Saoirse Downs
The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team has a long and storied history, with the University of Arizona fielding its first team way back in 1904-1905. The team has enjoyed success over the years, including multiple Pac-12 regular-season championship titles and a streak of 25 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. However, in recent years, there have been questions about whether the team is overrated. In the 2022-23 preseason coaches' poll, Arizona was ranked 13th, which some, like Kyle Boone of CBS Sports, considered too high for a team that had lost several key players. With the team's performance and ranking in flux, it's worth examining whether the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team is overrated and, if so, what factors have contributed to this perception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Arizona Wildcats |
| Coach | Sean Miller |
| Coach's Salary | $1.6 million per year, with an additional $400,000 per season from Nike and media contracts |
| Year | 2022-23 |
| Ranking | 17th in the preseason Associated Press Top 25; 13th in the coaches' poll |
| CBS Sports Ranking | 17th |
| AP Poll Ranking | 17th |
| Notable Players | F Azuolas Tubelis, G Kerr Kriisa, G Pelle Larsson, C Oumar Ballo |
| Wins | Defeated #13 Utah in Salt Lake City; won Pac-12 regular season championship title |
| Losses | Lost to Arizona State, Oregon State, and UNLV |
| Overrated | Yes, according to Kyle Boone of CBS Sports |
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What You'll Learn
Arizona Wildcats' 2022-23 ranking
The 2022-23 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team represented the University of Arizona during the 2022-23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team was led by Tommy Lloyd, in his second season as head coach. This was the Wildcats' 49th season at the on-campus McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, and their 44th season as a member of the Pac-12 Conference.
The Wildcats finished the season with a record of 28-7, 14-6 in Pac-12 play, tying for second place. They defeated Stanford, Arizona State, and UCLA to become champions of the Pac-12 Tournament. They received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament but were upset in the first round by Princeton, becoming the 11th No. 2 seed to lose to a No. 15 seed.
Despite this early exit, the Wildcats had a strong season overall. They were ranked 8th in the Final AP Poll and 17th in the preseason AP Poll. They were also ranked 13th in the preseason coaches' poll, although some, including Kyle Boone of CBS Sports, considered this ranking too high for the team.
The Wildcats had a solid transfer class and freshmen haul, but they had lost two first-round picks and an early second-round pick. They had three players voted to preseason All-Pac-12 teams in the media poll: F Azuolas Tubelis, G Kerr Kriisa, and G Pelle Larsson. C Oumar Ballo was also recognized as an honorable mention. The team was also in the news as Bryce James, the son of LeBron James, committed to play for the Arizona Wildcats basketball program.
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The team's history
The University of Arizona fielded its first men's basketball team in 1904–05. Orin Albert Kates was the first coach, and the team's first game ended in a 40–32 victory over the Morenci YMCA. In 1914, James Fred "Pop" McKale, Arizona's first famous coach, was hired. He posted a 9–0 record in his first season and elevated the program to intercollegiate play. McKale chalked up three undefeated seasons and a career-winning average of .803, which remains unbeaten.
In 2009, Arizona hired Sean Miller from Xavier University as the 13th head coach of the men's basketball team. Miller acknowledged the impact of his predecessor, Lute Olson, on the Arizona program. Under Miller, Arizona reached the 2015 NCAA tournament, where they finished the season 34–4, 16–2 in the Pac-12. They also won their third Pac-12 regular-season championship title and their first Pac-12 Tournament title since 2002.
In 2022, Arizona men's basketball ranked 17th in the preseason Associated Press Top 25. However, the coaches' poll ranked them 13th, which was considered by some, including Kyle Boone of CBS Sports, to be too high. Despite this, the Wildcats had a successful season, with wins over highly-ranked teams and players recognised in preseason All-Pac-12 teams.
While Arizona has had its share of successes, there have also been controversies. In 2009, reports of NCAA violations arose regarding impermissible benefits to players. Additionally, the team's selection as one of the last teams in the 2009 NCAA Tournament was controversial, as they had finished the regular season with a 19–13 record. Despite this, they extended their NCAA consecutive tournament appearances to 25 years.
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Coaching changes
One notable coaching change for the Arizona Wildcats was the appointment of James Fred "Pop" McKale in 1914. McKale, who had previously been a teacher and coach at Tucson High School, took over as the Athletic Director and coach of multiple sports, including basketball. Under his leadership, the Arizona basketball team flourished, achieving three undefeated seasons and a remarkable career-winning average of .803. McKale's success set a high standard for the program and established a legacy that would influence future coaching appointments.
