not the right fit. Maybe he could be a successful college coach somewhere, but his record this year is actually a slight improvement over his dismal career record.
I don’t understand why Lute or Livengood can’t just fire him. Will KO challenge the earlier verbal offer? Is that the fear?
Or are they just going to let this fester and hope that it just resolves itself?
— Ben 03/27/2008 07:32 AM #
Tried to post this on this blog last night. Was having computer problems. But this is great news if it is all true.
I offer this up just heard on ESPN by Doug Gottlieb at the McDonalds game. He said that Brandon Jennings talked with Bayless this week and Bayless says he is coming back. What the hell do I know, but that sounds very exciting. Doug also mentioned that Olson and O’Neil met and looks like the two may get along a play nice. Any doubts will find out very soon. But Gottlieb said if Bayless and Budinger return look for the Wildcats to be the favorite next season. He also says that Jennings is just awsome – so far I see the “Fresh Prince” with that hair style with 4 assits and it has not even been two minutes into the game. Jennings stated in the pre-game interview “I guess the assist record at this event is 14? I plan on getting 20” I love the cocky attitude also! I think all Wildcats fans are going to be very happy next year. Remember you heard it here first – JENNINGS IS THE FRESH PRINCE – NOT THE CHOSEN ONE!
I think we have a fan at ESPN Gottlieb has never shown love to UofA, now he is showing it!
— Wildcatike 03/27/2008 07:38 AM #
Stat line on Brandon Jennings @ McDonalds All American Game, Arizona: 12 points on 5-12 shooting, 2-8 from three, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 9 assists, 6 turnovers in 23:01 minutes of play
Jennings started out on fire passing the ball, but once the East began to control the game the assists slowed down and the turnovers increased. On the offensive end Jennings displayed a special gear on several plays.
Not to bad. I watched the game and sure as can be some of thos players that Brandon was trying to get assits to were caught off gaurd. He works this out with Bayless/Budinger and Hill and this team is going to be very dangerous. Jennings can score from anywhere on the court. Sure seems not to be a selfish player – he wants to assit guys. Plays pretty good on the Defensive end, but with O’Neil schooling him in this asspect his game will just get even better. All three of the media guys doing the game last night stated that Jennings is the most ready for his first college season and would be a sure bet lottery pick this year if they did not have the rule. I also heard that he and Bayless have been talking about playing together for years now. I think Bayless is a lock to come back. Bayless with a great season next year can be the #1 overall pick in 2009 NBA draft. Hill and Budinger will benifit so much from having this guy get him the ball. This is going to be a very talented team and I would think if Bayless and Chase come back they will not expect anything more than a NCAA title next year. You all want Lute out? Maybe they win it for him and he is gone after that. GO OUT ON TOP.
Side note: The Holiday kid going to UCLA looked fantastic also. He and Jennings played so good together last night, it was almost like you could see what it will be like with Bayless at PG.
Anyone think that Lute would open up with this line-up or does it not make sense to have this small of a line-up with several guys playing out of postion?
Hill C
Chase SF
Bayless SG
Jennings PG
Wise PG
Would you start these five if they were all together or does Wise come off the bench? Wise has erned a starting postion.
— Wildcatike 03/27/2008 07:51 AM #
Ike- It’s likely going to be:
Jennings PG
Bayless SG
Budinger SF
Hill PF
Withey C
or
Jennings PG
Bayless SG
Budinger SF
Negedu or Horne PF
Hill C
— Marco 03/27/2008 08:14 AM #
Hombre Macho Markey Mark is a BLATANT LIAR- POST NUMERO THRES- of the Wildcat pom pom waver sort. Simply because he forecasted that Jerryd would leave early for the N.B.A. several weeks ago. But then again, no problem for he subscribes to relativism and or nihilism of 21st Century Pax America. And he’s never taken a stand on the TRUTH. Or maybe, Markey Mark is just a CONGENITAL deciever…Get outa’ here. Not Senor Frijole Markey Marcus.
— voice of deception 03/27/2008 09:14 AM #
voz de idoita- produce the post where I said Bayless was gone. You can’t. I’ve been saying the entire time Bayless and Budinger are likely to stay.
