Arizona basketball 2013-14 season preview

Overview: The Wildcats lost their two best players from last season in point guard Mark Lyons and forward Solomon Hill, but still have one of the most talented teams in the country. Arizona should have one of the best frontcourts in the nation, with top-five recruit Aaron Gordon joining returning sophomore starters Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski to give the Wildcats three prolific rebounders and capable inside scorers in their starting lineup. Gordon will have to deal with extremely high expectations after starring for Team USA in the FIBA Under-19 World Championships in Prague this summer and leading the team to a gold medal. Known mostly for his hops, Gordon threw down a number of big slams in the 2013 McDonald's All-American game en route to MVP honors.

The third returning starter for Arizona is junior guard Nick Johnson, who is Miller’s most experienced starter. He will also be counted on to stretch out opposing defenses with his 3-point shooting and defend the most skilled perimeter players of opposing teams. Johnson’s backcourt mate will likely be T.J. McConnell, a junior guard who transferred from Duquesne and sat out last season. McConnell’s ability to complement Johnson and take some pressure off of the other starters by playing more of a traditional point guard role will likely determine Arizona’s fate.

Arizona’s bench could also set the team apart in the Pac-12, with sophomore guard Gabe York and senior guard Jordin Mayes capable of knocking down timely outside shots and freshman forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson providing frontcourt depth as a top-25 recruit. Assuming Duke and Arizona both make it to the finals of the NIT Season Tip-off Thanksgiving weekend, the Wildcats could present the Blue Devils with a unique challenge with their ability to push Duke around in the paint.

One thing that needs to go right: The Wildcat guards distribute the basketball effectively, allowing the frontcourt to display it's talent and athleticism.

One thing that could go wrong: Versatile big men bring Gordon, Ashley and Tarczewski away from the basket and spread the floor, and Arizona struggles to keep up.