Wise wants Wisconsin in Maui Invitational
By Anthony Gimino
Nic Wise
The bracket for the Maui Invitational should be announced soon, and Arizona point guard Nic Wise is eager to see the Wildcats matched up against Wisconsin.
Wise would welcome another chance to show Badgers coach Bo Ryan just what he can do.
Wise didn’t make the cut last month at the three-day tryout camp for the United States’ entry into the World University Games. Ryan is the head coach of that team.
In an interview last weekend, I asked Wise what happened at the camp — why did he think he was cut?
“I have no idea,” Wise said.
Arizona coach Sean Miller was there for the first day of the camp in Colorado Springs, Colo.
“After the first day, a couple of the coaches on the committee and Bo Ryan was telling him that I was pretty much a lock,” Wise said.
“After the third day, they made the decision and I wasn’t on the team. Can’t do anything about it.”
The selection committee, chaired by Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, also included Illinois coach Bruce Weber, Washington coach Lorenzo Romar and Jay Williams, the former guard from Duke and the Chicago Bulls.
Ryan’s assistant coaches were Miami’s Frank Haith and Rob Jeter from Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The point guards selected over Wise were Corey Fisher from Villanova (Big East) and Talor Battle from Penn State (Big Ten).
“There was only one Pac-10 coach there, and the rest was from the Big Ten and Big East, or the east. You know Bo Ryan and them are going to try to not cut players they’re going to have to play twice a year,” Wise said.
“But little did he know we might draw them in the Maui tournament.”
Wise added that he definitely would look forward to such a matchup.
“Coach (Miller) and I already talked about it,” he said.
Wise added that he didn’t think he necessarily played his best at the camp, perhaps a bit worn out from tryouts for pro teams while he was still in the mix for the NBA draft.
“I could have used more of a break in between,” Wise said. “Still, that’s no excuse. I could have played better, but I don’t think the other guards there played better than me.”
The eight teams in the Maui Invitational, which runs Nov. 23-25, are Arizona, Cincinnati, Colorado, Gonzaga, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and host Chaminade.
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Tags: Bo Ryan, Maui Invitational, Nic Wise
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July 1st, 2009 at 11:40 AM
No mention of Arizona from Doran Lamb. He states Kentucky is in the lead.
http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/07/01/kentucky-the-leader-for-lamb-iona-lands-mcfadden/#more-18683
July 1st, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Take a look at the Jeff G. piece.
http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/goodmanonfox
Lamb is scheduled to visit Arizona.
And Jeff is aware of this.
I like this part…”As for those who have said Lamb is close to committing to John Calipari, he says he’s “still open”, ..
This was in response to a HUGE internet rumor that Lamb was UK bound, during his visit. DID NOT HAPPEN.
And Calicats have been in Damage Control, ever since.
When is the Lamb visit? Soon….
July 1st, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Sorry for posting this in 2 threads…
From the link Jessie posted:
“As for those who have said Lamb is close to committing to John Calipari, he says he’s “still open”, but that Kentucky “is at the top.”
Lamb has also visited Louisville and mentioned Kansas, Oklahoma, Marquette and UConn as other schools he’s considering. ”
I have to concur with Hurricane Ditka… sounds like we’ve fallen back with Doron Lamb.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I hope we get matched up against Wisconsin and Bo Ryan in Maui. Miller has always had small PG’s that played with a chip on their shoulder, and this year should be no different.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Go get em NIC!!!
July 1st, 2009 at 2:21 PM
FYI: rivals has updated their top 25 team recruiting rankings – Arizona is #12
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=961334
How exciting!!!
July 1st, 2009 at 2:22 PM
The team should do well in Maui.
It would be nice to see them in the semi’s.
Note:
Has the UofA provided confirmation on WHEN Mid-Night Madness will happen?
It is time to return to this tradition.
And it will be a BIG RECRUITMENT draw….big time players being invited.
Can you imagine…..Miller’s FIRST Mid Night Madness.
The crowd will be CRAZY.
And the recruits will LOVE IT.
.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:32 PM
On Lamb:
I do not see him going to Kansas….Blackshear is almost a lock for them.
UK and Calicats have too many guards…
Barton was UK first choice. Lamb is there second choice and he knows that.
One thing is for sure, the 2010 recruits…
Miller will have big time recruiting battles with the Big Boys.
I like Miller’s chances.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Hey it’s too bad Mo-Tang has used up his eligibility at Chaminade.
Would’ve been nice to see him play in the Maui.
Still grinds in me to know O’Neill, a sad excuse for a coach if ever there was one, couldn’t even give this gentleman from Bali who gave everything he had to be a ‘Cat a minute or two off the bench.
