Freshman Deandre Ayton scored twenty one points and grabbed nine rebounds as his Blue team defeated Red 55-37, in the Wildcats annual preseason scrimmage at McKale Center.
Ayton showed off both his inside and outside game, showing off dunks, three point plays, and outside shots.
"It's up to us to adjust and make sure that we take advantage of all the talents and skills that Deandre brings to the table," said head coach Sean Miller.
Ayton impressed along with the other four freshmen, as well as veterans Allonzo Trier and Parker Jackson-Cartwright. The Wildcats appear to have a deep team following a season in which walk-ons were briefly forced into important minutes.
"There's a lot of different characters on this team," added senior guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright.
"I think everyone meshes pretty well from the young guys to the older guys. It's a fun environment on and off the court."
The Wildcats played without Rawle Alkins, who is out until December with a broken foot. Alkins was unable to defend his slam dunk title, which was won by freshman Brandon Randolph.
It's been a tumultuous off-season for the Wildcats, who are in the middle of the college basketball bribery scandal. Thursday night, five-sar recruit Jahvon Quinerly decommitted to the program. After the game, Allonzo Trier was asked about the distractions.
"We feel like we're playing basketball and having a good time. That's what we came here to do. We're going to go after our goals for this basketball season. That's what we're worried about."
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal was in the building. His son, Shareef, has verbally committed to the team for next season.
