Arizona basketball: Big things come in small packages

Look for PJC to have a bigger impact on the team this year.

Coming off a freshman season averaging 3 points, 1 board and 2 assists at about 10 minutes per game in a rather small role in 2014-2015 for the Arizona Wildcats, Parker Jackson-Cartwright looks to have a larger role on Sean Miller's squad this season.

Having being handed the torch from All-Pac-12 and two-year starting guard, T.J. McConnell, Jackson-Cartwright looks to make an impact on the 2015-2016 season. Though it is unclear whether Sean Miller will give Jackson-Cartwright the starting nod at point guard, expect him to play heavy minutes and be one of the main distributors on this Arizona team. He will be a facilitator on offense, in addition to being scrappy and gritty on defense, as we saw some evidence of in the Wildcats' tournament run this past March.

The key to Jackson-Cartwright being effective on this team will be his defense. Standing only 5'9" and a buck-fifty, Jackson-Cartwright might not be seen as an intimidating defender, but his small stature might actually be an advantage. You know that annoying fly that buzzes around your head all day and just cannot seem to go away no matter what you throw at it? That is Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Putting pressure on opposing guards as soon as they cross mid-court, using his speed and quickness to cut off space, diving for loose balls, taking charges in open floor, closing in on double teams, etc. Having a year of learning from T.J. McConnell will do wonders for Jackson-Cartwright on the floor this year.

Not to say his game completely parallels Patrick Beverley, but there are some similarities. Not the tallest guard, quick feet, above average decision-making, and able to put pressure on ball handlers. We hope to get a large dose of this kind of play from Parker Jackson-Cartwright this season and for him to have a key role for the Wildcats this season.

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