TUCSON, Arizona — Arizona Basketball will begin its season on Friday afternoon by taking on Grambling State at McKale Center.
The Wildcats were supposed to host NAU on Wednesday, but the Lumberjacks had to cancel due to COVID-19.
Arizona has led the Pac-12 in attendance the past 36 years, but it will be a McKale Center without fans due to the ongoing pandemic.
"It’s going to be different," said head coach Sean Miller. "Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, or the fact that we’re not going to have any fans, our challenge is to be the most ready that we can be."
Arizona will be without guard Kerr Kriisa, who is not cleared to play by the NCAA. Kriisa has temporarily returned home to play for the Estonian national team. Forward Ira Lee may also see limited action, as he missed much of preseason practice due to a concussion.
Arizona will honor legendary coach Lute Olson with a patch on its uniforms. Olson, who led the Wildcats to four Final Fours and the 1997 NCAA Championship game, passed away this past summer.
👀 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞
— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) November 26, 2020
"Our 2020-21 team will wear this patch honoring Coach Olson with a great sense of responsibility."#RememberingLute | #APlayersProgram pic.twitter.com/zUDfTQFs5V
