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One More Year
by: Barrett Baffert
11/13/2007
What if I were to tell you that Arizona’s basketball lineup will look like this in the not too distant future:
PG – Damon Stoudamire
SG – Khalid Reeves
SF – Sean Elliott
PF – Channing Frye
C – Loren Woods
Would that be something that might interest you? Sure, you say… why not throw in Gilbert Arenas, Steve Kerr, Mike Bibby, and Jason Terry too. Well, I can’t promise that, but what if I told you that the first two players off the bench on this super-squad would be Richard Jefferson and Andre Iguodala. Interested?
Of course you are.
And no, this isn’t some fantasy basketball league, celebrity tournament, or video game roster. It's a representation of the best (but within reason) case scenario for your 2008–2009 Arizona Wildcats.
We’re one year away.
It should come as no shock to anyone who saw Tuesday night’s nail-biter against NAU that this team is not Arizona's most talented. While Budinger and Bayless are elite players, it’s unfair to ask a walk-on to play thirty minutes or a freshman to start at a front court position he’s not physically ready for and still expect the team to compete for a Pac-10 championship. And while I understand that this team will improve as the season progresses – especially the aforementioned undersized freshman – and realize how big the distraction of Lute Olson’s leave of absence may be, there’s no avoiding the fact that this team is two or three players away from being a serious contender. And Damon Stoudamire’s not walking through that door, fans. Andre Iguodala’s not walking through that door and Channing Frye is not walking through that door…
Or are they?
Ironically, Tuesday night’s realization that Arizona might not have all the pieces was quickly followed by national signing day. Not only is Arizona bringing in a top ten class, I think it’s safe to say that two of the four commits would start for this year’s team. Sure, I’m basing this statement off first and third eyewitness reports from various high school, AAU, and pick-up basketball games (none of which are an ideal setting for player evaluation) but I honestly believe that Jeff Withey and Brandon Jennings would start for this team. Additionally, I think that Emmanuel Negedu would be no less than the ninth guy off the bench.
And while I can hear people screaming at me through their computer screens to stop talking about next year, I want you to stop for a second and savor the possibility of this lineup while you can:
PG–Brandon Jennings (6-0, 170 lbs.)
Resembles Former Wildcat: Damon Stoudamire
Jennings is perfect for Point Guard U. Although I’ve seen comparisons to such pro players as Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, I like to think his game resembles former NBA Rookie of the Year Damon Stoudamire in that he’s a smallish guard with elite quickness who can score, distribute, and run the break. In my limited viewings, I have been extremely impressed with his ability to score in the paint, his rebounding ability, basketball IQ, and flashy dribbling. He is an eye-catching, jaw-dropping talent and the odds-on-favorite for next Wildcat to have their own signature shoe. Sorry Chase.
SG-Jerryd Bayless (6-3, 193 lbs.)
Resembles: Khalid Reeves
With his no-nonsense playing style, smooth jump shot, and tendency to choose layups over dunks, "Jerry D" (my nickname for him that has yet to stick) can’t help but remind me of Reeves, one of my all-time favorite ‘Cats. Like Khalid, Bayless projects as a combo guard at the next level but would be best utilized at the two in Arizona’s system. Should our newest Zero Hero remain in Tucson for his junior season, the Jennings/Bayless backcourt would rank up there with Gardner/Arenas, Bibby/Simon and, well, Stoudamire/Reeves as best ever.
SF-Chase Budinger (6-7, 205 lbs.)
Resembles: Sean Elliott
If any player has the ability to match the achievements of Sean Elliott, it’s Budinger. But considering he’s projected to be an NBA Lottery Pick in the 2008 draft, chances are slim that he returns for his junior year. I don’t know what it would take to make Chase stay, but if he does, this team is a pre-season favorite for the Final Four. Sure, it’s far fetched but allow me to be the first to chant, “One more year! One more year!”
PF-Jordan Hill (6-9, 211)
Resembles: Loren Woods
Just as Woods had the ability to alter shots and finish around the rim, Hill – albeit a few inches shorter – has the length and athleticism to have the same impact. He may not be the relentless shot blocker that Woods was but he’s improved at breakneck speed in his short time here and, eventually, might surpass Woods’ offensive contributions. He too may declare for the 2008 NBA Draft but not if his foul troubles continue. (Smashing expensive objects against wall)
C-Jeff Withey (7-0, 225 lbs.)
Resembles: Channing Frye
I say Withey resembles Frye because of his ability to run the floor, shooting touch, shot blocking instincts, and – for lack of a better word – finesse. Withey, however, is polished unlike any freshman big man Tucson has seen in some time. He’ll obviously experience growing pains but his presence will make an instant impact. Letting Jordan Hill slide to his "natural" position and adding another shot blocker in the paint to bail out perimeter defenders will do wonders on the defensive side and his finishing ability will open up shots for Bayless, Budinger, and Jennings. In other words, he’s exactly what the ’07-’08 squad is missing. Sigh…
Bench-Jamelle Horne (6-7, 215)
Resembles: Richard Jefferson
Going from starter to sixth man may be a demotion for Horne but it would rank amongst this lineup’s biggest upgrades. He may not be able to take defenders off the dribble like Jefferson but his shot is far better than RJ’s at this point in their careers. Oh, and he too can jump. High.
Bench-Emmanuel Negedu (6-6, 225)
Resembles: Andre Iguodala
Cut straight out of the mold of Hassan Adams and Andre Iguodala, Emmanuel Negedu will be the kind of player Arizona fans have become accustomed to seeing in the 2000's: high flying, versatile, disgustingly athletic, and lengthy. He may be undersized for his natural position at power forward but his arms look longer than his legs and his tenacity around the basket is awe inspiring. Needless to say, I’m excited. Having the luxury of an athlete of his caliber coming off the bench is what makes title contenders just that. It’s exactly what separates Memphis, Kansas, UCLA, and North Carolina from everyone else this season.
Glue Guys
Additionally, if two of Wise, Onobun, Lucas-Perry, Johnson, Jacobson, and the less-heralded but promising none-the-less 2008 commit Brendon Lavender can grow into solid contributors, we’re talking about a team that, on paper, could go down as the most talented team in ‘Zona history. Not one of... "the" most talented team in Arizona history.
So during this season’s ups and downs, when you’re asking yourself, for the millionth time, why the coaches didn’t go after more big men in previous recruiting classes… While you’re waiting for Kirk Walters to finally put on those Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn glasses and untap the potential we’ve hoped to see for years… While you’re thinking to yourself that the team would be better off with Bayless at the two, Hill at the four, and Horne coming of the bench… When you’re mentally apologizing to Bret Brielmaier because you just cursed his name despite the fact that, while paying for his own tuition, he's giving his best effort to help fans forget the lack of post depth… While you're sometimes questioning if this team even has what it takes to make the tournament... Remember one thing, Damon Stoudamire might walk through that door. Andre Iguodala and Channing Frye might walk through that door.
So between now and then, join me as I chant my desperate pleas to Jordan Hill, Jerryd Bayless, Chase Budinger from the very top of McKale Center.
“One more year! One more year! One more year!”
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