Arizona Basketball: Could Arizona's Sean Miller Go with a Twin Towers Lineup?

Sean Miller has something on his 2014-15 Arizona Wildcats roster that few college coaches ever have at the same time: two legitimate seven-footers.

Junior Kaleb Tarczewski (7'0", 245 lbs.) and incoming freshman Dusan Ristic (7'0", 240 lbs.) give U of A 14 feet of muscle in the middle.

While their height does not guarantee greatness, it is hard to argue with former Utah Jazz coach Frank Layton, who once said, "You can't teach seven foot."

Tarczewski has been a fixture in the U of A starting lineup since arriving on campus in 2012.

Through hard work and dedication, Zeus has elevated his game, developing into a rock-solid rim protector and rebounder. GoAZCats.com's Joseph Duruaku states that:

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His importance cannot be measured on a stat sheet, but if you look at how teams were forced to play against the Wildcats, it becomes evident that coaches did not want to challenge Arizona's stout interior defense.

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Tarczewski has become an effective low-post scorer who makes teams pay when they put him on the line, shooting 75.6 percent last season.

He enters this season in exceptional shape. According to the Arizona Daily Star's Bruce Pascoe, Miller reports that Tarczewski is currently at 5.7 percent body fat. The Cats coach told Pascoe, "There aren't many of those people walking the planet."

Capable of being a double-double guy, Tarczewski is ready for a breakout season. His return to Tucson provides Miller with a very big building block to what could be the first Arizona team to get to the Final Four since 2001.

(Click here to watch Part 2 of Tarczewski's YouTube profile)

Ristic was somewhat of an unknown to many college basketball fans when Miller signed him in March. 

He had only been in the States for two months and was attending Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas.

However, he was known by some high-level scouts who keep an eye on global hoops talent.

Zagsblog.com's Adam Zagoria cited DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony's assessment of Ristic:  

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He’s a legit 7-footer with a great frame and really long arms. He’s as skilled a big man as you’ll find. He can score with either hand in the post, is an excellent passer, and can step outside and shoot from the perimeter as well. He’s consistently been considered one of the top prospects in the 1995 international class, which is one of the most talented we’ve seen in quite some time. He’s been really well-coached and should be able to contribute significantly from day one. He needs to continue to fill out his frame and improve his ability to deal with contact and physical play as he makes the jump to competing against higher level competition, but he’s a definite NBA prospect long-term.

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NBADraft.net's Davide Bortoluzzi, in reporting on the 2013 Nike Junior International Tournament top prospects, described Ristic this way: 

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He’s really polished from a technical standpoint, with good post moves and use of pivot foot, and the ability to conclude using the baseline or in the middle of the area. His favorite conclusion is a reliable hook shot, which he’s able to execute with both hands. He has soft hands, with a good range out to 16-17 feet. Starting from post position he has good court vision and great passing abilities, often finding teammates on the perimeter, able to exploit the openings that the double teams on him create.

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Ristic's total game is still a work in progress, but he has an excellent foundation from which Miller and his staff can build.

His opportunities, as a freshman, will be largely dependent on his ability to become competent on the other end of the court and on the glass.

Check out some highlights from his short U.S. high school career:

The immediate assumption is that Ristic will grow, mature and develop his game while facing Tarczewski every day in practice and backing him up in Arizona's upcoming games this season.

There is a good chance that is exactly what will happen.

But, is anyone else thinking about the possibility of an occasional Twin Towers frontcourt? Could Zeus and the Serbian 7-footer clog the middle together?

Before you freak out, I am not suggesting that Ristic will bump multi-talented power forward Brandon Ashley out of the starting five.

Ashley is 100 percent after sustaining a broken bone in his foot against Cal in February of last season.

The 6'8" junior will again create matchup problems with his ability to face up and knock down shots from the perimeter.

However, Ristic had an exceptional first outing at Arizona's recent Red-Blue scrimmage, scoring 14 points (on 7-of-8 shooting) in 18 minutes (h/t ArizonaWildcats.com).

The Daily Wildcat's Roberto Payne reported:

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Ristic displayed noticeable touch and fluidity around the basket, which is incredibly rare for an international freshman. He showcased several post moves, such as a hook over his right shoulder and a mini up-and-under move.

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Ristic's impressive outing was not against some overmatched walk on. He went head-to-head with Tarczewski, who ended up with 11 points (with 7-of-7 from the line) and 9 boards:

Going Twin Towers for short stretches is not a far-fetched farce, as Tarczewski and Ristic have complementary skill sets.

Miller could put Ristic at the high post to face up and Tarczewski on either block with his back to the basket.

They will not be the second coming of Olajuwon and Sampson or Duncan and Robinson.

But who knows? Tarczewski and Ristic could be an intriguing change of pace up front.

Or they might be a tormenting force, making life miserable for some of Arizona's opponents.

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