Getting pretty sick of your idiotic statements. A pulp you shall be…
— Marco 03/27/2008 11:47 AM #
Further, I only said Bayless was likely to leave only, and ONLY if O’Neill remained the coach. I’ve always said take Lute for his word as he is a man of honor and hoped Lute was coming back. Months ago I said O’Neill was here just to steady the ship. Unfortunately your infatuation with me has clouded your reading comprehension skills. I would really enjoy meeting with you Voz.
— Marco 03/27/2008 11:50 AM #
What! U trying that “not” so subtle lame azz INTIMIDATION tactic with moi, post 20!! LMFAO.
It’s funny but it seems vouz ete the only one “reacting” too moi. Perhaps, that’s because I caught you in another one of your con-niving, disingenuous rants of the Wildcat pom pom waver sort.
But then again, Markey Marcus Hombre Macho lost all “credibility” with moi many moons ago. Now, it’s just a comical case of trying to decipher this “cipher” in the Sonoran desert falsehood’s from his simple generalizations. Oh, beg my pardon. His baseless CONJECTURES. Because he changes his “conjectures” quicker than a teeny-bopper changes makeup prior to her Friday night date.
Again, it’s a case of futility with Markey Mark, when he quickly responds in POST 20 following his previous post because he knows he’s been had, again!! Hey, HOMBRE MACHO NACHO QUESO, is that what’s called lamely trying to “cover your backside, again!” LMFAO for the upteenth time regarding this faux pas Wildcat rant squad member. Because he spreads so many spurious “rumors” around on this here forum, that he’d even make Matt Drudge ENVIOUS!
Adios Senor Chihuahua. Think grande bark pues small “stick.” LMAO!!
— voice of deception 03/27/2008 12:38 PM #
And, by the way. Markey Marcus still needs to work on his sarcasm’s because he’s still a SHALLOW bandwagon Wildcat pom pom waver, who takes self-effacing pleasure in MISLEADING his viewerhip.
— voice of deception 03/27/2008 12:43 PM #
And, by the way. Markey Marcus still needs to work on his sarcasm’s because he’s still a SHALLOW bandwagon Wildcat pom pom waver, who takes self-effacing pleasure in MISLEADING his viewership, from time to time.
— voice of deception 03/27/2008 12:45 PM #
A Pulp.
— Marco 03/27/2008 01:50 PM #
Voice – Try and be a little more concise. If you are going to write as much as you do, at least have something to say that adds to the discussion. You could get your point across (whatever it was, I’m not really sure) with about half of the words that you actually use.
…And like Marco, I’m waiting for you to produce the post where he said Bayless was gone. Start digging.
— Darren 03/27/2008 04:14 PM #
YEAH!
— Wildcatike 03/27/2008 05:48 PM #
I think Voice is missing many marbles at this point. Not much hope in him/her recovering them at this point.
Boy, its amazing to see these games tonight and compare the efforts of the participating teams to the way the Cats were playing during the non-con schedule. We could have easily handled many of them at our height this year.
Goes to show you how brutal KO’s use of the bench was and how detrimental the overuse of the starters was…indeed.
Well, if we get Bayless back (not caring much for Budinger at this point, he is expendable), we could make some noise next year. It could be Lute’s last hurrah and may lure a decent coach into this fiasco. Let’s hope.
Ike…when is the weather going to turn here…CHRIST!
— Nick 03/27/2008 06:58 PM #
27- “We could have easily handled many of them at our height this year.”
Yes, easily Oh yeh, Surrrrrre…..
— vegasallen 03/27/2008 08:38 PM #
Nick – Come on. The Cats need Chase next year. He is not expendable. That is like saying that the Colts don’t need Addi next year. Truth is they need Chase – he will be a junior “Upperclassman” and experience is a plus at any level. He will benifit greatly from Jennings ablity to pass the ball to wide open guys on the preimiter because the kid can flat out take it to the hole and dish it back out as evidence from the McDonalds game Wednesday night. Let’s hope they all come back as it will be the best chance to win it all.
Nick – the weather sucks, but this happens every 20 years or so. Its call La Niña. Thank god it’s not 1977 again, Chicago still have a foot of snow on the ground by May 1. I would be out in AZ right now if my wife and I were not expecting our 2nd. I missed Spring Tranning this year. Thank god for monday – THE OFFICAL OPENING DAY. I will be a COLD/RAINNY WRIGLEY FIELD TO CHEER ON THE BREW CREW! I HATE THE CUBS. GO SOX.
