By Maxx Wolfson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Thursday April 3, 2003
With the end of the 2002-2003 men's basketball season still fresh, it's never too early to look ahead to next season. Here is a preview of the future of Arizona basketball...
Hassan Adams
G/F 6-4 201 So. Los Angeles
After a great start to his UA career, Adams hit a lull halfway through it. He was named the MVP of the Fiesta Bowl Classic, but his numbers steadily declined after that. He is one of the most athletic players to ever play for Arizona and can be one of the most versatile. He can play either guard or forward next season, leaving him many options. He will still have to fight for playing time and a starting bid.
Chris Dunn
F 6-6 170 RS-Fr. Hobbs, N.M.
Dunn nearly made the team after a strong showing in fall practice, but UA head coach Lute Olson decided it would be more beneficial for him to redshirt. He was great as a practice player and showed off his quickness and defensive ability. Olson says Dunn needs to work on getting more lift on his shot before he becomes a potent offensive threat. He will fight for minutes at the small forward and maybe even power forward position.
Ndudi Ebi
F 6-9 201 Fr. Houston
Ebi is one of the best shot-blockers to ever be recruited by Arizona, and along with Channing Frye, the duo can be tough under the basket. Olson squashed rumors that the high school phenom could jump straight to the NBA earlier this week, which is great news for UA. He can bring it on both defense and offense as he has the quickness to play on the inside or out on the wing.
Isaiah Fox
C 6-9 269 Jr. Santa Monica, Calif.
Fox disappeared as the season rolled on because of the emergence of Frye and a healthy Luke Walton. He wants to contribute on the court as a leader next season, and Olson says he is the perfect guy to fit that mold. Fox is not going to run by anybody with his speed, but his frame can be used to match up with opposing big men. He needs to improve his offense game and his hands.
Channing Frye
C 6-10 235 Jr. Chandler
Frye was the biggest surprise on the team last season as he upped his numbers in every category. He came on once Pac-10 play began where his averages went up again. Still looking to add weight, Frye can emerge as one of the conference top big men next season if he keeps his word that he will stick around. He is really the only player that is locked in to starting role.
Andre Iguodala
F 6-6 200 So. Springfield, Ill.
He frustrated teams with his on-the-ball defense, and became a fan favorite early on last season with his hustle. Going after every loose ball became a staple for Iguodala, who also dazzled crowds with his athleticism. His shot began to improve once the season rolled on, which equaled more minutes. He will play a key role next season on both ends of the court.
Jason Ranne
G 6-4 195 Sr. Tulsa, Okla.
Ranne is a pure shooter who has never gotten a real chance to play in his two seasons. A former walk-on, Ranne played in only 10 games last season. He will be one of two seniors, along with Fil Torres, who could provide experience and enthusiasm from the bench.
Chris Rodgers
G 6-3 203 So. Portland, Ore.
Rodgers emerged as one of the best defending guards on the team. At first it was unsure if he was going to get many minutes, but got in the game because of his defense. Olson says Rodgers is still a combo guard even though he flirted with the idea of making him a point guard. He needs to work on his release to make it quicker. More minutes down the road will only help his confidence.
Mustafa Shakur
G 6-3 175 Fr. Philadelphia
Being the highest rated point guard to ever be recruited by Arizona means something when players like Damon Stoudamire, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry and Jason Gardner played in Tucson. Shakur is lightning-quick and can deliver the rock as well as he can shoot it. He Is penciled in to replace Gardner at the point, but he does have some competition from Stoudamire and Rodgers.
Salim Stoudamire
G 6-1 176 Jr. Portland, Ore.
If there is one thing that won't make him a superstar in his time at Arizona, it's his attitude. He was benched twice during the season and his mood swings played a factor in the loss to Kansas on Saturday. Other than that, Stoudamire is one of the best pure shooters in the nation. He showed his ability to take over a game when UA took on Kansas in Lawrence where he scored 32 points, 20 coming in the second half. He is considered the best defensive player on the team.
Fil Torres
G 6-2 195 Sr. Lisle, Ill.
Olson said before last season that Torres is one player who knows his role. That holds true next season as Torres will be used primarily just as a scout team player. He spent all last season covering Gardner in practice and will see a lot of time covering Shakur next year. Along with best friend Ranne, the two have become fan favorites when UA has a big lead.
Kirk Walters
C 6-10 210 Fr. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Considered a "diamond in the rough" recruit, Walters has been one of the most dominating big men in the state of Michigan. Olson says people will be surprised by his speed coming down the floor. His game in the state championship is being called one of the great performances in a championship game of all-time in Michigan.
· Arizona still has two scholarships available for next season, but Olson is not sure where UA might use them.