Arizona Basketball: Keys to success versus Buffalo

Deandre Ayton

Ayton is arguably the most dominant player in college basketball. The 7’1″, 250-pound center is both an unstoppable force and an immovable object (shoutout to my fellow Batman geeks). He has the rare combination of size, speed, and touch that make fans and scouts drool.

He is averaging a double-double this season (20.3 ppg, 11.5 rpg) and also protects the rim (1.9 blocks). He is a matchup nightmare for any team, but especially for Buffalo. The Bulls have limited frontcourt depth and I have a feeling Ayton will force them into foul trouble.

Ayton is a capable outside shooter (36.4 3P%), but he should live in the paint versus Buffalo. In addition to drawing fouls, he will be able to establish excellent post position and dominate smaller Bulls’ players. I am forecasting many thunderous dunks, including several put-backs. He can clean the glass, but he should still be the offense’s focal point.

The Wildcats must establish their star big man early in this contest. The offense should run through Ayton, which will create opportunities for the rest of the Wildcats. With all the attention that Buffalo must pay to Ayton, Arizona will find clean driving lanes and open looks. As a result, the Wildcats’ complementary players will thrive.