Arizona Basketball: 2019-20 keys for matchup against Gonzaga Bulldogs

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 01: Nico Mannion #1 is congratulated by Zeke Nnaji #22 and Jake DesJardins #55 of the Arizona Wildcats after being named tournament MVP as the Wildcats defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 73-66 to win the Wooden Legacy at the Anaheim Convention Center at on December 1, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 01: Head coach Sean Miller of the Arizona Wildcats (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

1. Christian Koloko has positive performance when on the court

While the game of basketball has gone more towards the perimeter players, Gonzaga is one of a few programs that still operates through their bigs. And while Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke aren’t around, the Bulldogs still have a top-tier frontcourt. Skilled 6’10 forward Killian Tillie is averaging 13.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg, while 6’11 Filip Petrusev leads the way with 15.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg. Freshmen Anton Watson and Drew Timme fills out their frontcourt rotation.

Including the somewhat undersized Baylor forwards, Arizona has yet to face a frontcourt as formidable as Gonzaga in totality. They did do well against Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn (9 points on 3/7 shooting) but that was just his second game in college. The senior Tillie and sophomore Petrusev are an experienced duo who’ll be ready for a hostile road environment.

Arizona certainly has a good frontcourt of their own, led by freshman Zeke Nnaji. He leads the team with 15.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg on a whopping 71% shooting. Senior Chase Jeter starts alongside him with 6’7 forward Ira Lee coming off the bench. Cornell transfer Stone Gettings has been part of the rotation to start the season but he’s been out the past couple of weeks with a facial fracture and is doubtful for this game.

In his place has been freshman center Christian Koloko. He’s been playing in double-figure minutes and is coming off his best individual performance of the season (5 points and 10 rebounds vs Omaha). It’s unlikely that Coach Sean Miller will use just three forwards, especially if foul trouble occurs against Gonzaga. And the 7’0 big man will be needed in the battle of the boards, an area of weakness for the Wildcats.

But Koloko will have to defend against some forwards that are very capable offensively. Tillie can beat you from deep while Petrusev’s hook shots are nearly unstoppable. Around 10 minutes is the projected participation level for the big man. As long as he’s not a liability, Arizona can get by with him on the court against a top-10 team.

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