Photos: The best faces of the Arizona Wildcats halfway through the season
In what has been an eventful season for Arizona, it's well past the halfway point and winding toward the Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas. Where did the time go? While there have been up-and-down moments, the facial expressions were priceless.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
The Arizona Wildcats squad roars in approval of Alex Barcello's dunk contest slam during the University of Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue men's basketball scrimmage in McKale Center on Oct. 20, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Power forward Ira Lee is mobbed by teammates after his slam in the dunk contest during Arizona’s Red-Blue Game.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Coach Sean Miller’s roster may be Arizona’s best since since 2001, the last time the Wildcats reached a Final Four. Expect the 2017-18 team to break through the Southern California jinx and end the UA’s Final Four drought to give Miller his first career Final Four with a trip to San Antonio.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Freshman Brandon Randolph, soaring to win the Red-Blue Game dunk contest, is among the talented newcomers on the UA roster.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Arizona Wildcats guard Alex Barcello (23) roars after slamming home his third dunk try in the dunk contest.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) works around Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14).
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) flexes after a dunk.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Shaquille O'Neal attends the University of Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue men's basketball scrimmage.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller hollers from the bench next to assistant coach Lorenzo Romar during the second half.
Arizona Wildcats Red-Blue scrimmage
Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) flexes and roars after an and-one layup during the second half.
University of Arizona vs Eastern New Mexico
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (35) and forward Ira Lee (11) try to hem in Eastern New Mexico guard Maurice Coleman (2) in the second half for their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Eastern New Mexico
Arizona guard Alex Barcello (23) fights his way through a pick from Eastern New Mexico forward Issac Maldonado (31) while pursing guard Devin Pullum (3) in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Eastern New Mexico
Arizona center Dusan Ristic (14) and Eastern New Mexico guard Lamarquis Thompson (0) get tangled up while trying to control a loose ball in the first half for their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Eastern New Mexico
Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) polishes off a Wildcat fast break with a big two-handed dunk against Eastern New Mexico in opening minutes of the first half for their exhibition game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 2, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Chico State
Coach Sean Miller, junior Allonzo Trier and the other Arizona Wildcats will open their season Friday night against Northern Arizona at McKale Center. The Lumberjacks finished 9-23 last season.
University of Arizona vs Chico State
“Metal sharpens metal,” forward Ira Lee says when explaining why he joined the competition-filled UA team. “We make each other better every day.”
University of Arizona vs Chico State
Arizona guard Alex Barcello (23) flies to the bucket practically unopposed by Chico State in the second half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Chico State
Arizona forward Keanu Pinder (25) rams home a dunk against Chico State in the first half of their exhibition game at McKale Center, Sunday November 5, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks head coach Jack Murphy yells out to his team in the first half during a game at McKale Center on Nov. 10, 2017.
Arizona vs Northern Arizona
Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller reacts to a play in the second half during a game at McKale Center on November 10, 2017. Arizona won 101-67.
Arizona vs Northern Arizona
Arizona Wildcats forward Ira Lee (11) celebrates a teammate's three point shot in the second half during a game at McKale Center on November 10, 2017. Arizona won 101-67.
Arizona vs Northern Arizona
Arizona Wildcats assistant head coach Lorenzo Romar questions a call to a referee in the second half during a game at McKale Center on November 10, 2017. Arizona won 101-67.
Arizona vs UMBC
Arizona forward Keanu Pinder filled the stat sheet in Sunday’s win over UMBC, registering four points, four rebounds, two steals and one block in 12 minutes.
Arizona vs UMBC
Arizona Wildcats forward Ira Lee (11) gets pumped up and looks towards Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) before he goes to the foul line in the second half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017. Arizona won 103-78.
Arizona vs UMBC
Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller talks to his players in the second half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017. Arizona won 103-78.
University of Arizona vs Cal State Bakersfield
Allonzo Trier is averaging a team-high 21.2 points per game for Arizona, which has won seven straight and is now 10-3.
University of Arizona vs Cal State Bakersfield
Arizona forward Deandre Ayton, who was named the Pac-12 Player of the Week on Monday, feels the Wildcats are on a mission after their 0-3 Bahamas trip. “(We want) to show everybody that Arizona is there, that we’re back on our feet,” the freshman said.
University of Arizona vs Cal State Bakersfield
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (35) gets throughly fouled by Cal State Bakersfield guard Rickey Holden (2) on a baseline drive in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Thursday November 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Cal State Bakersfield
After the Wildcats lost five starters, Brandon Randolph will be looking to take a leap forward in his second season at UA.
