$Predicting Arizona Wildcats\' Starting 5 For 2015-16 College Basketball Season$

Predicting Arizona Wildcats' Starting 5 For 2015-16 College Basketball Season

By Roje Smith

Predicting Arizona Wildcats' Starting 5 For 2015-16 College Basketball Season

kaleb tarczewski arizona wildcats c center — With the departures of Stanley Johnson, T.J. McConnell, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Brandon Ashley, the outlook for the 2015-16 Arizona Wildcats seems a bit murky. Those four players were key instruments in Arizona's run to the Elite Eight in this year's NCAA tournament and two of them (Johnson and Hollis-Jefferson) were first-round draft picks. Therefore, Arizona will need to regroup, and here is how their starting five will look this season.

(PG) Parker Jackson-Cartwright

parker jackson-cartwright arizona wildcats pg point guard

(PG) Parker Jackson-Cartwright

parker jackson-cartwright arizona wildcats pg point guard — The graduation of T.J. McConnell means that the keys to the PG car are now in the hands of Parker Jackson-Cartwright. He is a smart floor general who can dish out a high number of assists while liming his turnovers. Additionally, he has a good shooting touch from beyond the arc and has shown a clear ability to create his own shot off the dribble. The only knock on him is his size since he's 5-foot-10, but he is still a lock to start.

(SG) Allonzo Trier

allonzo trier arizona wildcats sg shooting guard

(SG) Allonzo Trier

allonzo trier arizona wildcats sg shooting guard — Some may contend that Gabe York should be in this spot and rightfully so. However, York was an explosive spark plug for the Wildcats as a sixth man by shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and constantly developing his defense. I feel that this will remain the same for 2015-16 and that freshman Allonzo Trier will be the starter. He is a dynamic scorer with a terrific shot. Trier is also a very good athlete and may lead Arizona in scoring.

(SF/PF) Mark Tollefsen

mark tollefsen arizona wildcats sf pf small forward power forward

(SF/PF) Mark Tollefsen

mark tollefsen arizona wildcats sf pf small forward power forward — Although highly-touted freshman Ray Smith fits this spot the best, I have a feeling that he won't be starting over recent transfer Mark Tollefsen. Tollefsen is a fifth-year senior and has a ton of playing experience. Additionally, he is a hybrid forward capable of stretching the floor with his shot. He can also create off the dribble and has some bounce as well. Smith may take over this spot during the season, but it won't start that way.

(PF) Ryan Anderson

ryan anderson arizona wildcats pf power forward

(PF) Ryan Anderson

ryan anderson arizona wildcats pf power forward — Ryan Anderson transferred from Boston College where he averaged 13.5 PPG and 7.6 RPG during his three years there. He was a highly coveted transfer for Arizona in preparation for the departure of Brandon Ashley and he will be a good replacement. Anderson may lack a consistent shot, but he is extremely aggressive in the paint. His low post game, ability to draw fouls and underrated passing skills will make him a formidable starting PF for Arizona.

(C) Kaleb Tarczewski

kaleb tarczewski arizona wildcats c center

(C) Kaleb Tarczewski

kaleb tarczewski arizona wildcats c center — A collective sigh of relief was exhaled by the Arizona faithful when Kaleb Tarczewski announced that he would be returning to campus for his senior season. His presence in the low post is something that would have been sorely missed if he decided to take his talents to the NBA. He runs the floor very well for a seven-footer who thrives in catch and finish situations. He should excel as he takes on a larger role with the Wildcats this season.

Rojé Smith is a Featured Fantasy Sports Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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