Arizona Basketball: 3 reasons 2019-20 Wildcats can play deep into March

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Sean Miller of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half of the college basketball game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at McKale Center on November 29, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 01: Ody Oguama #33 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Dylan Smith #3 of the Arizona Wildcats (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

2. Consistent Veterans

Most people who have watched a sport for a period of time can agree that having a veteran presence is one of the most important components to a winning team. With that said, college basketball is no different and Arizona, in particular, is no exception.

The aforementioned Chase Jeter is one of those veterans now as a senior. Although only averaging 8.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, Jeter has shown flashes of what made him a McDonald’s All-American out of high school. The Duke transfer has been able to take the pressure off of Zeke Nnaji and in turn, has made opposing teams work a strategy into their game plan to counter both.

Max Hazzard, a graduate transfer from UC Irvine, has been a nice surprise presence so far for the ‘Cats. Hazzard knows what it’s like to play at a high level as he was an all-Big West Second Team member last season. Although averaging just under 6.0 ppg, the 6’0 guard has hit big shots already (i.e. halftime buzzer-beater against Illinois) and will continue to be a presence for Arizona this season.

On a team full of stars, it’s easy for one without a spotlight to stay in the shadows. For senior sharpshooter Dylan Smith, that is just the case. Smith has quietly started the season shooting 48% from 3-point range while averaging a career-high of just over 9.0 ppg. While this may not seem like a lot, if Smith can continue to be deadly from deep, it would give the ‘Cats a perfect perimeter scorer to round out their team.

Home/Arizona Wildcats