Watch: 10 best things Arizona Wildcats said during Friday's player availability
The Wildcats are taking the underdog role in stride.
A new chapter for UA hoops
Updated
Brandon Randolph on the Wildcats: “People have been sleeping on us. We don’t have to use that as motivation. We know. We know what we have to do …”
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
It's only July, but the Arizona Wildcats are gearing up for another season under Sean Miller.
UA lost six players from the 2017-18 squad including the entire starting lineup and No. 1 NBA Draft pick Deandre Ayton. The Wildcats will have a plethora of fresh faces on the court.
The returners: Emmanuel Akot, Brandon Randolph, Alex Barcello, Ira Lee, Dylan Smith and Duke transfer Chase Jeter.
The newbies: Devonaire Doutrive, Brandon Williams, Justin Coleman, Omar Thielemans and Ryan Luther.
The two-time defending Pac-12 champions are embracing a rebuild year, but have plans to surprise folks around the country.
Randolph, Barcello and Jeter met with media at McKale Center on Friday afternoon, here's what they had to say.
Arizona a sleeper team?
UpdatedChase Jeter’s take on Arizona’s roster for next season: “A lot of guys we have can really fill it up, can really score and can really play. ... A lot of people will be in for a surprise with this year’s team.” pic.twitter.com/wgyT3pCGuD
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
'Under the radar'
UpdatedBrandon Randolph on UA doubters: “I’ve been under the radar my whole life so this is nothing new. I love surprising people.” pic.twitter.com/U8cKCmiv4g
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Funny guys playing Fortnite
UpdatedAlex Barcello on living with Brandon Randolph and Emmanuel Akot, and their obsession with @FortniteGame: pic.twitter.com/ufIBu300sr
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Guard oriented Cats
UpdatedBrandon Randolph on last season’s loss to Buffalo in the NCAA Tournament, stretching the floor, and Emmanuel Akot: pic.twitter.com/d2tVRr7DOM
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Randolph's freshman learning experience
UpdatedArizona sophomore guard Brandon Randolph on what he learned from last season, and looking ahead to a different starting five: pic.twitter.com/JgbIkf1m4E
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Off-court bonding
UpdatedBrandon Randolph on spending time with the incoming freshmen and transfers: pic.twitter.com/R5G5kJ7hSM
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
The Purge
UpdatedAlex Barcello: “It’s just a different team and I’m looking forward this year.”@AlexBarcello23 also talks about watching The First Purge as a team. pic.twitter.com/tqkwKGREC5
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Non-conference schedule
UpdatedAlex Barcello relishes playing in the non-conference road games: “I like the feeling of everyone’s against us.” pic.twitter.com/qZFoUCRGZI
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Miller vs. Coach K
UpdatedChase Jeter on the differences between Sean Miller and Coach K: pic.twitter.com/hfddhZDsyz
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
Tucson vs. Durham
UpdatedChase Jeter compares Tucson to Durham, North Carolina: pic.twitter.com/PHqkE5K1ze
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) July 20, 2018
