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Arizona Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wildcats

By Brad Cavallaro

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Brandon Randolph #5 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball during the college basketball game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Aggies 67-64. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Brandon Randolph #5 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball during the college basketball game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Aggies 67-64. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 31: Justin Coleman #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles the ball along the baseline as Aaron Harrison #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats defends at Rupp Arena on January 31, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky defeated Alabama 70-55.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 31: Justin Coleman #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles the ball along the baseline as Aaron Harrison #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats defends at Rupp Arena on January 31, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky defeated Alabama 70-55.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Starters

Point Guard- Justin Coleman, Senior

Coleman will compete with freshman Brandon Williams for the starting PG spot. Given his experience, I’ll slot him in as the opening day starter, although he has a tenuous hold on this position. The undersized lead guard excelled for Samford last season and started his career at Alabama where he was a top 100 recruit. He averaged 13.5 ppg, 6.6 apg, and shot 37% from three last season and is one of the few experienced players on the Arizona roster.

Shooting Guard- Dylan Smith, Junior

Smith is the leading returning scorer from last season and is the longest-tenured Wildcat. The 6’5” junior started his career at UNC-Asheville, but transitioned into a role player on a much more talented Arizona team. With Trier and Alkins off to the NBA, Smith has a chance to cement himself as a starter and top performer. Even though he is known as a knockdown shooter, Smith only shot 33% from deep last season. This will have to improve if Arizona is to reach its full potential because he is now their primary long-range threat.

Small Forward- Brandon Randolph, Sophomore

Randolph’s name was floated as a potential one-and-done prospect last preseason, but the talented 6’6” wing could not find his stride as a freshman. After a few strong scoring performances in the non-conference, Randolph took a backseat when Rawle Alkins returned. This season, the starting SF spot is Randolph’s to lose and he could even emerge as the team’s top scorer. That speaks to Randolph’s talent, but also to the extreme roster turnover that Arizona has to manage. I would not be surprised to see the athletic sophomore back on draft boards by the end of the season.

Power Forward- Emmanuel Akot, Sophomore

Akot only averaged 1.8 ppg as a freshman despite being a highly recruited player. This does not mean he should be overlooked because he could be an ideal fit as a versatile small ball PF next to Chase Jeter or Ryan Luther. He was previously in the class of 2018 and reclassified to play college basketball a year early which could also explain his slow start. With more playing time and a year to adjust to the college game, Akot will face more expectations and offensive responsibility. He needs to fulfill some of his potential and produce if Arizona wants to stay in tournament contention.

Center- Chase Jeter, Junior

Is this finally the year that Chase Jeter has a breakout season? “Breakout” might be too strong of a term, but I fully expect Jeter to be a quality starting center and provide rebounding, defense, and athleticism. The former 5-star recruit hardly played at Duke but has always flashed immense potential. Consistent minutes could be the key to unlocking this talented big man.

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