— Wildcatike 03/28/2008 04:11 AM #
Glad to see we’re back to name calling again.
Vegas, I echo your comments. Although the Cats might have handled a few of the teams playing in the tourney if they played like they did non-conference, it would only have been a few. I’m enjoying this tournament. A lot of the teams show flashes of play, teamwork and spirit I know I’ve seen somewhere before. Oh Yeah- Lute’s past teams up until about 2001. Back when he was putting together TEAMS not a group of future NBA players practicing together.
— Ron W 03/28/2008 07:00 AM #
30-Ron..I think that Nick’s comment is more that of a fan and not at all objective. It’s really sad to see Arizona basketball hit such a low.
Bruce..Today’s article on recuriting states that Olson and Pastner are on the road. What about KO? If Olson doesn’t trust him to recruit, what does that say about their relationship?
— vegasallen 03/28/2008 08:29 AM #
Let’s not forget the facts: Chase Budinger is still the best player on the team. Jerryd may play with more emotion/fire, but Chase has the skills. Didn’t he average like 17Pts 5 RBS? and we all know that’s a huge disappointment and want more from him. (He was only a Sophmore BTW) With Jennings and Bayless at the Guard Spots, Chase will be somewhat free to roam and pick teams apart. I see a huge year for him next year…Huge. Chase and Jerryd seemed to be most effected by O’Neill’s coaching style…with Lute back, the sky is the limit. (no more running around in circles and getting tired legs with 10 minutes to go)
— Marco 03/28/2008 08:47 AM #
Very true Marco.
Vegas,
The KO situation is still very weird indeed.
IKE, SAY ITS NOT SO!! GO CUBS! THE SOX SUCK!
— chi_cat 03/28/2008 09:13 AM #
Chi_cat…
I believe I break the tie here my friend. CUBS SUCK! GO SOX!
The Flubbies will no doubt blow it again this year…hohum, whats new? Can you say 2005 all over again? Yeah!
Vegas, I have been whole-heartedly objecive during my tenure on this blog and I do feel we were a top 15 program during non-con. Now you ask? Every team would wipe the floor with us, most likely even the 16 seeds. We simply had nothing left in the tank cuz KO burned it all too early.
Tell BOZO to take a hike!
Damn, I wish we had Pitino! That was a CLINIC last night! Look for the cardinal red of Louisville to possibly take it all.
— Nick 03/28/2008 09:42 AM #
Vegas,
I agree with you re: Lute and KO. The program needs to speak with one voice, and yet we are getting two.
Nick,
Well, yes, Pitino would be a great coach to have. We would be playing uptempo and that type of style fits the type of athlete that we have. However, Pitino likes the State of Kentucky, had a taste of the NBA, and will likely stay put.
— Robert 03/28/2008 11:11 AM #
chi_cat –
I was born a White Sox Fan. I never quite got into the CUBS even in the summer of 1984 when my favorite Band Van Halen’s song 1984 was used as Cubs theme song.
Maybe that is why you can never call me a bandwagon fan. I am a Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and AZ Wildcat fan for life. I don’t give up hope for these teams ever.
It’s like those guys on this board that keep talking about pom pom cheerleaders! They are the ones that jump ship the minute that something goes wrong and are quick to judge if a bad season comes up. But if your born in this City you are born a fan! Cubs or Sox, Chicago has the best fans in the world.
To bad the White Sox are in a division with the Indians and Tigers otherwise they would be winning the Central. Cubs do look good this year, I have to give you that – 100 years will see what happens.
One guy I hope to be impressed with is Fukudome!
First time in all my years of fantasy baseball that I have a Cub on my roster – no I have three – Fukudome/Marmol/Wood. Hope I don’t regret that move.
— Wildcatike 03/28/2008 11:27 AM #
I know someone who knows Patino very well. Among other things, his brother coached him in high school.
A few days ago I asked him if Patino really seriously considered coaching UNLV. I had alwasy thought that he used UNLV only to raise the offer form Louisville.
