Seen and Heard: Richard Jefferson's new job, Ira Lee's return and Dylan Smith's 3s

Return of Lee

After the first media timeout, Arizona forward Ira Lee checked into the game at center, replacing starter Chase Jeter. Lee served a one-game suspension for the season opener versus Houston Baptist following his citation for DUI in August.

Arizona’s frontcourt of Jeter, Lee and Pittsburgh transfer Ryan Luther combined for 39 points and 19 rebounds.

“It’s been the first time we’ve had our entire cast,” Sean Miller said in the postgame press conference. “Our depth inside is something we’re working on to develop, but I think the biggest players on our team — Ryan Luther, Ira and Chase — having those guys play well and healthy, it gives us a better opportunity to rebound and do some things we need to do moving forward.”

Lee contributed right away with five rebounds and two points in the first half. He finished the afternoon with 6 points and 8 rebounds.

Welcome back to McKale, RJ

Richard Jefferson taking photos with fans before his first broadcast on Pac-12 Networks. @APlayersProgram pic.twitter.com/x1ruxzl82O

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) November 11, 2018

Former Arizona Wildcat Richard Jefferson returned to McKale Center for the first time since April Sunday as part of the Pac-12 Networks’ broadcast. Jefferson was brought on to Pac-12 Networks team as a game broadcaster and in-studio analyst.

He joins an analyst group that consists of former Wildcat Matt Muehlebach, Steve Lavin, Casey Jacobsen, P.J. Carlesimo, Mike Montgomery, Eddie House, Don MacLean, Eldridge Recasner, Dan Dickau, Ben Braun, Dan Belloumini and, of course, Bill Walton. Former interim UA coach Kevin O’Neill will no longer be a part of the network.

Along with Pac-12 Networks, Jefferson is also a Brooklyn Nets analyst on YES Network and a college basketball broadcaster on ESPN. Jefferson retired from the NBA after 17 seasons and will now become a traveling man as a broadcaster.

“This is the year off. This isn’t work,” Jefferson told the Star before tipoff.

Jefferson still took the time to greet fans and take photos with members of the Zona Zoo.

Kicks of the night

Richard Jefferson wearing sneakers that are a @Nike and Supreme collaboration. Official name is Nike SB Gato Supreme Red. 👟: https://t.co/WDlF3I95gM pic.twitter.com/ygxvqODdYn

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) November 11, 2018

Jefferson returned to his old stomping grounds in style. Jefferson sported Nike SB Gato Reds which is a collaboration of Nike and popular street brand “Supreme.” Jefferson’s low-cut shoes were red with a yellow accent, white Nike swoosh and had “World Famous” on the heels. The sneaker is inspired by the design of an indoor soccer shoe.

The shoes are currently sold out on the Nike website.

The big number

32-4

Arizona’s run over a 10-minute stretch in the second half against Cal Poly.

Another big number

4

Number of 3-pointers Smith made, which tied his career-high from last season against Cal in January. Smith replaced an injured Rawle Alkins in the starting lineup that game.

Getting out of the funk

UA guard Dylan Smith was on a rough patch from 3-point range dating back to last season. Smith made his first 3-point shot in the first half, which ended a four-game drought. The last time he made one was against Colorado in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament against Colorado. Over the last four games, Smith shot 0 of 10 from beyond the arc, but went 2 of 3 in the first half against Cal Poly.

When UA went on a 20-0 run in the second half and Smith contributed two 3-pointers during the stretch. Smith shot 4 of 7 from 3-point range and tallied 12 points, which was the first double-figure performance for him since the Feb. 24 road game at Oregon.

The biggest number

21

Points off turnovers, which was also the margin of victory for UA.

He said it

Sean Miller on Richard Jefferson joining Pac-12 Networks: “It’s good to have an Arizona guy behind the microphone.” pic.twitter.com/gRorh2Otqo

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 12, 2018

“He’s an amazing story. To watch how articulate he is, the NBA career he’s had and the person he is, announcing is like seamless for him. It’s like he’s been doing it for 10 years and it’s good to have an Arizona guy behind the microphone.”

— Sean Miller on Richard Jefferson becoming an analyst for Pac-12 Networks.