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B2 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

Few freshman phenoms left standing

BY LUKE DELLA

The Daily Wildcat

Joel Embiid, Kansas

JOEL EMBIID Kansas Jayhwaks

JABARI PARKER Duke Blue Devils

RONDAE HOLLISJEFFERSON Arizona Wildcats

11.2 PPG, 8.1 RBG, 1.4 APG The Jayhawks freshman center started his college career in the shadow of teammate and fellow freshman Andrew Wiggins. However, after proving to be a mobile 7-footer with exceptional body control and lateral movement, Embiid emerged.

The risk that most 7-foot basketball players run into is injuries, and toward the end of the season Embiid’s back problems kept him from helping his Kansas team reach the Sweet Sixteen as he sat out their two tournament games.

Kansas lost its second game in the Round of 32 to Stanford.

Andrew Wiggins, Kansas

17.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG Wiggins quickly became the most sought-after high school senior. Once Kansas claimed the Canadian, KU seemed to be one of the early season favorites to reach the Final Four.

Wiggins backed that hype with an earlyseason victory over freshman Jabari Parker and Duke.

Wiggins struggled with consistency all season long, though. At times, Wiggins didn’t seem confident or as if he believed he was the best player on the court.

March is mayhem for busy Wildcats

BY LUKE DELLA

The Daily Wildcat

College basketball describes its post-season in March as “madness.”

VCU head basketball coach Shaka Smart dubs his pressure defense “havoc.”

And Arizona calls its ride to the Sweet Sixteen “controlled mayhem.”

“It can be a little overwhelming I think, at times,” Wildcats sophomore guard Gabe York said following Arizona’s 84-61 victory over Gonzaga in the Round of 32 on Sunday. “But to make it this far, you really have to have a control of the mayhem.

“I guess we are a controlled mayhem,” York later added jokingly.

Now in his second season as a

Wildcat, York has been part of two Arizona teams that have reached at least the Sweet Sixteen. And experience in making it this far can play a key role in how players handle the mayhem.

“There’s a lot going on in a short time period,” freshman guard Elliott Pitts said, “but you got to take it day by day and practice by practice.”

As if their regular season schedule wasn’t busy enough, the players’ and coaches’ workload is amplified in March, with every day presenting a new challenge.

After completing its second elimination game in three days on Sunday in San Diego, the Wildcats returned home to Tucson for just one day. After a full day of class and practice, the Arizona team was back

In the Jayhawks’ Round of 32 tournament loss to Stanford, Wiggins scored just four points and only took six shot attempts.

Jabari Parker, Duke

19.1 PPG, 8.7 RBG, 1.2 APG Probably the most NBA-ready freshman out of the bunch, Parker has the best offensive game. Parker can score driving to the hoop, with his back to the basket and from long distance.

As for his team, Duke, the Blue Devils didn’t surround Parker with enough talent to make a serious tournament, and thus were upset in their opening game against Mercer.

Parker might go on to make a huge impact in the NBA, but as for his college career, it’ll likely be an afterthought come June.

Julius Randle, Kentucky

15.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.4 APG Lost in Kentucky’s over-saturation, Randle missed some hype coming into college, but quickly regained it once he hit the court.

A former high school teammate of Arizona forward Zach Peters, he has a strong body that can finish well around the basket. He can also spread the court with as a potential 3-point shooter.

Randle and his Wildcats were picked to be early exits from the tournament, but

in the air on Tuesday, heading to Anaheim, Calif., to prepare to play San Diego State in its Sweet Sixteen game on Thursday.

“Honestly, even last year I don’t remember it being this hectic,” York said.

York added that while the team never has any “off days” in March, the players enjoy coming home to Tucson, as it gives them a chance to recharge and connect with the Wildcat student population.

“You finally get to take a deep breath,” York said. “It’s a little more familiarity, being in your hometown.

There’s going to be a lot of love when we go to class tomorrow.”

No one on Arizona’s roster knows this better than senior guard Jordin Mayes. The Wildcat point guard has been to three Sweet Sixteens and one Elite Eight, but has also missed the NCAA Tournament.

He said this time of the year is definitely hectic, but it’s all worth it.

“At the end of the day, we’re playing basketball,” Mayes said. “All the guys on the team understand that, even the

Kentucky has picked up steam lately. For the first time in school history, it could be a dark horse to reach the finals.

Aaron Gordon, Arizona

12.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.0 APG With the body and athleticism of an 18-year-old Blake Griffin, the comparisons to the now-NBA All-Star quickly came to Gordon.

But once the season began, Gordon proved to be more than just a highlight dunk machine. He has been an elite passer and transition setter, as well as a finisher.

He is one of the best rebounders left in the tournament, and paired with the likes of Nick Johnson and T.J. McConnell, Gordon and Arizona are poised to end this season as the champions.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona

8.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.5APG The Wildcats’ sixth man wasn’t expected to make such a big impact in his rookie campaign, but with a relentless motor, Hollis-Jefferson has become one of the best freshmen in the country.

A raw talent that has an almost limitless ceiling of potential, Hollis-Jefferson adds depth and is a weapon that many teams still in the tournament would kill to have.