He said that Pation ab-so-Lutely wanted to come to UNLV but his wife nixed it but not for the reason that was stated at the time, which supposedly had something to do with the quality of the local schools. It was more that she felt disrespected by some people at UNLV.
So my point is that he isn’t so tied to Kentucky as one might think. That said, I don’t think that Arizona would lay out the bucks to get him.
— vegasallen 03/28/2008 11:31 AM #
Marky Mark (post 32) said Chase was going to have an All-American season in 2008. But now he’s screeching 2009. Go figure! Yet,the typical lame Mrakey Mark rationalization of Budinger being a sophomore has no merit, because Chase was a returning STARTER who had plenty of major college hoopdom seasoning in 2007. Talk about using INVERTED logic as well as baseless conjectures.
And which Wildcat hoopster has been praised with the All-American acolades!?? That’s right. Jerryd has been named to four various All-American squads, and not a peep from Markey Mark’s boy Chase. Bayless has been named to both several 2nd Teams and 3rd Teams. Yet, Bayless was on IR for four FREAKIN’ games. And this Nacho Queso eating Markey Mark is ranting that Budinger is the BEST player on the team. Heck, arguably speaking, Hill brought more value to this season’s Arizona team. Especially since he didn’t have QUALITY front court help.
Moreover, did Markey Marcus’s boy Chase even receive honorable mention. Yes, Chase was a very important player on this team but he faded out too many times this season, when both Bayless as well as the team could have used his HUGE IMPACT. And, Chase was defensive LIABILITY, i.e., the West Virginia game, in several games this season. Perhaps IF he would have played just a degree better on defense maybe O’Neil’s squad woud have won two of those five narrow losses, which the Wildcat’s incurred this year. But that’s all water under the Wildcat bridge now.
Again, this FRIJOLE eating character was touting Chase as having a HUGE season in 2007-08. A Nostradamus he’s not. It was apparent back when and it’s abso-LUTE-ly apparent now. But I can see how Hombre Macho Markey Marcus took exception to Robert’s poignant but controversial perspectives.
Also, Nicola is the typical SHALLOW bandwagon Wildcat pom pom waver I’ve been alluding to all season long. Heck, Davidson probably would have defeated Arizona in a first round encoutnter, and this Nicola is ranting that O’Neil’s squad could handle SEVERAL teams, i.e., in the No. 1 – No. 10 seed range, with a healty team. Get outa’ here.
— voice of a pandit 03/28/2008 11:37 AM #
Good god! When Lute finally hangs it up after the 2010/11 season some of these coaches you keep running in an out of here will be to old, in the NBA, or with another school…. I would like to see if O’Neil (and lets hope) does not get the gig after Lute, that there is an up and coming coach either in a BCS school or smaller confernce school looking to move on. Check out the guy that is at Illinois State this year? Good bet he gets a better gig in the next few years… Good at recruiting. Maybe we still another up an coming coach from the Big 10….. Matt Paniter anyone?
You have to consider that a coach of Pitino’s stature is not going to want to come to AZ and follow Lute —- especially when he is running his team on the floor each week that says Lute and Bobbi Olson!
Can we put the coaching thing away for about two/three years and just concentrate on the fact that Olson is going to be here.
— Wildcatike 03/28/2008 11:38 AM #
Voz de idiota- Figures another post of yours with nothing worth reading. Again, I altered my projections for this team (that includes players accolades) when we got handcuffed with Kevin O’Neill.
You definitely take the cake for the most self-important dense donk that this blog is unfortunately scoured with. Post something of value son, your rants are rather tiresome.
BTW…I love how you reference runner up teams and what not, when Bayless was missing in action on the biggest stage. Bayless was just as inconsistant (have you forgotten about games like Stanford where his shoes made him play bad) as Budinger, and the blame mainly goes to Kevin O’Neill. These issues will all be fixed over the summer. Unfortunately, there isn’t such a quick fix for the likes of you. Actually, there is… go play in traffic.
— Marco 03/28/2008 12:06 PM #
The blame for inconsistent play by the players should fall on the players – lets have some people take responsibility for their own actions one in awhile.
