Arizona Wildcats Lack Of Big Man Will End The Streak

If Arizona's streak of 25 straight tournament appearances is to continue, they will need a big man to step up.

In past years the Wildcats have always had at least one post option that was capable of handling the other team's center defensively and bang down low with the tall guys.

Last year it was Jordan Hill, before him it was Ivan Radenovic and Channing Frye.

All of them were not the biggest or strongest but they were shot blocking threats because of their height.

This year's team lacks a big man threat. One that will strike fear into opponents on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

The Wildcats have started a player taller than 6'7" once this season.

So far this season, the Cats best post option is Derrick Williams. He is 6'7".

Derrick Williams has impressed every fan so far this season. He is the second leading scorer and rebounder on the team through six games, averaging 15 points a game and six rebounds a game.

Jamelle Horne and Solomon Hill, both 6'6", are athletic and use this to their advantage on the boards. Horne leads the team, averaging nine a game and Hill averages five, good for third on the team.

The trio of wingmen will only be able to use their athleticism for so long until bigger men start to figure out how to get position on them down low.

Freshman Kyryl Natyazhko, 6'10", still looks to be adjusting to the college game as he figures out his role on the team.

He has shown great potential but still has a long way to go before becoming a dominant big man for the Cats.

The Cats will play a lot of small ball this season. They will need all of their players to hits the boards hard, guards included.

If Arizona has any chance of making the tournament they will need to their wingmen to play bigger than their height.