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

ANDREW WIGGINS Kansas Jayhawks

AARON GORDON Arizona Wildcats

JULIUS RANDLE Kentucky Wildcats

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

freshmen, and they just want to play basketball — so the craziness isn’t really that crazy, I think, when you’re focused.”

Following the Wildcats’ 23-point victory over the Bulldogs, Arizona’s momentum might have been at its all-time high. Inside the locker room players and coaches were joking, laughing and smiling.

How the Wildcats can carry this “controlled mayhem” through their four “off-days” into their

Sweet Sixteen matchup with SDSU will likely be the key to reaching the Elite Eight — and possibly the Final Four.

“We’re not going to try and leave any money on the table,” York said. “Having a deep breath will help a lot.”

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Daily Wildcat • B3

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Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

A TO Z

The A to Z guide of who’s who and what’s what with the Arizona basketball team’s journey to the NCCA tournament

BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat

A

– Arizona.

The Wildcats have made the Sweet Sixteen 16 times.

Sweet.

B

– Brothers. Things got awkward

on Sunday on CBS when Greg Gumbel accidentally called Dayton head coach Archie Miller “Sean” and then when trying to correct himself said “your brother Archie.” At least Gumbel didn’t call himself Bryant Gumbel.

C– Cyclones.

Iowa State made it to its first Sweet Sixteen since 2000 despite suffering the biggest injury of the tournament so far: sophomore forward Georges Niang breaking his foot.

D– Debutantes.

Dayton is making its first appearance in the Sweet Sixteen. The Flyers are the only team making a Sweet Sixteen debut this year.

E

–

Everywhere.

Michigan sophomore guard Spike Albrecht earned the moniker “Spike” because he “wore his baseball spikes everywhere as a kid to show his parents how badly he wanted to play,” according to UM. His legal name is Michael Joseph Albrecht.

F

– First Four.

Tennessee is the only team remaining for the first round of the First Four. Ever since the First Four started in 2011 , a team from a play-in game has won a game in the second round every year, including VCU, which went from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011 .

G–

Grades. After being banned from the tournament in 2013 because of sub-standard academics, Connecticut is back in the Big Dance and in the last 16.

H–

Hoos. Virginia’s nickname is the Cavaliers, but it also goes by “Wahoos” and “Hoos.” UVa got the

Wahoo nickname from Washington & Lee baseball fans in the 1890s, according to legend. It was shortened to “Hoos” by student newspapers and has became more popular of late.

I–

Izzo. Every four-year player for Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has made the Final Four in his 18 years at MSU. The Spartans last made the Final Four in 2010, so they’re due.

J–

N

After a 53-year absence, the NCAA tournament will return to the Madison Square Garden this week. MSG hosted 71 tournament games from 1943-1961.

O

– One.

For the sixth consecutive year, all four No. 1 seeds will not make the Final Four. Actually, 2008 is the only year that all four ones made it to the Final Four. 2009 was the last time more than one No. 1 made it to the Final Four, and in 2011 no top seeds made it to the Final Four.

Jinx. Whether or not it was the infamous Sports Illustrated jinx , Doug McDermott and Creighton were eliminated for the tournament two weeks after he appeared on the SI cover. A week later, Arizona, Florida, Michigan State, Syracuse, Wichita State and UCONN women appeared on the cover. Syracuse and Wichita State didn’t survive the first weekend.

P–

K–rights.Kentucky

Q– Quality wins.

bragging

Arch rivals Kentucky and Louisville will meet in Indianapolis for a berth in the Elite Eight. The Wildcats won their first match-up this season 73-66 in Lexington, Kent., UK’s home. The Cardinals won the national championship in 2013 and the Wildcats won it all in 2012.

reports of Final Four tramp stamps yet.

– New York.

Pac-12. The Conference of Champions is sending three teams to the Sweet Sixteen: Arizona, UCLA and Stanford, tied for the most of any league.

This is the most teams the Pac-12 has sent to the Sweet Sixteen since 2008.

Florida may be the No. 1 overall seed, but Arizona is No. 1 in ESPN’s Basketball Power Index . Are the top two No. 1 seeds on a collision course toward a championship game match-up? Only time will tell.

Baylor, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisville, Stanford and Tennessee had both their men’s and women’s basketball teams make it to the Sweet Sixteen . Fun fact: the UA has a women’s team too.

M–

S– Seventy five.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Millers. Sure, Sean Miller and Archie Miller led Arizona and Dayton to the Sweet Sixteen, but Archie’s wife, Morgan Miller, might be the most celebrated Miller this week. Her celebration on Saturday and “Dayton High Life” shirt was the toast of the Internet, and there was even this headline on the front page of SI.com: “New NCAAs star? Dayton coach’s wife celebrates.”

Un-American. Wisconsin beat American University by 40 points in their second round match-up.

V–

Value. Dayton announced that Archie Miller accepted an extension to his contract through the 2018-19 season . ESPN reported that Archie Miller agreed to the extension in February, but didn’t want it publicized during the regular season to avoid distractions. Why announce before their biggest game ever? Perhaps the Flyers are worried about potential suitors for the former UA assistant.

W– Wright Brothers.

Dayton players are nicknamed the Flyers in honor of Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright, who were from Dayton . The Wright brothers were first in flight in 1903, long before Aaron Gordon .