And Bayless was far and away the best player and best leader on the UofA this season. Budinger played soft as tissue the majority of the season. In the game where he supposedly “showed up”, the NCAA vs. WVU, this is what Draft Express had to say about his performance:
“Budinger struggled badly on virtually every defensive possession he was directly involved with, struggling to fight through screens, giving up too much space on the perimeter, not being very physical or aggressive, getting beat off the dribble due to his poor lateral quickness, and at times not even getting a hand up trying to contest shots. In the 10 defensive possessions we counted that he was directly responsible for, he got scored on nine times (giving up five 3-pointers, and one 3-point play), for a total of 24 points. The one “stop” he got (more due to his matchup missing an open look than any great defense) resulted in an offensive rebound and put-back for West Virginia.”
In 10 possessions Budinger gave up 9 scores. Let’s sign him up for the hall of fame! Bayless ran out of steam as the season went on, but make no mistake, every team Arizona played geared their entire defense to stop Bayless. Bayless faced constant double teams, while Chase mostly went one-on-one. And on the defensive end, Chase always gave up as much as he got. Calling Chase the best player on the team tells me that your extension span lasts about 5 games.
And Marco, you definitely did not alter your perspective for this team when O’Neill became the coach. You were still saying this team was possibly Elite Eight bound. Now that they have failed, you now blame everything on KO.
— Mike H 03/28/2008 12:33 PM #
Mike H- I simply hoped we could be Elite 8 bound as a fan, but never contended that we would. I recall using the “possible” notion that you allude to, but always noted that we needed to play zone, stay healthy, ect.. for an Elite 8 trip to happen. Again Mike H, your Best Buy real life education hasn’t prepared you for the simple task of reading into one’s comments.
Bayless was the leader of this team, that is not in question. Bayless took games over at times. Both Bayless and Budinger were double teamed all year long, and Bayless was more effective at times in making his own shot (driving to the basket).
However, Bayless was tasked much of the year as our Point Guard. We all saw that he wasn’t nearly effective in this position, and he struggled with making his teammates better. (one of the top priorities of the position). Many times he had to go on scoring sprees because he could not effectively penetrate and include his teammates on the offensive end. This coupled with the fact that he can’t drive to the left may be key reasons why he comes back another year.
Ironically, next year he’d likely be playing shooting guard (his natural position) which means he may not improve all too much on the things that he needs to to be successful at the next level. That is where Lute’s tutelage will be invaluable. But you know what? Who Cares. We need Bayless to star at shooting guard for us to win a Championship next year and that’s all we should care about. What is Bayless going to do for any of us when he is making bank in the NBA? Nothing. As Alumni and fans, we need another Championship.
When O’Neill burnt out both Bayless and Budinger due to the Offensive Sets of running around in circles, that killed our season. Bayless had a great year and I love his drive and skill as a player, but he has his limitations. If you want to talk like Voice about “maybe we could have won a few more games if this or that happended”, then consider how Bayless cost us games at Stanford and against Virigina with Freshmen mental mistakes.
The point of all the above is that though Chase has been inconsistant, we have higher expectations for him because he is the Star. These expectations were put on him when Lute compared him to Sean Elliot last year. I agree that he appeared soft in games, and got frustrated when he would somewhat disappear, but he is still the most talented, and best player on the team. If you can’t see that, then I really don’t know what to tell you. (“your extension span lasts about 5 games”…what is an extension span? How far my arms extend from my body? Do tell).
— Marco 03/28/2008 02:40 PM #
Lets get to the point guys, our program is a mess. Put yourself in the shoes of a high school jr, do you think he is going to want to play for a program with this kind of drama and it appears to be on the decline. I have been asking for answers all week, I better get some from Lute on Tuesday, if not no more money to the U until they fix the problem. I am also going to write an email to the Mr. Shelton this weekend. I do not know about the rest of you, but I give the U money every year, since all Shelton and Livengood care about is the bottom line lets hurt them where it counts. Livengood has made our football program a joke and he is working very hard to do the same with our bb program. I have had it, LUTE CLEAR THIS MESS UP ON TUESDAY!
Speaking of coaches what about the head coach of WK, wow he had his team fired up, did you see how intense they were. Thats how I thought we were going to play.
— chris from the oc 03/28/2008 03:03 PM #
Give em’ (Looney Tune Markey Marcus) HE!L, Mike H ( Post 41 ). Because I couldn’t have stated your astute Wildcat perspective any better. For your analysis of my points of contention makes El Nacho Queso sniffing PERRO, the Wildcat DILLETANTE he is, and ALWAYS will be!!
