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For Arizona sophomore big man Azuolas Tubelis the first impression wouldn’t be the lasting impression.
The initial game of his UA career saw him score five points and grab one rebound against Grambling State University.
Fast forward a month and a half and the Lithuanian star was dropping 31 points and snaring 8 rebounds against the eventual number 4 pick in the NBA draft, Evan Mobley and his older brother, Isaiah Mobley.
So what changed during that time period?
“Honestly, it was just getting more comfortable with the American game and being here,” Tubelis said. “I’ve always known I could play it was just a matter of getting everything right.”
Tubelis arrived in Tucson last year as a little bit of an urban legend for a variety of reasons.
He was part of the first Sean Miller class that relied heavily on foreign prospects and top 50-100 players.
Adding to the initial Tubelis intrigue was a viral YouTube video where he showcased a perimeter handle while leading the break before dumping off a slick pass to his teammate for a layup.
But, that play occurred overseas and Arizona fans have seen false advertising in that department before.
And, to put it mildly, the Tubelis against Grambling State looked timid, somewhat flat footed and far from a difference maker.
So what specifically happened from game one to the end of the season where Tubelis had clearly developed into one of the best big men in the conference.
“A lot of times I’ve been one of the more aggressive and better scorers but the American game is a little different.
“So it took me a little bit to learn the angles to use with my body to get me the best shot I can. But once I figured out some of the little things and got comfortable it became much easier.”
Indeed, the mid season USC matchup was an eye opener for Tubelis.
“After I was able to play so well against a guy like that I knew what I could really do over here.”
His new coach Tommy Lloyd believes that a comfortable Tubelis can be as good as he wants to be.
“I honestly haven’t been talking to him about shooting at all,” Lloyd said. “I have been talking to him about dominating the paint, running the floor, rebounding with two hands.”
If improvement goes according to plan expect for pure domination from the sophomore big.
“What I keep saying is you’re talented, you’re good, you’re productive. Now, how do you become a beast? Where there’s no gimmicks, it’s just toe to toe combat and you’re just better than the other guy.”
Coaches don’t make those kind of statements unless they believe in the possibility and eventuality.
A relatively green Tubelis showed the Pac-12 Conference what he was capable of last season. Now it’s time for the entire college basketball world to get a view.
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