X–

Xavier Thames. Usually “X” is the toughest letter in A to Zs — thank you, Xavier. This X-Man scored 30 and led San Diego State to a win over North Dakota State in the Round of 32.

R– Revenge of the Nerds. Y– Stanford has made the most of its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2008, by knocking two seed Kansas out of the Big Dance. Stanford Athletics tweeted “America, you’ve been framed.

See you in the round of 16. #FramesOn #NerdNation” with picture of thick rimmed black glasses with tape in the middle.

L–

U–

Arizona is the only team in the country that hasn’t allowed more than 75 points in the tournament yet.

T– Tattoo.

You again? UCLA faces Florida in the NCAA tournament for the fourth time since 2006. The Bruins lost to the Gators in the 2006 championship game, the 2007 Final Four and the 2011 Round of 32. Florida won all three games.

Z–

Zebras. Will the referees become the focus again? Before the Kansas State and Kentucky game, K-State sophomore Brian Rohleder dunked the ball from the layup line, resulting in a technical foul. Kentucky led 1-0 before the game had started.

Kentucky fan Tyler Austin Black, who got a “2014 nati9nal champions” tattoo on his leg, looked a little less stupid on Sunday after the Wildcats upset previously undefeated Wichita State. There haven’t been any

— Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

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Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B5

SoCal Cats return home New Arizona for second straight week starter Gabe York provides spark

BY EVAN ROSENFELD The Daily Wildcat

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

SOPHOMORE GUARD Jacob Hazzard (right) is one of five Wildcats from Southern California playing at home today.

BY EVAN ROSENFELD The Daily Wildcat

For five players on Arizona’s men’s basketball team, the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in San Diego and Anaheim, Calif., resemble a kind of homecoming. Sophomore Jacob Hazzard , juniors Drew Mellon and Trey Mason , sophomore guard Gabe York and senior guard Jordin Mayes are all from Southern California.

York, who is from West Covina, Calif., broke out for the Wildcats after the UA found itself in an early 7-0 hole against Weber State on Friday morning in York’s first NCAA tournament appearance.

The 6-foot-3 , 180-pound shooting guard sunk long-range shots to stabilize Arizona, and was instrumental in the Wildcats’ first -round win.

While he admitted that playing close to home felt special, York was adamant that it was not the reason behind his breakout performance.

“My family’s out here today, so I was happy about that, but I think its more of the familiarity of playing here at San Diego State in the very beginning of the year that really threw it over the top for me,” York said. “We shot the ball really well today, and it showed.”

Earlier this year at Viejas Arena, York contributed four points and three rebounds during a night of subpar shooting to help Arizona secure

“It’s fun to see family cheering a hard-fought 69-60 victory over San Diego State in the team’s you on, and it’s great to come back home. I think it’s good first road trip.

On Friday, York sunk two to play in front of our fans,” of the four 3-point shots he Hazzard said. “They give us attempted and additionally shot a good boost, a lot of energy, with 50 percent accuracy overall especially when we’re in a little from the floor. He amassed slump. It just makes us work a nine points, pulled down four little harder with that comfort of rebounds and contributed three being close to home.”

Mayes, the team’s lone senior, assists and a steal . For just the fourth time in his career, York was thrilled when he found out played 30 or more minutes en that he would get to wrap up his route to Arizona’s 68-59 victory final collegiate tournament in Southern California. over 16th-seeded Weber State.

“It feels good being in “He hit shots when we needed him to and settled us in,” junior California,” Mayes said. “This guard Nick Johnson said. being my last tournament, we’ve got a great group “From there, of guys here. It’s a everything was It’s fun to see great feeling to be golden.” family cheering out here and for my H a z z a r d you on and it’s family to be able — one of the to watch the last three Southern great to come games I’m playing Californian back home. in.” walk-ons — said — Jacob Hazzard, sophomore guard However, Mayes that the support echoed that while of familiar it feels good to faces helps the be surrounded by Wildcats.

“Our fans travel really well family, that’s not contingent wherever we go, and it’s good to on the Southern California have some fan support,” Hazzard Wildcats stepping up and taking said. “Our families are all here, responsibility on the court.

“Whether they’re here or not, and it’s great to have who we love and our friends in the stands to I’m the one playing in the game,” watch us hopefully make a deep Mayes said, “so I’ve got to go out there and perform regardless.” run in this tournament.”

Hazzard said that it’s fun to be playing close to home and to see family. He added that the hometown audience can really make an impact on the feeling of — Follow Evan Rosenfeld the game. @EvanRosenfeld17

“

“

NCAA tourney all about matchups

After sophomore forward Brandon Ashley was lost for the season, sophomore guard Gabe York moved into the starting lineup and helped rejuvenate the Wildcats.

Head coach Sean Miller applauded York’s recent starting performances, and when asked about the offensive spark he has brought to the lineup, said that he’s somebody who’s unselfish and whose ability to shoot makes his teammates better. The Wildcats have won eight of the last 10 games York has started this year.

“Gabe York has taught me about chemistry, where one player can bring out the best in others,” Miller said after Arizona’s 23-point win over Gonzaga on Sunday, where York netted 11 points, dished out two assists and had two steals. “He’s such a good fit to have in there, because he gives us a shooter in transition. … He’s doing a great job for us.”