Moreover, Mile H’s, a genuine loyal Wildcat fandom by the way, notion about Bayless hitting the proverbial major college hoopdom WALL rings TRUE, for all which have the minds as well as insight to see. Of course El Hombre Macho Markey Mark and like-minded ilk will beg differently. But that’s nothing new, seeing they been playing the same ol’ worn out tune over and over and over regarding Arizona hoops this season.
Finally, there’s a legitimate reason why Jerryd still remains a solid Top 10 N.B.A. selection, while his teammate Chase’s N.B.A. stock is falling quicker than a New York minute.
At least the Wildcat audience on this formum now know that Markey Mark PERRO is “intellectualy” DISHONES when it comes to Arizona basketball matters. Matter of fact, Marcus’s errant ways are so colossally ubiquitous, they LITERALLY stagger the mind of most genuine Wildcat fandom!! LMFAO
— voice of depth 03/28/2008 04:29 PM #
Voz de Idiota- This is my last response to your idiotic ramblings. Whatever.
— Marco 03/28/2008 04:41 PM #
Not sure if anyone has seen it but here’s an article by Andy Katz that was released at 4:30 Tucson time. It has some good info from an interview he had this morning with Lute.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3318299
— azcat05 03/28/2008 05:01 PM #
Does anybody know which teams are going to participate in the N.I.T. Season Open Tip-Off, yet?? Especially schools in Arizona’s side of the bracket. I hope Duke is in the field, then Coach Olson’s up-tempo squad can T.K.O. the DIABLOS AZUL- that’s for tu, Markey Mark.
Thanks azcat05, because the voice of major college hoopdom authority covered all bases regarding the saga of Olson.
— voice of depth 03/28/2008 05:37 PM #
Texas is RIPPING Stanford, and both Nicola and Marcus said Arizona would defeat more than 70% of the remaining Sweet-16 teams- IF the Wildcat’s were abso-LUTE-ly healthy. Now, that’s what I call Wildcat delusions of grandeur.
— voice of depth 03/28/2008 06:24 PM #
Watching Stanford go from 52-51 down with 12 minutes to go (and trending optimistic) to a 20 point embarrassment made me wonder about the Wildcats’ recent season in the same vein.
Against Texas, all at once, Stanford stopped getting defensive rebounds and stopped getting good shots or making any shots. Why does that happen?
With 5 (or however many) minutes to go against West Virginia, UA was within 60-59 and looking very positive. Without apparent reason, West Virginia dominated the rest of the game 15-6.
Are there lessons to be learned? Here is one pattern we have seen too much of: start slow, get pretty far behind, make some adjustments, fight your way back into the game, make your fans think you have solved the problems and are on the way to glory, then (inexplicably?) stop doing all the good stuff that got you back in, start doing all kinds of stupid stuff, then panic, and then hang your head and basically give up.
How many times did UA follow that pattern this past season? Why all the “slow starts?” Did that used to happen (so frequently) when Lute was running the show?
Thoughts?
— Portland Catfan 03/28/2008 06:55 PM #
AZ Cat05 –
Great link. I find it very ironic that LO will speak to the media outside of Tucson, it just goes to show the poor journalism skills and trust that has slipped away.
The man deserved his privacy and still does, I for one do not really want to hear what his personal situation is just like he probably would respect the same from everybody else’s personal lives.
I just care about leadership and winning basketball games.
— JK 03/28/2008 10:26 PM #
I wish that Marco and Voice would just drop the little vendetta against each other. I like to come here and read everyone’s opinions on Cat basketball, not their ongoing playground schoolgirl prattle.
