Arizona Wildcats by Position: Point Guard

 It seems like just yesterday when Russ Pennell was leading the cinderella 2008-09 Arizona Wildcats into the Sweet Sixteen. But oh how times have changed. A new coach, new players, and a new style of play have all rolled into Tucson with the first full practices starting this Friday. This will be the first of a six part series in which I will review each player at each position  

Nic Wise

After the end of the 08-09 season it seemed as if Wise would not be returning to Tucson. Heading overseas to Europe and entering the NBA draft were both very appealing and the fact that Arizona only had 6 returning players made the first two options seem even more enticing. But then Sean Miller rode into town, bringing with him 5 recruits who all have the ability to contribute during their freshman year. This and the fact that Miller is implementing a run and gun offense persuaded Wise to return for his senior year. The stars are aligned for Wise to have a huge year. He is already being viewed as being one of the best point guards in the nation and he will have the ball in his hands a lot more this year with the departures of Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger. He has immediate scoring threats with wings Solomon Hill and Jamelle Horne and a post presence with big bodied Kyryl Natyazko at 6'11 250 lbs. Defensively, Wise is one of the better on ball defenders in the Pac 10. He has an uncanny ability to stay body to body with his opponent but he does tend to be in foul trouble late in games. Wise played tremoundously in the 09 NCAA tournament and if he is able to bring that level of play to each game during this upcoming season, he will be an All American.  

Lamont Jones 

At this time last year, Arizona was getting its heartbroken by Oak HIll point guard Brandon Jennings who decided to play in Europe. This time around, Oak Hill has been kinder to the Wildcats and point guard Lamont "MoMo" Jones has joined the team. Jones has the ability to score every time he touches the ball and he has above average ball handling skills. At almost 200 lbs. Jones has a similar body type to ex North Carolina Tar Heel Ty Lawson. Jones is bound to see a lot of playing time this year and will be asked to provide a consistent number of points per game. He is already used to playing in the limelight because of his time at the prestigious Oak Hill academy so there should be no fear coming from Jones. Anything that Jones can add while Wise is resting on the bench will be a huge bonus because one of the few things that Arizona does not have to worry about is the point guard position. 

Garland Judkins

While Judkins had trouble staying on the court last season because of a number of issues, look for him to have a comeback year under the guidance of Sean Miller. I have seen Judkins around campus and he seems to be bigger (muscle wise) and the fact that he is a sophomore will earn him some playing time if Lamont Jones falters at some point. Although he isn't the most skilled player on the roster, he does have the ability to put the ball on the floor and beat defenders. His shooting ability is not one to scowl at either and look for Judkins to be the one of the most improved players this year.