When Arizona found itself down 7-0 to 16-seed Weber State, York got the ball rolling and scored eight of the Wildcats’ first 14 points, draining two shots beyond the arc including one at 11:44 to give Arizona its first lead of the game and allowing the team to pull away unscathed.

After Arizona’s 68-59 victory over Weber State last Friday in the Round of 64, freshman forward Aaron Gordon said York can effectively change the pace of the game.

“Gabe did a really good job settling us down,” Gordon said after the Weber State win. “We are a very balanced team. A lot of people are very capable basketball players, and that’s what makes us so dangerous.”

In the Round of 32 against Gonzaga, York sunk another decisive 3-pointer to give Arizona the lead and set the pace minutes into the game.

Last year, while defensive struggles limited York’s minutes on the court, his shooting prowess emerged and he shot with 40.6 percent accuracy from the field.

This year, Miller said that York has gotten better on the defensive aspect and that he’s worlds away from where he was as a freshman. As a result, he has logged considerable minutes this season.

“He’s a constantly improving defender, and he’s not anywhere near where he once was,” Miller said. “He can defend better now and he’s improved, but [what] he gives us [is] spacing on offense.”

York spaces the floor on offense through his long-range abilities from the perimeter and improving jump shot by forcing defenders to stay on him no matter where he is on the court. This in turn spreads

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA SOPHOMORE guard Gabe York scored 11 points and had two steals against Gonzaga on Sunday. Arizona has won eight of its last 10 with York starting.

out defenders and allows Arizona’s offense to find an easier open shot.

At the close of the regular season, York was ranked 10th and 12th in the league with 53 longrange buckets and a .393 3-point percentage, respectively.

York said that he doesn’t like to classify himself purely as a shooter and has the desire to become a more well-rounded player, possessing the ability to penetrate inside the perimeter and drive toward the basket with greater strength.

“I have respect for a lot of people,” York said. “I watch a lot of basketball, so I see a lot of college basketball players who shoot the ball really well.”

He said that while he doesn’t like to consider himself as just a shooter, it’s what the team needs more than anything right now. So he took the role and ran with it.

Even though he leads all active starters, shooting with 38.9 percent accuracy from behind the 3-point line, York said he doesn’t see himself as an outstanding 3-point shooter.

In contrast, fellow teammates including Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Nick Johnson continuously praise York’s abilities. “[He’s] prolific from the 3-point line,” Hollis-Jefferson said.

— Follow Evan Rosenfeld @EvanRosenfeld17

No. 1s fare better, have easier games GRAPHIC BY REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT PHOTOS BY TYLER BAKER, REBECCA MARIE SASNETT, KEENAN TURNER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

BY ROBERTO PAYNE

The Daily Wildcat

A

higher NCAA tournament seed is intended to reward a team for a solid regular season. However, seeding is not nearly as important as round-by-round matchups. Just look at this year: The Wichita State Shockers were rewarded with a No. 1 seed because they went a perfect 33-0 in the regular season. While they indeed earned their seeding, their seeding also helped end their season.

It’s easy to say Wichita State should’ve technically gotten the easiest schedule of the Midwest region because of its No. 1 seeding. However, the Shockers received a very tough third-round matchup and lost 78-76 to the Kentucky Wildcats.

Then look at some of the Cinderella teams like Dayton and Tennessee, and it’s clear that their matchups helped them a great deal. The Archie Miller-led

Dayton Flyers took on an Ohio State team that depended highly on two or three players and UD upset the Buckeyes in the second round. The Flyers then went on to upset a reeling Syracuse Orange team in the second round to lead to a Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Dayton got almost perfect matchups en route to yet another great Sweet Sixteen matchup against Stanford.

For that reason, the Flyers have a very realistic chance to advance to the Elite Eight as a No. 11 seed, and Wichita State is out of the tournament as a No. 1 seed.

Matchups mean everything.

Each of the three other No. 1 seeds is still alive, largely in part to their favorable matchups in the second and third round. For the sake of your Arizona Wildcats, hope that their matchups stay solid for the remainder of the NCAA tournament.

BY EVAN ROSENFELD

The Daily Wildcat

M

VS

— Follow Roberto Payne @HouseofPayne55

arch may be filled with madness, but there is some logic to the chaos, and the continued success of No. 1-seeded teams speaks directly to that.

A No. 1 seed is important, especially if you want to have the best chance at advancing to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

The tournament is sudden death, so one of the prime advantages of top-seeded teams is that their schedule gradually gets tougher.

No. 1 seeds build momentum in their first two games, boosting their confidence with wins against significantly lower-seeded teams. Topseeded teams are 79-5 over the first two games of the tournament, and a No. 1 seed has never lost in the round of 64.

Seven of the last 11 teams to win the NCAA Tournament have been No. 1 seeds. North Carolina (2005, 2009), Florida (2007), Kansas (2008), Duke (2010), Kentucky (2012) and Louisville (2013) all won the tournament as No. 1 seeds.

Moreover, at least one No. 1 seed has reached the Final Four in nine of the last 11 years, with more than one No. 1 seed reaching the Final Four in four of the last 11 tournaments (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009).

In 2008, all four Final Four participants were No. 1 seeds.

