Arizona Wildcats basketball: Tucson product Matt Korcheck looking forward to homecoming season

The Arizona Wildcats have been fortunate enough to build their program the last few decades without the aid of local Tucson products. Sean Elliott is a native Tucsonan and is arguably the greatest player in UA history, but other than him, it's been few-and-far-between in terms of Tucson kids to take the McKale Center floor.

Matt Korcheck, who played his high school ball at Sabino High, spent the last two years at Cochise Junior College. As he began weighing his options for the next portion of his basketball career, UA was always in the back of his mind.

"I had quite a few other schools I could have chosen from, but I always knew deep down that if Arizona came calling then that would be the place," said Korcheck.

"Growing up here, it's a dream come true."

Korcheck, who is redshirting this season, is still making a big impact in practices. At 6'10 and 225 pounds, coach Miller has been thrilled with the way he has battled in the paint with sophomore Angelo Chol, as well as incoming freshmen Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett and Kaleb Tarczewski.

"Matt is as hard of a working kid as I've been around. He's physically tough because he's older," said Miller at Arizona's Media Day. "And with Brandon, Grant, Kaleb and Angelo, they benefit a great deal by being able to practice with and against him everyday."

As Korcheck continues to get accustomed to the daily routine at Arizona, he is willing to do whatever it takes to better the program. That means working hard in the weight room, being a good teammate on and off the floor, and preparing for a big role next season.

"I guess what I would want to accomplish is help the team as much as possible. Practice against them in my redshirt year and hopefully contribute the next two years after that."