Arizona (9-4, 1-0) vs. No. 5 Colorado (11-1, 1-0): Scouting report, in-game teaching, giving back

No. 5 Colorado (11-1, 1-0) at Arizona (9-4, 1-0)

McKale Center — 6 p.m. Friday — Pac-12 Networks — 1290-AM

She said it

Arizona coach Adia Barnes on Colorado: “Colorado a little bit different than in the past. I think they’re even a better team this year than they were last year. Two great shooters on the perimeter, a good presence inside at the four and the five. And they’re just a really good team, a team that has continuity and chemistry and it’s been together for a couple years now. I think those are the toughest teams to play. And they’re just really good. I think they don’t play probably as aggressive as they have in the past, but they shoot it a lot better. (Jaylyn) Sherrod is a catalyst on offense and defense who is their engine that makes them go and I think Frida (Formann) is playing at a really, really high level. Just a tough game for us and (we) definitely have to defend well.”

On the Sidelines

The 3: This is the last go-around for the Pac-12. As such, we will be bringing you three questions with a league coach before an Arizona game. First up is Colorado coach JR Payne. Payne and Barnes joined the Pac-12 as head coaches in the same year (2016), and both are moving into the Big 12 next season.

What’s it like for you to play at McKale Center?

A: “McKale is always one of the most exciting arenas to play in because the people of Tucson love their basketball. It’s been great to play there over the years and to be in an environment where their passion is on full display.”

Jaylyn Sherrod is having a great start to the season, as well as showing up as a strong leader. What do you think has been the key to this growth, and what makes Jaylyn such a special player?

A: “Jaylyn has grown not only as a player but as a leader and as a young woman during her time in Boulder. People talk about 1%ers and how rare it is to have someone who is truly willing to do anything to succeed…Jaylyn is one of those people. She strives to be exceptional in every single thing she does, whether that’s in the classroom or on the basketball court. They are 1%ers for a reason!”

What are you seeing in Arizona this season?

A: “Arizona is always a really talented team and this year is no different. They are athletic, aggressive and can make plays on both sides of the floor. I have no doubt this will be another great year for the Wildcats.”

Giving back, Part 1: The Wildcats put on a Native American Youth Basketball clinic Wednesday afternoon. The clinic was held at San Xavier Recreation Center for nearly 100 kids up to 8th grade.

Giving back, Part 2: The last time Bendu Yeaney and Sam Thomas were on the court together was in a 2022 NCAA Tournament game at McKale Center. The two played in a total of eight NCAA postseason games together. On Feb. 3 the duo will be back in Tucson for a one-day clinic at Rincon/University High, which is open to elementary through high school students. The former Wildcats will lead basketball drills, as well as 3-point, half-court and knockout contests. There is a $10 registration fee. Contact Joe Decker, 520-599-0989 or joedecker23@gmail.com to sign up.

Back to the basics: When Barnes talks about the Wildcats this season individually or collectively, there is a familiar tone. It’s an excitement that hasn’t been heard in a while.

One thing for sure is that Barnes is spending more time teaching and developing the nearly all new-to-the-Arizona-system players. And that is something Barnes loves.

Barnes could be seen during the Seattle game on Sunday spending extra time with Breya Cunningham on the sidelines explaining the difference between a good and a bad foul. For example, not reaching behind if she’s out of position.

This is one of the areas that Barnes has been focusing on with Cunningham. With talks like these and showing film of great defenders, Barnes said that Cunningham is quickly picking up the lessons.

Barnes said of Cunningham, “She wants to be good and she wants to learn this.”

Barnes added that the entire roster wants to learn.

“What I love about this group is they’re hungry. They want to do well; they do what I ask. They’re trying; they’re getting better. … They’re a good group of kids. And I think we have a bright future,” Barnes said.

Injury watch: Arizona’s Sali Kourouma is out for both games this weekend. She re-injured her shoulder in practice last week, the same shoulder that was dislocated with 39 seconds left in the final exhibition game. The last game she played in was against Gonzaga on Dec. 20 and she finished with 17 points — 10 coming in the fourth quarter rally — and collected two steals.

By the numbers

1: Arizona isn’t scheduled to make the mountain trip this season. Therefore, Wildcats will only play Colorado and Sunday’s opponent Utah one time during the Pac-12’s final regular season.

6: Helena Pueyo’s four takeaways against Seattle pushed her into sixth place on UA’s all-time career steals list with 237. She has two more than Aari McDonald and needs 20 to pass Barnes (256) and into fifth place.

5: Last January in Boulder, Formann scored 23 points — five 3-pointers, including the dagger against Arizona with under 90 seconds left, in the Buffaloes’ 72-65 win.

— PJ Brown