University of Arizona vs Long Beach State
Arizona guard Alex Barcello (23) celebrates after the Wildcats drew a foul and the ball on a defensive stand in the second half against Long Beach State at McKale Center, Wednesday November 29, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Long Beach State
Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) left, and forward Ira Lee (11) can't believe they picked up a foul against Long Beach State in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 29, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Long Beach State
Arizona guard Brandon Randolph (5) can't quite muscle his way past Long Beach State guard KJ Byers (14) in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 29, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Long Beach State
Arizona forward Ira Lee (11) comes in for a one handed scoop layup against Long Beach State in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 29, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Long Beach State
Arizona guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) goes into the paint to score against Long Beach State forward Barry Ogalue (13) in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Wednesday November 29, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona UNLV Basketball
Arizona’s Allonzo Trier dunks during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Deandre Ayton isn’t a rim-protector or shot-blocker, but he may be the most important player at the UA — and in the Pac-12.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Arizona’s Allonzo Trier, dealing with a mild knee sprain, benefited from the four days off for Christmas break. Miller says he is fine now.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Arizona head coach Sean Miller gestures towards his players as they get set to face Texas A&M in the second half of their game in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Texas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy tries to get his defense set while facing Arizona in the first half of their game in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Arizona guard Brandon Randolph (5) gets his high fives from center Dusan Ristic (14) after a successful shift against Texas A&M in the second half of their game in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Arizona guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) rushes back to his teammates on the bench after the Wildcats clawed out a 64-67 win against Texas A&M in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Texas A&M center Tonny Trocha-Morelos (10) sneaks in from behind to swat away a shot by Arizona forward Ira Lee (11) in the first half of their game in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Texas A&M
Arizona guard Alex Barcello (23) drives the baseline past Texas A&M guard Savion Flagg (5) in the first half of their game in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Phoenix, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Alabama
Four out of five bananas in the Zona Zoo student section agree, the ref got the call against the Wildcats wrong as Arizona turns over the ball against Alabama in the second half of their game at McKale Center, Saturday, December 9, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Alabama
Arizona head coach Sean Miller has a chat with his players, including Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) during a second half huddle against Alabama at McKale Center, Saturday, December 9, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Alabama
Arizona guard Rawle Alkins (1) left, and guard Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate the Wildcats 88-82 win against Alabama at McKale Center, Saturday, December 9, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Alabama
Alabama guard Collin Sexton (2) lays on the court after picking up his fifth foul late in the second half against Arizona at McKale Center, Saturday, December 9, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Alabama
Alabama head coach Avery Johnson doesn't buy the explanation from one of the game officials on a call against his Crimson Tide in the first half against Arizona at McKale Center, Saturday, December 9, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Alabama
University of Arizona vs North Dakota State
Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) finishes off a two hand dunk late in the second half against North Dakota State at McKale Center, Tuesday, December 18, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs North Dakota State
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier, second from right, watches from the bench with ice on his left knee as the Wildcats wrap up their 30-point blowout win over North Dakota State on Monday night. He left the game with what looks to be a bone bruise with 9:53 remaining.
University of Arizona vs North Dakota State
Arizona guard Brandon Randolph (5) wades into the middle of the herd, challenging three North Dakota State Bison for a bucket in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Tuesday, December 18, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs North Dakota State
Arizona head coach Sean Miller talks to guard Brandon Randolph (5) during a timeout in in the first half against North Dakota State at McKale Center, Tuesday, December 18, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs Connecticut
Arizona head coach Sean Miller was, for a change, riddled with optimism after No. 18 Arizona squeaked by UConn to finish up nonconference play on Thursday. “We weren’t a very confident team earlier. We’re much more sure of ourselves now,” he said.
University of Arizona vs Connecticut
Rawle Alkins contributed 20 points on Thursday to help the Wildcats edge UConn for the first time in program history.
University of Arizona vs Connecticut
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, left, and Suns owner Robert Sarver on their phones in the front row of the Arizona game against Connecticut in the second half at McKale Center, Thursday, December 21, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
No. 17 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 3 Arizona State Sun Devils
Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley looks for a foul call. ASU has won just four games in Tucson since 1984.
No. 17 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 3 Arizona State Sun Devils
Bobby Hurley is accustomed to the big stage. In his playing years at Duke, he beat Michigan’s Fab Five and the MacLean-led UCLA Bruins.
No. 17 Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 3 Arizona State Sun Devils
Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton, left, roars after a dunk in the second half of Arizona’s 84-78 win over No. 3 ASU on Saturday night at a charged-up McKale Center. Ayton had 23 points and 19 rebounds as UA won its eighth straight game.“It was pretty intense,” said Ayton of his first Pac-12 game. “I couldn’t hear myself for a few possessions.”
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona head coach Sean Miller calls his offensive set against Utah in the second half of their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Utah fans in the student section, sporting shirts alluding to the Wildcats legal troubles, watch as Arizona puts another bucket down against the Utes in the first half of their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Utah guard Justin Bibbins (1) gets a the arm of Arizona guard Brandon Randolph (5) on his drive into the paint in the second half of their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (35) pleads his case to the officials, hoping for a Wildcat possession following the ball ricocheting out of bounds against Utah in the second half of their Pac-12 game at the Huntsman Center, Thursday, January 4, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
University of Arizona vs Colorado
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (35) looks for room to maneuver under Colorado guard Namon Wright (13) in the second half of their Pac-12 game at the Coors Event Center, Saturday, January 6, 2018, Boulder, Colo.
University of Arizona vs Colorado
Arizona center Dusan Ristic (14) just beats teammate guard Allonzo Trier (35) to the loose ball against Colorado in the second half of their Pac-12 game at the Coors Event Center, Saturday, January 6, 2018, Boulder, Colo.
University of Arizona vs Colorado
Wildcat fan Gary Triano, in full battle rattle in the stands, for Arizona's game against Colorado at the Coors Event Center, Saturday, January 6, 2018, Boulder, Colo.
University of Arizona vs Colorado
Arizona head coach Sean Miller keeps pressing his case with one of the game officials following a call against his Wildcats late in the second half against Colorado at the Coors Event Center, Saturday, January 6, 2018, Boulder, Colo.
University of Arizona vs Colorado
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (35) can't believe the Wildcats didn't get the call on a shot attempt against Colorado in the second half of their Pac-12 game at the Coors Event Center, Saturday, January 6, 2018, Boulder, Colo.
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