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Arizona ‘trying to help’ Josiah Turner’s tough transition

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Mike Miller

Arizona’s first week could’ve been a complete mess. The Wildcats’ three wins were all by nine points or less and all featured ragged, uneven play by Sean Miller’s young team.

So Miller made some changes, starting with one of his ballyhooed freshmen.

Guard Josiah Turner – perhaps their most talented recruit – sat for Sunday’s win against Ball State. Call it a coaches’ decision to help Turner improve.

“We care a lot about Josiah. It’s not like he’s a bad kid. He’s a great kid,” Miller told the Tucson Citizen.

“He’s trying to find his way from where he left high school … on and off the court, making good decisions, working hard every day. Sometimes, especially very, very early in someone’s career, if they don’t play, it’s a feeling they haven’t had before.”

It’s a tough transition for most freshman, even the talented ones. Turner’s play has mirrored the Wildcats’ – often out of control and struggling to score. He’s made just one of seven shots this season and acknowledged the “transition” had been tough.

He won’t sit long. Arizona needs playmakers at point guard and Turner’s an excellent option. Perhaps he won’t start, but he’ll work his way back into the rotation. Probably later this week.

“We’re trying to help him,” Miller told the paper. “Hopefully, he can help himself and keep working and get back out there.”

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