— dr 03/29/2008 03:01 AM #
dr- that is assuming senor voice is not in fact a little schoolgirl- highly unlikely. it is also assuming that senor voice actually wants to engage in mature discussion, again- highly unlikely. he attacked me for no good reason a few months back for having the audacity to think we might be able to beat UCLA on the second go around- a feat we almost accomplished by the way- and then accused me of assuring a win the first time around- an assurance i never gave.
i’ve said it before i’ll say it again, a person like him is a person that, to be wrong is akin to emmasculation…in which case he’s two balls short of a sack almost every day on this blog.
at least he’s accountable for almost 20% of the posts on any given thread…which of course means that the apartment above his parents garage is quite a nice little place to spend a day, or in his case- everyday.
so thanks for your contributions mr. voice we in the real world salute you.
as to the situation, well, lets hope the two guys can find a way to work together, if Bayless stays we’ll be very good next year…
another question- anyone watch the Kansas and Wisconsin games and think what our team might have been like if Brian Butch and Darrel Arthur had decided to come here instead?
another observation- it looks as if this tournament will see all 4 #1 seeds in the final four for the first time in quite a while, which will be great for the CBS execs and great for us fans- UNC v. Kansas – UCLA v. Memphis, story lines all over the place history galore, I didn’t predict it to happen but now it’s looking like it will…
— scott 03/29/2008 06:27 AM #
scott-post 52- you should give due consideration to fiction ranting. Because your notion’s are decent, for a neophyte, but not good. Just like your perspectives on Wildcat hoopdom matters. Matter of fact, scott’s fictional take’s are supremely better than his minds-eye on Arizona basketball.
As for the possible Final Four No. 1 seeds all playing on the final weekend of the major college basketball season, of course you didn’t have the intelligence as well as insight to “predict it.” Like Markey Mark, your a college basketball DILLETANTE!! Always have been and always will be.
As for the “reality” based college basketball realm. Wake up because your wild-eyed meandering delusional notions won’t change the situation regarding previous Arizona recruits.
scott is like the man who stupidly falls of a twelve story building. And as scott passes each floor, on his free fall down to solid concrete, he shout’s to the on lookers on each floor. “Still O.K., it’s still O.K.” And this college sports DILLETANTE has the simplistic, DENSE gull to call moi out. LMFAO!!!
— voice of antagonism 03/29/2008 07:33 AM #
Voice,
Where did you post that you predicted that all #1 seeds will be in the final four?
Scott is right, Voice doesn’t offer up much insight. Or maybe he does, but I don’t have the time to dig through all his BS when he’s sparing with another poster, and making up words.
Another thing for you Voice:
While Marco is a blowhard most of the time, at least he does offer good insight and discussion.
And go ahead and attack me. I don’t need any “rep” on a sports blog to build up my self asteem. And I’ve never claimed to be a basketball expert by any stretch of anyone’s imagination. Just a devoted fan to all things that sport ZONA’s red and blue.
— chicat 03/29/2008 09:25 AM #
THANK YOU LUTE, I am ok with his answers, KO is out and we can move on. I really believe that Bayless may come back, even if he doesnt our team is going to be good. I am glad to hear that he wants wise to start. I am excited for next season.
— chris from the oc 03/29/2008 09:40 AM #
voice-
you’re is “you are”
your is “your”
Chris- how good can we be if Bayless isn’t here? let’s put this to the test-
Wise
Jennings
Horne
Budinger
Hill
with Withey/Jacobsen, Negedu, Zane, and Fendi off the pine- on paper this looks pretty good but we’d be starting two point guards and only one pure “shooter” in Chase (I know- Wise can shoot and so can Jennings but that’s not their first weapon).
the other problem is that coming off the bench we don’t have a ball handler so if either – or gets into foul trouble we get into trouble overall as a team. the good news is that we’ll have some size with Withey and Jacobsen- the abundance of post players will free up Fendi to move to the 3/4 spot where he’s more comfortable.
In short we’re a first weekend and out tournament team without Bayless. With him we’re a deep running tournament team.
— scott 03/29/2008 11:07 AM #
I don’t know about Withey but forget Jacobsen who is almost certainly the worst recruit of the Olson era. Maybe Lute can get a JC big man to help out right away.
— vegasallen 03/29/2008 12:50 PM #
vegas-
concur on the JC issue, hopefully there’s some 6’9 250 lb behemoth in some faraway CC waiting to play on the big stage….
Bruce, any word on Jacobsen? is he any good? what can we expect out of him next year?
— scott 03/29/2008 01:20 PM #
Scott- Hill can score and he will finally have some help, wise/jennings can shoot and both can create for others. you forget that in college a great pg and a decent big man is all you need. plus you forget that our team is built to run and lo is bringing his system back.
i agree we are better with bayless but its not the end of the world.
i still want livengood fired but at least we are getting some answers.