With the downing of No. 1 Wichita State in the Round of 32 by Kentucky, a Final Four where each team is a No. 1 seed is impossible this year. However, three of the four top-seeded teams remain (Arizona, Florida and Virginia).

This is no accident. A No. 1 seed is more than just a number: It’s a symbol of on-court domination, highlighting the team’s ability to get the job done when it truly counts.

— Follow Evan Rosenfeld @EvanRosenfeld17

B6 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

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Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • 7

Anaheim offers more than hoops Anaheim is packed with Disney parks, shopping, beaches, baseball, plus is close to Los Angeles

BY ALICIA VEGA & GALINA SWORDS The Daily Wildcat

Y

es, the Arizona men’s basketball team is playing against San Diego State on Thursday in Anaheim, Calif., so maybe it’s finally time for a brief vacation.

In addition to supporting the Wildcats, you can enjoy some of the best things California has to offer, such as Disneyland Resort.

There are two Disney parks in Anaheim: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Disneyland Park is the original Disney theme park, which opened in 1955. It features Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. It is the perfect place to let out your inner child, hug your favorite Disney Princesses and go on some wicked rides.

Disney California Adventure opened in 2001 and features Buena Vista Street, the newly added Cars Land, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf, “a bug’s land” and Hollywood Land. It’s the park for the big kids. The rides are bigger and scarier — think The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and California Screamin’.

If you’re not into scary roller coasters or Mickey Mouse, you can go to Downtown Disney District, which has a variety of restaurants and places to shop. Downtown Disney is between Disneyland and California Adventure, and it’s free to get in. Stay in the sports mood by going to ESPN Zone to enjoy TVs everywhere — even the bathroom — all streaming anything and everything sports, as well as the arcade and the food.

As a bonus, the Honda Center is only 10 minutes away from Disneyland.

About 20 miles from the city is the Huntington Beach City Beach, which is nicknamed “Surf City.” The beach often hosts marathons, kite championships and concerts.

If you still have nothing to do in Anaheim, you can go to another city: Los Angeles is the perfect place to breathe the air of the rich and famous. Be a star or step on stars as you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. Go to the bars, go to museums and visit some of the most historic sites while you’re there.

Keep the sports spirit going by attending a baseball game. Watch the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Friday, and then again on Saturday in Anaheim. Fun fact: UA alumnus Arte Moreno owns the Angels.

If school is already stressing you out, buy your tickets to the game and get your friends together for a road trip to Anaheim for all of the above — plus Wildcat basketball.

— Follow Alicia Vega @aliciaavega — Follow Galina Swords @GalinaSwords

Know your foe: SDSU has become a Western power

BY JAMES KELLEY

The Daily Wildcat

San Diego State

Seed: 4 Nickname: Aztecs Location: San Diego Colors: Scarlet and Black Enrollment: around 30,000 Founded: 1897 Head coach: Steve Fisher (15th season, 312-175) Arena: Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl The 12,414-seat arena opened

in 1997 and is built on the site of the old Aztec Bowl stadium, which hosted San Diego State football games, as well as other sports and events, from 1936 until 1967.

Arizona played there in the second and third rounds of the NCAA tournament.

Record: 31-4, 16-2 Mountain West Conference history: The Aztecs have been in the Mountain West since 1999-00, when the league launched. SDSU won the regular season MW title in 2006, 2011, 2012 and 2014 and the tournament championship in 2002, 2006, 2010

and 2011. Before playing in the Mountain West, SDSU was in the Western Athletic Conference from 1978-79 to 1999-00.

Arizona played in the WAC, too, but left in the summer of 1978.

N C A A tournament history: 10 appearances The Aztecs have made it to the tournament five consecutive years and are 5-9 all-time in the

ALICIA VEGA/THE DAILY WILDCAT

MICKEY’S FUN WHEEL is one attraction in Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, Calif., where the Wildcats will play in the Sweet Sixteen today.

Big Dance. SDSU was 0-6 before reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2011. In 2011, the Aztecs won two tourney games in Tucson and had the highest seed in school history, No. 2. Their seed this year is their second-highest.

Team leaders: Scoring: Xavier Thames (17.4) Rebounds: Josh Davis (9.9) Series: A r i z o na leads 22-7. The Wildcats have won two in a row, 68-67 in Hawaii on Dec. 25, 2012 and 6960 in San Diego on Nov. 14.

Fun fact: On the eve of the 1989 NCAA tournament, ASU hired Michigan head coach Bill Frieder. UM athletic director Bo

Schembechler fired Frieder and had assistant coach Steve Fisher coach instead. Fisher led the Wolverines to the national championship.

Noteworthy major: Recreation Administration Students in the Recreation and Tourism Management program learn “appropriate leadership skills and competencies in the management of recreation and tourism programs and services in the 21st century,” according to SDSU. Famous alumni: Ralph Rubio (founder and chairman of Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill), Kathleen Kennedy (Lucasfilm President) and Tony Gwynn (Major League Baseball).

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B8 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B9

MEET THE MILLERS With victories in their respective Round of 32 games, Sean and Archie Miller became the first brothers to coach their college teams to the Sweet Sixteen

BY LUKE DELLA

The Daily Wildcat

The next Miller family reunion could be in Dallas.

