For Those Who Have Seen Nic Wise Play...

[BeachCat97]

...how would you compare his game to previous Arizona PGs?

Is he a pure PG, in the mold of Bibby and Gardner?

[D-Stoud]

Saw him at the Nike Camp. Built like Gardner and plays like him too. Very confident player who should make an immediate impact.

[BeachCat97]

Saw him at the Nike Camp. Built like Gardner and plays like him too. Very confident player who should make an immediate impact.

This is encouraging. A guy like Gardner is truly what this program has lacked the past few years -- someone who can stabilize the offense, make good passes, drive and dish, and when necessary, hit the three.

[WildcatPaulG]

Built like Gardner and plays like him too.

Very solid assessment. That's who I thought off when I watched the clips of him two years ago.

[EastCoastCat]

He also looks "thicker" than Gardner so he probably won't get pushed around like some point guards (cough..Appleby...cough)

Also, he seems to have a more high-arching shot...like a rainbow.

[TFCATFAN]

I think he's a better ball-handler and passer than Gardner was by his Junior year at AZ right now.

The guy is able to beat the full court press put on by whole teams by himself. I am really looking forward to him bringing the ball up the court.:)

[bhanson]

This is encouraging. A guy like Gardner is truly what this program has lacked the past few years -- someone who can stabilize the offense, make good passes, drive and dish, and when necessary, hit the three.

Interesting, people actually missing Gardner? I seem to recall all the hate since JG wasn't the next Mike Bibby.

I miss him too, although he never really seemed to get better, and his shooting and choice of shots seemed to get worse. I miss his intensity, and his ability to play 38 minutes or so at a high level. No one could run the 1-3-1 baseline like him, other more recent PGs tend to be lazy and cheat a little bit.

[TFCATFAN]

Interesting, people actually missing Gardner? I seem to recall all the hate since JG wasn't the next Mike Bibby.

JG is one of my all-time favorite players, and I hate how every PG has to be compared to Bibby, being a bit different is OK, everyone has different stengths and weaknesses. I thought Garnder was a great player, definitly one of the best we've ever had IMHO. Jason on this team the last three years = atleast 1 FF. Bibby = atleast one NC, most likely. Infact, any of our great past PG's could have lead us to one or the other, but....it would have been because they would have put Slim and Rodgers in their place when they caused problems, and not just because they were greaty players, they were great leaders with a swagger, I gaurantee they would have took them to the side and put them in their places.:)

Don't get me wrong though, I look forward to the possibility of Staf as Senior! Nic will be awesome to have off the bench too, PG is a strength for us again next year.

[BeachCat97]

How does Wise compare to Farmar?

[Longhorned]

No one could run the 1-3-1 baseline like him, other more recent PGs tend to be lazy and cheat a little bit.

That's why it used to work!

[the goat]

How does Wise compare to Farmar?

Not the player you want to be comparing Nic too. Same type of leadership and winner type mentalities, but from there they don't really seem the same. That said if Nic turns out to be a point like Squeaky Johnson I will be happy.

[BeachCat97]

Not the player you want to be comparing Nic too.

Is this because Farmar is far superior?

[NOVABruin]

Farmar is much bigger than Wise and he's probably the better playmaker. Gardner (but with a conscience) is a decent comparison. Another good comparison is Brandon Granville.

[AZCat Man]

Saw Nic play in the Texas State Championship game. The first player I thought of when I saw him was Jason G. Strong, solid ball handler, good stroke with range and a real competitor. I'm looking forward to seeing him next year in an Arizona uniform.

[Indywildcatfan]

Saw him at the Nike Camp. Built like Gardner and plays like him too. Very confident player who should make an immediate impact.

can anyone get into the nike camp or do you have to have creditials?

I would love to go and watch some sessions this year.

[charcoal01]

Is this because Farmar is far superior?

i'm not sure that anyone is able to accurately compare a high school standout to a college player thats been playing for more than a year. there just isnt enough solid competition in the high school ranks to really bring out the best in a player.

as far as farmar being "far superior" to nic, i think thats an unfair statement. while farmar certainly has a height advantage over nic, i think nic has the better ball handling skills and we'll find out next year who takes the passing ability section.

the one thing nic will definetly fall short on is athletic ability. he'll never be a nate robinson, 5'8 dunking over channing frye. from what i've read and been told, his verticle jump leaves much to be desired and his burst is also a little bit tame.

but the thing is, we dont need a guy who can jump out of the gym or run past everyone in the gym, we need a guy who's going to make good decisions with the ball, hit shots when he really needs to, and help to make all the other nuts athletes we have at arizona to be that much better, and that is what i believe nic will give us.

[UofAlum05]

I have heard Nic Wise compared to TJ Ford. Is there any comparison?

[TucsonDon]

I have heard Nic Wise compared to TJ Ford. Is there any comparison?
No...Someone stole my Brandon Granville line...that's the guy I've always compared Nic Wise to, but he ain't there yet; I think he could end up being like Granville in the future.

