Warriors FanSided editor sits down and talks Wildcats
By Ryan Reyes
Editor of BlueManHoop.com Golden State Warriors FanSided site Eric He discusses current Arizona Wildcats players and coaches as they prepare to bring home an NBA Championship.
The NBA playoffs are underway and with a golden state of mind, the Warriors are aiming to bring home a Championship. Stefan Curry, Klay Thompson, and none other than ex-Arizona Wildcat Andre Iguodala leading the way.
Another Wildcat Alumni, Coach Steve Kerr, led his squad to the best record in the association with a 67-15 record. Eric has been involved with FanSided for about 3 years and has covered the Warriors at Blue Man Hoop for 2 seasons now, so he knows the inside scoop.
ZZ. Of the many players and coaches who attended and play for U of A, does that transcend on the court?
EH: There definitely is a U of A presence on the court and on the sidelines. I wouldn’t say that it’s mentioned a lot, but you definitely acknowledge from time to time that “so-and-so” went to school in Arizona.
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Wildcats
ZZ. Steve Kerr was able to bring home a championship to Tucson, do you believe with his strong mentality the warriors could do the same?
EH: Kerr has turned the Warriors from a good team into a great team. He keeps the locker room loose and allows the players to have fun while instigating a dynamic system and using his voice when needed. Kerr is the perfect coach for this Warriors squad and there is no doubt he will have tremendous success in these playoffs.
ZZ: Does the Wildcat culture get talked about in the locker room?
Not that I am aware of. We’re not credentialed unfortunately and I haven’t seen much in the press.
ZZ: Andre Iguodala emerging and sometimes leading the way in some of the Warriors victories this season. Does he ever talk about the Wildcats? How did he enjoy his time in Tucson? Miss it?
EH: I remember Iguodala showing up at a U of A basketball game earlier this season, so he obviously still feels connected to the Wildcats. We see the leadership and skills he displayed at Arizona in full display here, as he has developed into an established veteran and one of the best defensive players in the league.
ZZ: What kind of leadership does Luke Walton bring as an assistant coach and ex-player?
Walton provides experience with his championship and family pedigree — his father being the legendary Bill Walton. As he is just recently retired, Walton connects with the players and helps establish a rapport between the players and coaches. He has been a welcome addition to Kerr’s coaching staff.
ZZ: Does Coach Kerr refer to his days as a Wildcat?
EH: Kerr has reminisced many times about his days as a Wildcat (http://www.theplayerstribune.com/steve-kerr-arizona-march-madness/). I’ve read many stories about his toughness and grit that led to him leading his Wildcats. He also pledged $1 million to the university for renovations to the McKale Center, so he is clearly thankful and supportive of U of A.
ZZ: Do you think that Wildcats are talking with all our coaches and players in the Warriors Organization?
February 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton (left), associate head coach Alvin Gentry (center), and head coach Steve Kerr (right) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 128-114. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
EH: I imagine so — Iguodala, Walton and Kerr are definitely people to look up to and learn from.
ZZ: What were some of your impressions on the Wildcats past basketball season?
EH: I don’t know if I’m qualified to offer my take on college basketball considering I don’t follow it that much. I do know you guys pump out tremendous basketball talent that has played a major role in making the Warriors championship contenders.
The Warriors are taking on New Orleans in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Golden State are leading the series 2-0 with one more game at home before they hit the road. You can catch them on TNT or ESPN Thursday night at 6:30pm PST.
Follow Blue Man Hoop on Twitter @BlueManHoop. Zona Zealots wishes our Wildcats good luck in the NBA Playoffs, and hopefully the Warriors will be the NBA Champions this season!
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