In an era defined by long-range shooting, the Arizona Wildcats have tore through the NCAA Tournament with a more old-school approach to their offense.
They’ve found themselves in the Final Four for the first time since 2001. They rely on a fluid, up-and-down offense that drives to the rim at every possible chance. With tough coaching and next-level conditioning, Tommy Lloyd has built a squad that thrives on rim-running instead of outside spacing.
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This is easier said than done, however. The three-point revolution has changed the way players approach the game. They are eager to chuck up shots now more than ever, but the Wildcats have bought in to the idea of passing up a good shot for a great one.
“Obviously everyone wants to go shoot the basketball, it’s a huge part of the next level,” Arizona assistant TJ Benson said. “That’s all they ever talk about. But I think as the season started going along, these guys have been the most coachable group I think we’ve had in five years, and we’ve had some great groups. But just understanding, nah, man, we’re gonna put our head down. This is a strength of ours. We’re not gonna let people take that away.”
This approach has helped them to not just beat teams, but to dominate them throughout the tournament. Their smallest margin of victory so far is a 12-point win over Utah State in the Second Round.
Freshman Koa Peat has been a major part of Arizona’s success thus far. He was named the West Region’s Most Outstanding Player after averaging 17.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in four tournament games.
As the Wildcats prepare to face the winner of Sunday’s Michigan-Tennessee matchup in the Final Four, they have a chance to show the world that the three-point shot may just be a but overrated.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