O’Neill would rather keep Tangara, Jacobson and Horne on the bench and claim they had no game than put them on the floor and develop their game with them.
As long as O’Neill could do that and get away with it, he had every excuse to lose like he did because, after all, as he loved to say, UA was devoid of coachable, winnable talent, and so he’d play his version of a starting 5 to near death and then complain about their lack of toughness and defensive effort.
I know O’Neill is a real piece of, uh, work, and I for one can’t wait to see him and his Trojans get blasted, blown up and broken to “smithereeens” by Coach Miller’s ‘Cats.
But back to the matter at hand.
AG or anybody: Can you please tell me what business Jayson Williams of Dookie V pride and joy fame has judging talent for the World University Games?
I mean the guy rode Jason Gardner’s back, literally, to a NC and then stayed in the pro league long enough to have, what, a cup of Latte, extra cream and sugar?
July 1st, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Rivals recruiting rankings….
Knew the “NEW” rankings would come out soon.
But, not much work went into the new LIST.
WHY?
Because..NO WAY is ucla ranked No.8.
Give me a F*** Break.
Eveyone knows that there TOP recruit is injuried.
And wll not be ready ,hopefully, until later in the season.
And the other recruit, NELSON , is also hurt and will be redshirted.
Two of their TOP guys may not play next year.
With this said…ucla should of dropped below U Dub.
Somewhere in the 20-ish, at BEST.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Nic Wise vs. Wisconside:THERE WILL BE BLOOD
July 1st, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Javy,
Looks like folks are taking YOUR lead….
Scout article…..
Arizona has the BEST recruiting class in the PAC10!
FOR SURE.
1. Recruiting is fun again: Lets be honest for a second: Arizona recruiting was not very fun under Kevin O Neill and Russ Pennell. The days of landing high caliber players were gone and it was a bit disappointing to see it all unfold.
Fast forward to Miller, and the UA has the best class in the Pac-10. It landed a legitimate big man and landed players that some of the biggest schools in the country wanted.
Miller is going to go up against any school at any time and have a very good chance of succeeding. The Wildcats are going to land some very good players under Miller and recruiting is now exciting to watch unfold.
2. Players are going to like Miller: Make no mistake about it, Nic Wise is not staying for many other coaches. However, he liked Miller enough to want to stay one more year because not only did he respect his knowledge, but also because he is a personable guy.
Some people say the best coaches are the meanest, but Miller’s personality is going to make him a major hit with recruits and alumni, something that is obviously necessary to repair the reputation of Arizona.
Parents are going to want to send their children to play for Miller and coaches will not hesitate to send their players. Like recruiting, it should be fun cheering for a man that is likeable.
3. Arizona is going to compete: Obviously the extent to which this is true will not be decided until we see the team on the court, but it still seems apparent that the UA is going to be in the upper echelon of the conference.
Miller was successful at Xavier with lesser talent, so it seems obvious that he will be successful with a bit more as well.
The Wildcats may not win the conference every year, but it is not far fetched to expect a top two or three finish every season. In fact, it
July 1st, 2009 at 4:31 PM
In the same above link by Jeff Goodman’s blog, he mentions Justin Martin and his extremely poor attitude. These comments were made and observed by the other players in the Pierce Basketball Camp.
Although Martin’s not high on my wish list, I hope, for his sake, that he recognizes that a bad attitude follows you wherever you go, i.e. Stephenson.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Frank:
Does Stephenson have a bad attitude? Or does he just come with a lot of baggage (court case, questionable amateur status, over-zealous father)?
I would think a bad attitude would detract from overall team goals, ie championships. If having a bad attitude wins him 4 straight NYC PSAL hoops titles, then I say we need some kids with this “bad attitude.” Although I definitely don’t think we want anything to do with someone who comes with all his off-court issues. His attitude, however, seems to breed ultimate team success.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:19 PM
ben: not to get into a written battle with you, because I don’t – please re-read what I wrote. I wrote that “a bad attitude follows you wherever you go.” I was a big supporter of Stephenson coming to UA because I believe that an 18 year-old young man can change his attitude in the right environment. The reality though is that once a perception is established, it can quickly become a reputation, and thus someone who has been labeled as having a bad attitude can unfortunately follow him for a long time.
Here are a couple of links that state he had a “poor attitude.” Unfortunately (or fortunately), I couldn’t find the one that stated on day one of his Team USA trials he had to be spoken to about his attitude. Although, he apparently took the advice to heart, he still was cut.
