ERIC M. JUKELEVICS

UA freshman forward Isaiah Fox pump-fakes in the post as fellow freshman Channing Frye goes up for the block during last night's Red-Blue Game in McKale Center.

Monday October 29, 2001

Freshmen in focus during 'Red-Blue Game'

It was apparent just how young the Arizona men's basketball team is during the Pepsi Red-Blue scrimmage last night in McKale Center.

"I thought the three juniors played really well," head coach Lute Olson said. "(Ricky Anderson), Luke (Walton) and Jason (Gardner) worked really well together."

The junior trio set the tone early and led the Blue team, made up predominately of more experienced players, to a 125-78 victory in front of 3,809 fans.

Junior point guard Jason Gardner led all scorers with 29 points on 12-for-19 shooting, including four three pointers.

Walton dished out a game-high 12 assists and scored 20 points.

Again the focus was on the freshmen and, for the most part, they did not disappoint.

Known mostly for his athleticism, freshman guard Will Bynum displayed his outside shooting touch, hitting 6 of 8 three-pointers.

Fellow guard Salim Stoudamire spent most of the night playing the point guard position.

"I think we played hard," Stoudamire said. "That's all we can do. I didn't really feel that comfortable, but as the game progressed, I felt better."

Stoudamire said that as the season approaches, the younger players will look to the more experienced players for guidance.

Gardner said he was happy with the play of the freshmen and understands how difficult it is making the adjustment to college basketball.

"It is a big adjustment," Gardner said. "It is kind of hard coming from high school and coming into a program like this."

Bynum said he is adjusting well and is looking forward to the next test.

"There is a lot of stuff I didn't learn in high school," Bynum said. "But I'm learning it now."

Freshman center Channing Frye benefited from starting the game with Gardner and Walton and said he was able to find his rhythm and put himself in the position to be effective.

"I think it helped a lot (playing with Gardner and Walton)," Frye said. "They know where I am supposed to be, and they are a lot more mature."

Frye scored 26 points, many off passes from Walton.

Olson said he was most impressed by Frye's performance in the frontcourt and Stoudamire's defense.

"I thought the big guys did more of the things we are looking for," Olson said. "Defense is the key with me. You have to be a full-time defender.

"As of this point, Salim has an edge on (Bynum) on the defensive end."

The next test for the freshmen is in New York City against Maryland Nov. 8.

"I think right now we are able to do what we need to do," Frye said. "As far as matching up with anybody, I don't know. Give us another week; I think we can.

"When it becomes game time, I think we will be ready for aFnybody."