[bhanson]

From Walk-on

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hRDVEkaq7zc"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hRDVEkaq7zc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[CatPhanatic]

THAT...WAS...SICK! That is the first I've seen anything of Nic and he seemed on a different level. Like he was toying with everyone else. His shot is VERY Salimesque. His height doesn't seem to affect him. 6-10 on 3's at halftime :hyper:! BTW, could that last 3 have gone ANY futher into the basket before coming out? I will forever have distain in my heart for stupid Plano!

[charcoal01]

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Merkin again."

thanks for the kick ass video merk. CatPhanatic, i do agree, those three's were salimesque. can't wait to see this kid suit up in a wildcat jersey next year. i can't believe we've been waiting to get this kid on the court for four years.

[bhanson]

thanks for the kick ass video merk.

Thanks, but it is all walk-on's work and he deserves the credit. I just happened to find it on youtube by doing a search for "nic wise".

This is from Walk-on's image too, check the hops on the last shot.

<img src="http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/4946/n130yv.jpg">

http://forum.goazcats.com/showthread.php?t=46128&

This close to a two-time State Tournament MVP!:( This ball touched every part of the rim.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/coniel/_nw7.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/coniel/_nw8.jpg
5 frames later......
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/coniel/_nw9.jpg
The ball just sits on the rim.......
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/coniel/_nw10.jpg

Don't think I ever saw a shot go so far in and not count! Must be karma from the 3 point bank shot.:fur:

Great game for Nic! Keep that chin up!

[Longhorned]

That was great. Of course I realize that it's going to be a little different his freshman year shooting over taller and quicker defenders, but as a Wildcat it's hard not to get excited for next year already.

[charcoal01]

That was great. Of course I realize that it's going to be a little different his freshman year shooting over taller and quicker defenders, but as a Wildcat it's hard not to get excited for next year already.

our guys this year couldnt even hit open shots, let alone semi contested shots, regardless of said defenders height. it'll be nice to have some three point threats again.

i think that is what really took adams out of his game this year is the fact that teams knew we couldnt hit the outside shot, they crowded the lanes, so hassan wasnt able to be as big of a cutter as he'd been for most of his career. hopefully we'll be able to burn teams this year if they try to crowd the lanes again.

[Knick49]

He looked like flipping Bob Cousy when he was running out the clock.

[Banana Fish]

nic has a brother? is he any good?

[SandwichGuy]

Damn! great video. I love how he is able to create his own shot and how he made everyone look like fools with his Curly Neal impression. Very impressive. This guys a winner.

[TFCATFAN]

nic has a brother? is he any good?

He not Arizona good if that's what you're asking.

[ringoUofAcats]

How'd his team go into OT if he is such a winner? They're up by 4 and all he has to do is hold onto the rock.

[SDCatlover]

The fact that Nic can shoot off the dribble and "sidestep" is HUGE. Last season we lacked a guy who could create his own three off the dribble or pull up at full speed. Salim was a master of the sidestep three.

I can't wait for this kid to be in a Cat's uni.

[HermosaCat]

Merkin's video clip was great! I am very excited to have him coming in, but what is even more promising, he has ALWAYS wanted to be a WILDCAT!
Bear Down Nic!

[argaen]

I used to think he compared to Jason Gardner a lot. The more I watch him, the more I think that is innacurate. He already shoots and handles the ball better than Gardner. He definitely looks more athletic as well. Will we see Nic actually dunk in a game during his career (Did JG ever even dunk?). Whether or not he has the intesity and leadership which made Gardner one of the all-time winningest cats, we will have to see.

[HermosaCat]

I know they list Nic at 5' 10", but is that legit? Granted it is a video, but he looks a bit smaller? One thing I like, he is quick, dishes and unlike a certian Psych major, does not seem to dribble all that much!

[walk-on-wildcat]

I guess you guys missed it the first time around...

http://forum.goazcats.com/showthread.php?t=46195

Thanks Merkin for the mention.

[TucsonDon]

I think Wise is about 5'9".

There has been a lot of talk about him since he committed a few years back. First, people started getting really down on him which I thought was unfair because a kid like that isn't going to wow a lot of people in AAU; and then people started thinking of him as a savior with the potential departure of Shakur and the slow development of Prince which I think is unfair because Nic's definitely going to need some time to adjust to the quality of play on this level.

I think he's going to be a good D-1 player before its all over, and a valuable member of the team. He'll probably be a fan favorite because of his size and because he's genuinely a great kid whom everyone will love. I really hope he can excel at this level and become a Brandon Granville-type player for the Cats. He's a great kid who has stuck with UA through a lot, and I really respect him for his attitude and the way he carries himself on and off the court. You guys are getting a winner and someone you'll be proud to call a Wildcat.

[CharH44]

I, too, remember the criticisms of Jason Gardner's game. I thought it interesting when the fan base reached the point of wishing that Jason "Steady Eddie" Gardner was still around. One of the big issues was that people couldn't wait for taller guards that people couldn't just shoot over.

I hope everyone gives Nic the opportunity to develop and get himself comfortable at this level before they expect him to be a combination of Mike Bibby, Jason Gardner and Salim Stoudamire. Yes, it would be nice to have a guy who had ice water in his veins, could play 38 minutes every single night and hit the 3pt shot in the face of countless defenders. Maybe the best thing would be to have a point guard who is dedicated to leading the team and making those around him much, much better.