(I’m only providing these links for ben – I am in no way beating down Lance – he’s an 18 year-old kid who’s trying to find his way to his dream. Imagine all the mistakes we made when we were 17 and 18)
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=961334
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Lance-Stephenson-is-still-without-a-school-and-?urn=ncaab,172172
July 1st, 2009 at 6:27 PM
I’m sure by now everyone has seen the Rivals class rankings in which UofA is #12. Interested to see what Scout says since the Cats were 12 prior to signing Jones and Williams. And I know these rankings don’t mean a ton but it is still exciting and is great publicity. The Cats are front page of the basketball recruiting page of Rivals.
Also of interest, and forgive me if this has been posted, but the new 2011 rankings are out on Rivals. Jabari Brown is 22, Nick Johnson 28, Tharpe is 35, Nunez is 44, and Sidiki Johnson is 56.
The Cats need to start locking down the best in Arizona like they used to. The state is prodicing more solid basketball players every year and it needs to be almost automatic like before. If so, that is like having an automatic four or five star every year. It’s very frustrating that Bejarano and Woolridge are going to the Big 12.
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=910&Year=2011&ra_key=2288
July 1st, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Michael,
Arizona is ranked #12 by Scout and with all five recruits already taken into account apparently.
July 1st, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Saguaro, scout has updated the number of commits etc. on all teams but has not adjusted the rankings at all. I don’t know why they do it this way. It says rankings are updated but they really aren’t. THe actual rankings haven’t changed one bit and have not been adjusted.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:54 PM
So, with Scout New Ranking…if they get around to it….
Arizona should be in the TOP10.
Looks like they got summer interns and JUST updated all the new commits….
July 1st, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Javy,
Who was the last coach-team?… to go from being LAST in the PAC10 recruiting rankings and END UP as having the BEST recruiting class, in the PAC.
Did Miller just make history?
July 1st, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Good point Jessie Wildcat…I will give my opinion on an upcoming blog.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Javi –
This got me thinking – what was the U’s last best recruiting class? Would you go with Jefferson/Walton/Wright/(Anderson?) in 99? I can’t remember exactly what years players came in together.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:26 PM
wakahaka: Actually the 1999 class included Arenas, Frazier, Gardner, Javtokas and Walton. Arenas, Gardner and Walton turned out to be some of the best Wildcats to play for Olson. The 1985 class that included Elliott, Cook and Lofton is probably the most special to UA fans. Believe it or not, if Budinger sticks in the NBA, Hill excels with the Knicks and Wise goes on to be drafted and plays in the NBA, the Class of 2006 of Budinger, Hill and Wise would be a lot better than most people give it credit for.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Jessie, I don’t recall any news about any of UCLA’s top recruits being injured, I believe you’re talking about Drew Gordon who was a freshman last year, which wouldn’t have any effect on Rivals’ rankings.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Walkin….we talked about the TWO recruits which are injuried from the 09 ucla class.
I believe there are links and discussion from 2 days ago.
From Javy aritcle…of PAC10 Recruiting…ranking the PAC10.
Honey and Nelson are the TWO.
ucla will have ,basically , TWO recruits for 09 : Moser and Lane.
(not counting Stover….lol)
These would have major impacts to the ucla rankings.
Just think….two rivals and scout JUST used the summer interns…for commit updates.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Walkin…
If you take a look at the ucla roster of players for the ucla camp, presently being held.
Honey and Nelson are not on the roster list for the camp.
All the other ones are at the camp…including 10.
So, with this said…Arizona has the BEST Recruiting class from the PAC10.
Right.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Walton was actually in the 1998 class that included Michael Wright, Richard Jefferson, Rick Anderson, and Ruben Douglas, he just redshirted that first year. You could also potentially throw Loren Woods into that class, he sat out that season as a transfer but was able to go up against Bramlett in practice and you could see the improvement in A.J.’s game.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:30 AM
The recruiting rankings aren’t just for how much the players will impact the coming season, but long-term as well. If the players are expected to make full recoveries and still have productive careers at UCLA then I don’t think that should impact their class ranking.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:22 AM
JW: I agree with Wally. Just because they are temporarily injured doesn’t mean that the recruiting haul drops. Sure it’s possible that Nelson and Honeycutt’s injuries could be long term, but no one knows that now! So stop being critical of UCLA’s ranking – rankings don’t mean anything until one, two, and three years down the road. Just be happy that Miller quickly brought in a group of young men who have been nationally recognized for their abilities. And stop knocking UCLA! (I’m no Bruin fan, and I’m trying to stay a JW fan, but you are making it difficult)…
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Frank,
As you can tell , I am not a ucla fan.
Being from LA LA land most of the year….
Rankings are only a PR job….good ness to share with the 2010 prospective recruits….
But, who said the injuryies are temp?
Nelson is out …redshirting for at least one year.
And HONEY…it will take him until Soph year to get into his old playing shape.
He was skinny before and is more now.
August 4th, 2009 at 10:37 AM
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