On Thursday, head coaches Sean Miller and Archie Miller will become the first brothers in college basketball history to coach separate universities in the same Sweet Sixteen.

If the reunion does happen, the brothers will probably earn a new place to sit at the grown-ups table.

“We’re both the product of a great family, but in particular our dad, being who he is: not only a great high school coach — maybe one of the best ever, at least in our opinion — but also a great dad,” Sean Miller said.

Sons of John Miller and Barb Miller, Sean Miller and Archie Miller have paid their dues and made their ways through the ranks of basketball.

Natives of Beaver Falls, Pa., the brothers grew up with their father as their basketball coach.

“When you talk about my dad, I mean, you Elite Eight. “[I’m] just so impressed with the job that talk about a coach that could have coached at any level of basketball any time he Sean has done this year and navigating his wanted,” Archie Miller said at Dayton’s press way through the No. 1 ranking for so long conference Wednesday. “He chose not to do and dealing with the significant injury to that. He chose to be with his family. By being [Brandon] Ashley and still staying on top,” with his family, what he did was he created an Gonzaga head basketball coach Mark Few said. environment In his 10 that was We’re both the product of a great seasons, Sean second to family, but in particular our dad, Miller has split none in terms being who he is. time between of growing up — Sean Miller, mid-major around the Arizona head coach school Xavier game.”

(2004-09) Sean Miller, and Arizona a former point guard at University of Pittsburgh, became a (2009-present). He has won more than 200 graduate assistant at Wisconsin soon after games as a head coach and has been named the Pac-10/12 John R. Wooden Coach of the graduation from Pitt.

Since then Sean Miller, 45, has made a Year twice.

But until he wins a National Championship name for himself as a great recruiter and or makes multiple Final Four appearances, coach.

Now in his 10th season as a head college he will remain one of the best coaches not to basketball coach, Sean Miller has put win a title — and stay at the family reunion’s together a resume that includes three trips to big kids’ table.

His younger brother Archie Miller, 35, a the Sweet Sixteen and one appearance in the

“

“

former point guard at North Carolina State, is new to the national scene, but is a face Wildcat fans may recognize. Archie Miller served as an assistant under Sean Miller from 2009-11.

“Arch was basically my main recruiter when I was deciding to come here, so I had talked to him a lot,” Arizona junior Nick Johnson said. “Super happy for what he’s doing over at Dayton.”

The third-year head coach has made a splash in this year’s NCAA Tournament with upset victories over Ohio State and legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.

“I think we both coach with a similar style,” Sean Miller said. “I might be a little quieter in my approach than him at this point. But he gets to year 10, he’ll probably be a lot like me.”

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

FILE PHOTO/THE DAILY WILDCAT

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE

Sweet Sixteen coaches’ tale of the tape

BY JAMES KELLEY

Steve Fisher

The Daily Wildcat

San Diego State head coach — 1999-present

Sean Miller

After he was fired at Michigan in 1997, Steve Fisher resurrected his career in San Diego.

But before that Fisher took over the Wolverines mid-season in 1989 and led them to the national championship.

While that title was with former Michigan coach Bill Frieder’s players, Fisher almost won his own in 1992 and 1993 when the Fab Five made it to the national championship game twice.

Fisher was fired at Michigan after a pay-for-play scandal became public. As a result, UM vacated the 1992 and 1993 Final Fours.

“He instills belief in all of his players,” SDSU senior forward Josh Davis said. “We can go out there and play as hard as we can for him, for the team. I mean, there is just something about him that we can just work as hard as we can and know that he’s always trying to help us and believes in us.”

Fisher made the most of his second chance in San Diego. Fisher inherited a program that had gone 3-22 in 1998-99.

Within three years he had made the NCAA tournament, and in 2011 he led the Aztecs to their first NCAA Division I tournament win..

“You can go out and miss your first five shots, but you know, coach Fisher’s going to be right there saying you’ve got this next one,” SDSU junior forward Dwayne Polee II said. “Even when times are hard, for example, in the New Mexico game when we played them at San Diego, even though we were down by 16, coach Fisher just had that belief in us that we could come back and we could do it, and we did just that.”

Arizona head coach — 2009-present

ALMA MATER: Pittsburgh ’92 HOMETOWN: Beaver Falls, Pa. ARIZONA RECORD: 128-47 (fifth season) OVERALL RECORD: 248-94 (10th season) COACHING EXPERIENCE: • Wisconsin, assistant coach – 1992 1993 • Miami (Ohio), assistant coach – 1993 to 1995 • Pittsburgh, assistant coach – 1995 to 1996 • N.C. State, associate head coach – 1996 to 2001 • Xavier, associate head coach – 2001 to 2004 • Xavier, head coach – 2004 to 2009

Arizona’s motto is that it is a “player’s program,” and that starts with head coach Sean Miller.

Miller provided stability to Arizona when he arrived in Tucson in 2009. While the Wildcats made the Sweet Sixteen in 2009, they were routed by Louisville 103-64. From 2007 to 2009, the Wildcats had four head coaches.

UA sophomore forward Kaleb Tarczewski said Miller’s relationship with his players is the most important component of his coaching talent.

“We all have a tremendous trust in him,” Tarczewski said. “You know, not only as our coach but as a mentor, someone that can teach us things not only on the basketball court, but also in real life. I think that’s why we have such a close team this year, is a lot because of that connection.”

