Nico Mannion, Arizona Wildcats draw high praise from basketball analysts after beating Illinois

Following a 21-point victory over Illinois, social media was buzzing with enthusiasm about the Arizona Wildcats' 2-0 start.

Despite the game being only televised on the Pac-12 Network, plenty of national writers and analysts tuned in and had high praise for the Wildcats.

Here's a look at what a few of them had to saw about Arizona and its freshmen trio of Nico Mannion, Josh Green and Zeke Nnaji who combined for 62 points against Illinois.

Schmitz said freshman point guard Nico Mannion "plays with such a confidence and poise for his age." Mannion lead the Wildcats with a team-high 23 points.

Arizona PG Nico Mannion put on a show in McKale Center last night in front of over 30 NBA scouts: 23 PTS and 9 AST on 15 shots. Made some impressive reads off the dribble and scored from all 3 levels. Plays with such a confidence and poise for his age. Natural change of pace. pic.twitter.com/M8bc8rBpVN

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) November 11, 2019

Freshmen Zeke Nnaji earned Pac-12 Freshmen of the Week honors as he scored 20 points against NAU and 19 versus Illinois. Vecenie said Nnaji will "be a monster in the Pac-12." 

I like the idea of Zeke Nnaji a lot. Super fluid, can defend as a big out on perimeter because he moves his feet. Potential as shooter. Can handle a touch, good feel. But he’s kind of a tweener 4/5 til he develops into a better rim protector than I’ve seen at AAU/college levels.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) November 11, 2019

Wasserman posted a highlight video from Mannion's performance and praised his playmaking skills and ability to make his teammates better.

Arizona's Nico Mannion with 24 + 9 assists against Illinois, flashing the full skill package of dribble jumpers, shooting off movement, floaters and setup passes. Dangerous scoring ability but also made the game easier for Green (4-7 3PT) + Nnaji (9-12 FG): pic.twitter.com/yPxPQ8vPzR

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) November 11, 2019

.@APlayersProgram’s Josh Green is making jumpers tonight in front @NBA scouts. His size & athleticism a given so he’s been impressive. Zeke Nnaji is 1st rounder in ‘20 or ‘21. Really like Ayo Dosunmu. Not on ball as much in 3-guard O but he should be. He has some Jrue Holiday.

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) November 11, 2019

Norlander tweeted during the game that he's "in" on Mannion, but also offered a stronger opinion on the season outlook for the Wildcats and even called them potential Final Four contenders.

Arizona’s gonna be must-see stuff all season long. If the Wildcats stay healthy, they should have Final Four aspirations. Was my preseason pick to win the Pac-12 and feel even better about it after watching this team tonight.

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) November 11, 2019

Rothstein credited Mannion with the "it" factor and expects a big season from Arizona. 

Nico Mannion has a chance to be the best freshman point guard at Arizona since Mike Bibby. Whatever "it" is, he has.Arizona over Illinois by 21 in Tucson.The Wildcats are back.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 11, 2019

Goodman's video breakdown gives his thoughts on if Arizona should be looked at as the best team in the Pac-12.

Arizona was impressive as hell last night. My thoughts on the Wildcats: https://t.co/NId3g2bxQG

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 11, 2019