Arizona vs. Iowa State: Key storylines to watch in the Maui Invitational matchup

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Brandon Randolph #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after scoring against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of the college basketball game at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Crimson Tide 88-82. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 15: Marial Shayok #4 of the Virginia Cavaliers pushes past Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils for a basket during Virginia’s game against the Duke Blue Devils at John Paul Jones Arena on February 15, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /

Each team has impressive newcomers

For Arizona, it was important that Head Coach Sean Miller was able to get back top-35 recruit Brandon Williams after he decommitted due to the FBI Investigation that involved the program. The 6’2 guard has played very well, averaging 14.3 ppg and 4.7 apg for the Wildcats. Considering that the other guard the Arizona had before (Jahvon Quinnerly) can’t get into Villanova’s rotation at the moment, the team seems to have lucked out.

Another former high school big deal was Chase Jeter, who left Duke after two injury-filled years. The junior so far is averaging 14.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg in three games, albeit against inferior frontcourts. The Wildcats don’t have the same size and talent down low as they had in years so his production is key for the team to win games this season.

Iowa State also has a pair of newcomers through the transfer market in Michael Jacobson and Marial Shayok. With all the injuries to the Cyclones frontcourt, these two have been outstanding, combining to average 36.0 ppg and 12.0 rpg. For Shayok in particular, the 6’6 senior has been unlocked after playing in the Virginia offensive system. By the time conference play starts and everyone is presumably back for Iowa State, these two will still have a major role on the team.

Home/Arizona Wildcats