After two and a half years of college I feel as though I learned a lot. I’m so wise now and I have decided that these listed items are just absolutely, positively, unacceptable: man thighs in public, lap dogs in costumes, the word “moist”, and the Jonahs Brothers. But above all nothing is worse than missing the annual Red/Blue Game! If you’re a student at U of A, a citizen of Tucson, or just a living, breathing, Homo sapien, you should make it a priority to at least try to buy a ticket. Maybe sell a child? Okay I’m being excessive but the Red/Blue Game is more than just a team scrimmage, it’s the beginning of a new college basketball season and I am so sick of football.
So for those of you who don’t know what the Red/Blue game is, it’s an annual scrimmage put on by our basketball team as a way to kick off the new season, introduce the new players, and wash away the pain of the football season. This year is going to be a little different, former U of A player, Derrick Williams (the one and only) will be attending to accept his inductee into the McKale Center Ring of Honor. D Will left U of A last year after his sophomore year and entered the draft. Regardless of the NBA lockout and the uncertainty it brings to the NBA season wildcats coach Sean Miller himself will admit that the 6’8 hoop star will be much missed but made the right choice for himself in entering the draft. He may be moving forward in his career but D Will will always bleed red and blue. Also being inducted into the McKale Center Ring of Honor is former U of A hooper Chase Budinger, forward for the Houston Rockets. Other alum that will be in attendance are Joseph Blair, Channing Frye, Andre Iguodala, Richard Jefferson and Corey Williams.
It’s always great to see old faces but even more exciting are our four new freshmen playing in public with the team for the first time and showing fans what we have to look forward to this year. First up we have true point guard, Josiah Turner. Turner is noted for his court vision and ability to pass the ball. With a new point guard on the court, sophomore Jordin Mayes will be free to play a more versatile role on the court and add depth to the wildcat’s offense. Also new to the wildcats this year is freshman Nick Johnson. Johnson is fresh out of Findlay College Prep, a widely known basketball school that plays host to hoop stars from all over the world. The freshman guard, originally from Gilbert, Arizona, left home to attend Findlay and helped lead his team to win the ESPN RISE National High School Invitational. Also new to the team this year are forwards, Angelo Chol and Sidiki Johnson. During UA’s media day senior guard, Kyle Fogg, commented on the freshman new comers, “I think all our freshman have a special skill. Nick (Johnson) is a great defender. Josiah (Turner) is a great passer. Angelo (Chol) is a great shot blocker and Sidiki (Johnson) is a good, all-around big man. I think they’re all ready to contribute this year.” I just want to add one thing about Nick Johnson, he is absolutely beautiful to look at. (I know you’re googling him right now ladies I don’t blame you.)
All jokes aside though this season is bound to be an interesting one. Currently we are ranked nationally at no. 16. However, with Kevin Parrom injured and no more Derrick Williams (still breaks my heart to say), this team is a completely different team that we all cheered into the Elite 8 last March. With four freshman and four seniors it’s all about chemistry but according to Senior forward they certainly aren’t lacking this key element. “We have chemistry right off the bat. Off the court and on the court, it’s chemistry. I’ve never played with a team that is this close right from the start. With four new guys coming in, it’s been a great environment.”
I personally can’t wait to see these guys play together. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. in good ol’ McKale Center and tickets are already sold out. (You could always use my sell a child idea if you haven’t gotten your ticket yet.) The gym is going to be packed with fans, alumni, NBA stars, and our beloved wildcat hoopers but also scheduled to be there is our impressive recruiting class for the 2012 season, Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett, and Gabe York. Also, for those of you who are 21, PointGuardU.com will he be hosting the Red/Blue Tip Off Bash held at Champs on the corner of 6th and Campbell. Bring your ticket for the Red/Blue Game and its all you can drink on PGU. I’m telling you all this a little bitterly because my 21stbirthday is about a million years from now. Ok its next month but still. Guess I’ll just have to enjoy the game sober but that’s perfectly ok because the hour is upon us and it’s finally basketball season!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Arizona chapter.