Another significant coaching change occurred in 2009, when Russ Pennell was not retained as head coach despite leading the Arizona Wildcats to a successful season with a 19-13 record and a Sweet 16 appearance. This decision sparked controversy, as it was announced prior to his hiring that a national coaching search would be conducted after the season. Pennell's departure highlighted the unpredictable nature of coaching changes, where even postseason success does not guarantee job security.
Following Pennell's exit, Sean Miller was hired as the 13th head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team. Miller initially turned down the offer but later accepted, acknowledging the impact of his predecessor, Lute Olson, on the program. Miller's appointment brought new offensive and defensive strategies, along with a substantial salary and perks. His arrival marked a turning point for the team, as they sought to rebuild and reclaim their standing in college basketball.
In summary, coaching changes for the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team have been pivotal in shaping the program's history, influencing its success, and public perception. From the groundbreaking leadership of "Pop" McKale to the controversial departures and arrivals of later years, each coaching change has played a role in defining the team's identity and trajectory. These changes serve as a reminder that the dynamics of college basketball are fluid, and the impact of coaching extends beyond the court, affecting team performance, fan expectations, and the program's overall direction.
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Star players
The Arizona Wildcats have a rich history in men's basketball, with their first team formed in 1904–05. The team has seen several star players over the years, with some going on to have very successful careers.
One of the earliest notable coaches was James Fred "Pop" McKale, who took the helm in 1914. He elevated the program to intercollegiate play, achieving three undefeated seasons and a career-winning average of .803, which remains unbeaten.
In more recent times, the Wildcats have had their fair share of star players and coaches. Sean Miller, who was hired as the 13th head coach in 2009, led the team to great success. During his tenure, the Wildcats won their third Pac-12 Regular Season Championship title in 2015, along with their first Pac-12 Tournament title since 2002.
Some of the star players who have contributed to the team's success include F Azuolas Tubelis, G Kerr Kriisa, and G Pelle Larsson, who were all voted to preseason All-Pac-12 teams in the media poll. C Oumar Ballo was also recognized as an honorable mention. These players have been instrumental in keeping Arizona at the top of college basketball rankings.
Additionally, the Wildcats have attracted the talents of players like Jaden Bradley, who helped secure a win over Cincinnati, and Motiejus Krivas. The team has also gained the commitment of Bryce James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, which has brought additional attention to the program.
While the team has had its ups and downs, with some considering them overrated in certain seasons, the Arizona Wildcats have consistently produced talented players who have contributed to their success and kept them competitive in men's college basketball.
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Tournament performance
Arizona Wildcats, the University of Arizona's men's basketball team, has had a long and storied history in the sport, dating back to their first game in 1904–05. The team has experienced both highs and lows over the years, with various coaches leading them through different seasons.
In recent memory, the 2014-15 season stands out as a successful campaign for the Wildcats. They claimed the longest active home winning streak in D-1 men's college basketball at the time, winning their third Pac-12 regular-season championship title in a row and their 14th overall. They also won their first Pac-12 Tournament title since 2002 and finished the season with an impressive 34-4 record.
However, their tournament performance in the 2015 NCAA Tournament was cut short in the Elite Eight by the Wisconsin Badgers, who defeated them 85–78. This loss prevented them from advancing further and potentially claiming a national championship.
Fast forward to the 2022-23 preseason, and there are mixed opinions about the team's performance and ranking. While they reached the Sweet 16 as the nation's No. 2 team, their ranking in the preseason coaches' poll at No. 13 was considered by some, including Kyle Boone of CBS Sports, as slightly overrated. This sentiment was echoed by FanDuel Research, which predicted that the Wildcats would be one of the two overrated teams in the preseason coaches' poll.
Despite these criticisms, the Wildcats have consistently proven their ability to bounce back and adapt to changes. For example, following the departure of head coach Sean Miller, who led the team for a significant period, they recovered well with a solid transfer class and freshmen haul.
In summary, while the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team has had its share of triumphs and setbacks, their tournament performance has been a mixed bag. They have tasted success in regular-season championships and tournament titles but have also fallen short of advancing further in some NCAA Tournaments. The team's ranking and performance in the 2022-23 preseason also sparked debates about their true potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Arizona men's basketball team has been described as "overrated" in the 2022-23 preseason coaches poll by Kyle Boone of CBS Sports. However, this view is subjective and depends on various factors, such as team performance, player transfers, and injuries.
In the 2022-23 season, Arizona lost two first-round picks and an early second-round pick, which could impact their performance. Additionally, some might consider them overrated if they place too much reliance on star players, or if their performance declines towards the end of the season.
Yes, in the 2009 season, Arizona controversially secured a spot in the NCAA tournament as the 12th seed in the Midwest region, despite finishing the regular season with a 19-13 record. This decision was likely influenced by their consecutive tournament appearances and wins over highly-ranked teams.