Miller played point guard at Pittsburgh, where he played in three NCAA Tournaments, in 1988, 1989 and 1991.

“I think for me, Coach is just relaxing because he’s done all the things that we want to do,” junior guard Nick Johnson said. “He’s been in this position and been on a top team-playing point guard. So I mean, really when he says stuff, it sinks in because you know that he’s been in that situation before.”

Miller led Xavier to the Elite Eight in 2008 and the Sweet Sixteen in 2009 in his first head coaching stop, and at Arizona went to the Elite Eight in 2011 and the Sweet Sixteen the last two years.

“He’s a great basketball mind,” freshman forward Aaron Gordon said. “He’s been there before, and he knows what to do in that situation. He has a lot of trust in his guys, and it goes both ways. So it’s really easy to play for him.”

TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

ARIZONA HEAD COACH Sean Miller yells during the second half of Arizona’s 75-71 loss against UCLA in the Pac-12 Tournament Championship Final in MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on March 15..

MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE

SAN DIEGO STATE HEAD COACH Steve Fisher argues with an official after a technical foul is called on his player during the first half against Connecticut at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on March 24, 2011, in the West Region semifinals.

— Follow James Kelley @JamesKelley520

ALMA MATER: Illinois State ’67 HOMETOWN: Herrin, Ill. SAN DIEGO STATE RECORD: 312-175 (15th season) OVERALL RECORD: 497256 (23rd full season) COACHING EXPERIENCE: • Western Michigan assistant coach – 1979 to 1982 • Michigan assistant coach: 1982 to 1989 • Michigan head coach 1989 to 1997

B10 • The Daily Wildcat

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B11 they become a mediocre basketball team that won’t make it to the Final Four.

3

Slow start

BY LUKE DELLA The Daily Wildcat

Gas pedal

WAYS UA MAKES THE FINAL FOUR

Arizona head coach Sean Miller has compared his basketball team to a football team on more than one occasion.

Miller treats his team like a group of running backs. He wants the Wildcats to be relentless with their physicality, toughness and constant pressure.

And when they are playing basketball as a bunch of running backs for the entire 40 minutes, they might just be the best team in the country on the hardwood.

A perfect example of this was on Sunday in their 84-61 victory over Gonzaga.

It’s when they take their foot off of the gas pedal that

To piggyback off of the previous point, Arizona can’t afford to start with its foot on the brake. The Wildcats need to come out strong and punch San Diego State, and if they advance, either Wisconsin or Baylor. Any one of those three schools would be a difficult task to try to come back on.

Against UCLA in the Pac-12 tournament championship game, the Wildcats let the Bruins dictate the pace of the game and quickly fell behind.

They fought their way back into the game, but it wasn’t enough.

If Arizona’s defense isn’t fully loaded from the opening tip, it might as well not even make the trip to Anaheim, Calif.

Free throws

This one is easy. It’s been a concern all season long.

NCAA tournament games are close. Rarely does a school blow another one out, knowing that a team has to take advantage of the free points it’s given at the free-throw line.

If the Wildcats miss six, seven or more free throws, they better hope that they have a high field goal percentage, or else they’ll likely lose any close game on their way to the Final Four.

BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat

— Follow Luke Della @LukeDella

Grand Theft Basketball

In 2011, Arizona reached its ninth Elite Eight when sophomore forward Derrick Williams wreaked havoc through the West Region. Williams scored a career-high 32 points as the fifth-seeded Wildcats pounded No. 1-seed Duke 93-77 in Anaheim, Calif.

Arizona was a missed shot away from beating Connecticut, the eventual national champion in the Elite Eight.

Gordon has the skills to dominate like Williams, the No. 2 draft pick in 2011. Gordon had 18 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals against Gonzaga in the Round of 32.

Gordon also shot 8-for-10 from the field. If he shoots well, he’s a matchup nightmare.

3

OK, you knew this was coming.

Arizona was 13-for-18 from the freethrow line when it defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs, 84-61. In their win against Duke, the Wildcats were 21-for-26 from the charity stripe.

In the 72-70 win over Michigan, they were 14-for-15 from the free-throw line, and Nick Johnson made six free throws over the final 25 seconds.

You don’t have to be a math major to figure out that if they had missed a few of those in Ann Arbor, Mich., they would have lost.

Every defensive team since the dawn of sports brags that “defense wins championships,” but in March, free throws generally dictate who moves on.

— Follow James Kelley @jameskelley520

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That may help the Wildcats win, but it’s not very flashy.

However, Arizona’s defense can energize a crowd. Against Gonzaga, Arizona scored 31 points off of turnovers.

When Arizona turns defense into offense, it combines two of its biggest strengths: defense and athleticism.

If Arizona puts on another stealing and dunking exhibition, the UA fans will go nuts and the neutral fans will turn to their sides. Arizona went 18-0 at home and could turn the Honda Center into McKale West.

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B12 • THE DAILY WILDCAT

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

IT’S THE CLIMB

BULLDOG BEAT DOWN

PAC-12 CHAMPIONS

NO. 1 SPOT

TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

JUNIOR GUARD Nick Johnson celebrates Arizona’s Pac-12 championship, after the team’s 79-66 victory over Stanford in McKale Center on Senior Day.

