Head coach Sean Miller has never tried to hide his intentions of using a deep rotation, but in that effort it becomes unclear how to judge the individual success of players by any other statistic than wins for his Arizona basketball team.
Despite forward Derrick Williams being mentioned among premature NCAA Player of the Year chatter, even the sophomore hasn’t been a go-to guy in the classic sense. Last week’s Pacific 10 Conference Player of the Week efficiently averaged 17 points, seven rebounds and three steals in two victories but didn’t need to dominate the ball to reach those numbers.
With Miller spreading the wealth of minutes, he chooses not to look at individual statistics or individual performances but the cumulative production by position.
For example, Miller said back-up forward Jesse Perry complements starting senior Jamelle Horne, as one equalizes the other’s weaknesses with his strengths.
“”Some of the things that Jamelle Horne does well — and he’s playing well for us now — you know, he doesn’t offensive rebound. He just doesn’t,”” Miller said. “”We’re able to sub Jesse (Perry) in, and he can do a good job there.””
The same can be said for the point guard position, which includes the one-two punch of sophomore Momo Jones and freshman Jordin Mayes.
“”Momo really doesn’t shoot a lot of 3s. Jordin (Mayes’) great at it,”” Miller said. “”They kind of complement each other.
“”When you look at Jordin Mayes and Momo (Jones), you add them up … and five assists and one turnover,”” Miller said after the win against Oklahoma on Sunday. “”As you substitute Jordin (Mayes) in, you have a different look at the one.
“”It’s the combination of both guys that make our position.””