It's easy to see what Chase Jeter has added to Arizona this season: He’s the Wildcats’ leading rebounder, third top scorer, a 59.5 percent shooter and their co-captain.
But the subtraction of Jeter, both literally and figuratively, during UA's current five-game losing streak might suggest he has an even stronger value.
Consider:
- Jeter didn’t play against USC or UCLA because of a sore back, and the Wildcats lost by more than 20 points in each game.
- Jeter returned at ASU, but was just 1 of 5 from the field while battling lingering stiffness, and the Wildcats lost in overtime.
- Jeter returned to full health against Washington but, playing against the Huskies’ swarming zone defense, he managed to take only six field goals and fouled out after 26 minutes. The UA lost, 67-60.
- Against Washington State’s man-to-man defense, which uniquely defended him, Jeter went scoreless while taking four shots and getting to the free throw line only once. UA lost that game, too, 69-55.
That’s five straight losses, all featuring some sort of compromised role by Jeter.
Even if that makes him an X-factor of sorts, Jeter said he doesn't feel any additional pressure now of having to be the guy leading the Wildcats out of their slump. The Wildcats (14-10, 5-6) will play at Utah on Thursday night.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure; it’s kind of something you have to work through,” Jeter said. “I had an injury couple weeks ago. Not the first or last time I’m going be injured in my career and my teammates have dealt with that as well. It’s kind of the game within the game.”
Chase Jeter on dealing with adversity and his role as the co-captain: pic.twitter.com/vbinKy3GHA
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Chase Jeter on Arizona’s struggles this season: “Our margin for error is small.” pic.twitter.com/YI9RZynphr
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Watch what Jeter and UA coach Sean Miller said at Tuesday's news conference:
Watch: 9 best things Chase Jeter, Sean Miller said in pre-Utah news conference
Arizona Wildcats look to end five-game drought
Updated
Arizona takes on Utah and Colorado this week after losing five consecutive games.
Last weekend, the Washington schools swept the Wildcats for the first time since Lute Olson's first season in 1983. It was the first time UA coach Sean Miller fell to Washington State at home since his first year at Arizona in 2009-10.
During Arizona's five-game stretch, the Wildcats are shooting 34 percent from the field. Arizona holds a 13-1 record against Utah since the Utes joined the Pac-12 in 2011-12, and the Wildcats will look to end their own skid Thursday in Salt Lake City.
Miller and Arizona co-captain Chase Jeter held a news conference on Tuesday, here are the best clips from McKale Center.
Miller on Arizona's focus right now
UpdatedSean Miller on getting back on track and regaining confidence after losing five straight: pic.twitter.com/OVeM6VzNjm
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Fighting through the storm
UpdatedChase Jeter on dealing with adversity and his role as the co-captain: pic.twitter.com/vbinKy3GHA
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Update on Brandon Williams' knee
UpdatedSean Miller says Brandon Williams’ right knee has shown some progress. Miller says he doesn’t have a timetable of Williams’ return. pic.twitter.com/72oD8aEwBp
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Justin Coleman's legacy at the UA
UpdatedSean Miller on @justincoleman05: “I don’t know where we’d be if he didn’t choose to come to Arizona.” pic.twitter.com/c0YuV2tW1w
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
'Fragile' Arizona
UpdatedSean Miller on Arizona’s depth this season: “This year, we’re much more fragile.” pic.twitter.com/CDlYmrWXwY
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Missing bunnies
UpdatedSean Miller on Arizona missing shots close to the basket: “That’s one of our weaknesses.” pic.twitter.com/eVpsCMuqlW
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Challenge of Utah
UpdatedSean Miller on Sedrick Barefield, @UtahMBB: pic.twitter.com/60g4iElCPL
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
Brandon Randolph fits the Allonzo Trier mold
UpdatedSean Miller on Brandon Randolph trying to regain his confidence offensively: pic.twitter.com/VLlNvVSO7R
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
No room for error, per Jeter
UpdatedChase Jeter on Arizona’s struggles this season: “Our margin for error is small.” pic.twitter.com/YI9RZynphr
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) February 12, 2019