Arizona went on to clinch the Pac-12 championship with two games to go by beating Stanford 79-66 on senior day.

TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT COACH Joseph Blair holds up the bracket of Arizona’s pod the team kept in their locker room after the UA reached the Sweet Sixteen.

LAS VEGAS LOSS

ARIZONA JUNIOR guard Nick Johnson (13) dunks the ball during the second half of Arizona’s 65-56 win against Utah at McKale Center on Jan. 26.

Arizona opened the season 21-0 and was ranked No. 1 for eight straight weeks. During its 21game win streak, the best start in school history, the Wildcats won the NIT Season Tip-Off over Duke, won at Mountain West champion San Diego State and won at Big Ten champion Michigan.

After the Wildcats opened the NCAA tournament with a lessthan-impressive 68-59 win over 16-seed Weber State, Arizona rebounded by spanking Gonzaga 84-61 to earn the UA’s 16th Sweet Sixteen appearance.

ARIZONA’S DOUBLE LOSS TYLER BAKER/THE DAILY WILDCAT

UCLA MEN’S basketball players celebrate their Pac-12 tournament championship win over No. 1-seed Arizona on March 15 in Las Vegas.

The Wildcats have regularly talked about three goals: winning the Pac12, winning the conference tournament and winning the national title. However, Arizona lost the Pac12 championship game to UCLA.

LUKE DELLA/THE DAILY WILDCAT

SOPHOMORE FORWARD Brandon Ashley negotiates his way through Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, Calif., on Feb. 1 after suffering a season-ending foot injury.

At California on Feb. 1, Arizona lost its first game, its No. 1 ranking and starting sophomore forward Brandon Ashley. However, despite off nights by junior point guard T.J. McConnell, junior guard Nick Johnson and freshman Aaron Gordon, the Wildcats lost on a last second shot.

#ROADTODALLAS

Arizona’s season has had ups and downs, mostly ups, as the Wildcats spent eight weeks as No. 1 and suffered few losses

BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat

The UA has almost as many hashtags as wins this season.

Here’s quick guide to keep track of their hashtags. #helpful #yourewelcome

#ArizonaWildcats

#AZvsSDSU

The standard hashtag the media uses.

The UA’s official game hashtag.

John Byrd “Button” Salmon would have used this hashtag … if they had Twitter in 1926.

The NCAA’s very imaginative Sweet Sixteen hashtag. Guess what its Elite Eight hashtag is…

#BearDown

#APlayersProgram

“We are a player’s program,” head coach Sean Miller said. The UA will have to update that intro video.

#4BAshley

The hashtag in honor of the UA’s starter who was lost for the year, sophomore forward Brandon Ashley.

#Sweet16

#ThisIsArizona

The Wildcats’ intro video hashtag, but it can be used for other tweets. This is a free country.

#BearDown4 TheCrown

The ZonaZoo’s favored hashtag.

#MarchMadness

Does this really need explaining?

#HondaCenter

A hashtag for the arena the UA’s playing in. It really doesn’t have anything to do with cars.

Don’t forget to follow @WildcatHoops for updates from the #HondaCenter

REBECCA MARIE SASNETT/THE DAILY WILDCAT

JUNIOR FORWARD Chris Johnson (52) looks at his phone while the Wildcats are interviewed by the media in the San Diego State locker room in Viejas Arena after Arizona’s first win of the NCAA Tournament.

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014

THE DAILY WILDCAT • B13

MORA CREATIVE STUDIO

THE HONDA CENTER will host the NCAA Tournament West Regionals this year. The 20-year-old arena has hosted the West Region five times previously, and the Wildcat have played NCAA tournament games there three times before.

Honda Center no stranger to NCAA Regional action of the Year” by Pollstar Magazine; always a bridesmaid.

The arena cost $123 million, is 650,000 After losing in the Sweet Sixteen in Los square feet and seats 18,336 for basketball.

Angeles last year, Arizona men’s basketball will There are three levels of now look to punch a ticket to seating, the lower level has the Elite Eight in the Honda 5,200 seats, the middle has ARIZONA IN Center in Anaheim, Calif.

1,750 pricey seats, and the Home to the 2007 Stanley terrace level has 9,200.

ANAHEIM Cup Champion Anaheim The Honda Center is Ducks, the Honda Center within 5 miles of five major 1998 Maryland 87-79 W opened in 1993. freeways (the 57, 22, 5, Utah 76-51 L It was originally known 91 and 55). It is a seven2003 Notre Dame 88-71 W as the Anaheim Arena and minute drive from the then later in its first year its Kansas 78-75 L center to Disneyland and a named was changed to the five-minute drive to Angel 2011 Duke 93-77 W Arrowhead Pond, after the Stadium.

UCONN 65-63 water company sponsored it.

The Honda Center has Then in 2006, Honda bought hosted the West Regional in the naming rights.

1999, 2001, 2003, 2008 and The Harlem Globetrotters, 2011, and in 1999 hosted the Men’s Ice Hockey Stars on Ice, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Frozen Four.

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BY JAMES KELLEY

The Daily Wildcat

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B14 • The Daily Wildcat

Basketball • Thursday, March 27, 2014