— chris from the oc 03/29/2008 02:42 PM #
Thank god cal didnt hire Jaime Dixon from Pitt. I can’t take another slow tempo grind it out team.
— Trev in KC 03/29/2008 04:01 PM #
Scott-
You are 100% correct on your assessment about a big man.
If anybody remembers, I would love to have a guy like Phil Taylor from the Snowden days who fits that bill. He was a hatchet man and one of my favorite players ever to wear an Arizona uniform that would fill the void.
If we get this kind of player then I feel we could make that Final 4 run next year.
— JK 03/29/2008 08:26 PM #
UNC is winning it all. This team would beat all teams in the NBA out of the playoff race in a five game series.
BOOK IT. They are better than the 2005 team.
— Wildcatike 03/29/2008 09:36 PM #
WHAT THE F—K! baseball is looking bad! What coach is out there that we can get to make our team better? 5th in a row – BAD!
Its about time the Livinhood take a look at the baseball coach and maybe even the softball coach. Get him out of here! We need a winner!
LOL at all yaeh! Golf starts next week in CHI TOWN! 60 Degrees!
— Wildcatike 03/29/2008 11:37 PM #
This Website confims ESPN’s comments regarding Jennings saying Bayless is coming back. They have the quotes from Jennings mouth:
http://www.ktar.com/sports/?nid=50&sid=789657
— marco 03/30/2008 11:08 AM #
Very encouraging news about Bayless. Glad to hear.
Great news about the mens swimming. The’ve been so close before.
Guys, don’t hold your breath for Livengood to get fired. Obviously most loyal fans are unhappy with our football and basketball teams, but hes no going anywhere for a while.
— chi_cat 03/30/2008 12:29 PM #
Go, Wildcats!! Of course, that can only mean Davidson at this point. I hope Bill Self’s bullies don’t hurt Stephen Currie; he is a fun feature mildly reminiscent of Miles Simon’s run in ’97.
Will this year be remembered for breaking through with all #1 seeds advancing, or for a 10 seed crashing the party? It will be terrific either way.
Of course, UNC could not beat any NBA teams; I understood that post to reflect Ike’s belief that we’d have to look there to find competition for this year’s Roy Williams entry. I haven’t seen anythiing yet to elevate any of the 1 seeds above all the others, and that’s why I really look forward to next Saturday’s action.
It’s the best salve for another 15 nasty paper cuts from Arizona hoops. Hope is still alive, and I am eager to hear anything positive from Lute’s press conference next Tuesday.
Thanks to (almost) all the posters in this space for all the great information you provide, as well as for the interesting analyses and speculations.
— Portland Catfan 03/30/2008 02:00 PM #
Agree UNC is very good; not beating any NBA teams tho— What a game the NCAA championhip could be with Hansbrough and Love going at each other; I’m staying home and pulling for UCLA
— Larry 03/30/2008 03:25 PM #
Does anyone know what Kevin Love’s plans are for the future? Is he staying or going?
Bruce?
— FormerPro 03/30/2008 03:35 PM #
Marco — You might not want to get too optimistic here. If Bayless knew for sure he is coming back, why wouldn’t he say so himself? If guys haven’t said that usually either means they are still thinking about it or they are just being respectful to their college coach by acting like they are thinking about it. Bayless’s brother and mother have both said, after Jennings said this, that there was no decision yet. I also tried calling and texting Jennings to ask him about this and he didn’t respond.
Portland – Don’t go away. we try to have fun on this all year round, though it does slow at times…
FormerPro — Love hasn’t said but is expected to leave. Guys who are going to leave usually don’t say until at least a week after their season ends so as to be respectful to their teammates and coaches.
— Bruce Pascoe 03/30/2008 09:36 PM #
Bruce- I just noted the website for confirming where Jennings made the comments, not that the comments are true. Nonetheless, this gives more hope than if Jennings stated the opposite.
The other thing that I haven’t forgotten is that this is the same kid who de-comitted from the UofA program before he decided to play here. With some of the temper tantrums and mental lapses that he exhibited throughout the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does bolt, but he has a lot of growing up to do and it would behoove him to get a year of Lute.
— Marco 03/31/2008 09:01 AM #