Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Fans Recap Win Against ASU

Jan 3, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Gabe York (1) shoots a three point shot against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Wildcats won 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Gabe York (1) shoots a three point shot against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Wildcats won 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona fans in the Phoenix area had a rare chance to see the No. 8 Wildcat Basketball team in action. They weighed in on their thoughts on the team and the program after the big win against ASU.

A stream of red filed out of Wells Fargo Arena Sunday after the Arizona Wildcats basketball team beat the Arizona State Sun Devils 94-82 to start the Pac-12 season.  Fans looked happy and relieved at the same time as ASU mounted a huge comeback late in the game to cut Arizona’s 16 point lead to six on several occasions.

For many Wildcat fans, this is their one opportunity to see their highly ranked team and witness the job Sean Miller is doing in Tucson.  Rebecca, who said she is new to Wildcats basketball, thought there were slightly more ASU fans in attendance than U of A fans.  “But the U of A fans were louder.”

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Michael, who lives in the Phoenix area, agreed with her.  He regularly attends the rivalry game in Tempe and annually makes the trip to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 tournament.

John and Camilla started following Arizona basketball when their kids attended the University of Arizona.  They are transplants from Wisconsin and immediately identified with former coach Lute Olson and his Midwestern work ethic.  “It’s about time we won here,” exclaimed John as he referred to losses the last two seasons in Tempe.

When asked who they like better, Lute Olson or Sean Miller, Camilla couldn’t decide.  John picked Lute, again citing the Midwest connection.

We also asked them which Arizona coach they prefer, most fans couldn’t decide between Lute or Sean.   “Hmmmm……They are so different,” said Jay, who drove up the I-10 from Tucson.  He felt the turning point of the game was the last three minutes.  Jay’s friend, Kalen, gave Gabe York credit for his three point shots at a crucial time, which helped propel the Wildcats to victory.

Many of the fans were happy to discuss their favorite current players as well as their favorites through the years.  James, an Arizona Wildcat football season ticket holder, was glad Kaleb Tarczewski was back for the ASU game so he could see cheer Zeus on.

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Our Midwestern couple, John, and Camilla, were split on their favorite player.  John also likes Zeus the best, but Camilla’s vote goes to Gabe York.

When asked who their favorite Arizona players are of all time there was a mixed bag of answers.  James, who is introducing Rebecca to all things Wildcat basketball, said Andre Iguodala is his favorite.  Michael votes for Mike Bibby as his favorite former Wildcat and Gabe York is his favorite current player.  Michael knows his guards.

One fan was not happy with “The Curtain of Distraction” Arizona State is using while opponents are at the free throw line.  Riding a 47 game home win streak, Arizona Wildcats fans know the importance of the home crowd.  ASU has come up with a gimmick, and opposing teams will need to prepare for it and focus despite which costumed character appears.

A very well-spoken ASU student heard the Curtain of Distraction discussion, so she filled us in.  It turns out Laura, an ASU piccolo player in the marching and pep bands, has the scoop.  Not only is the Curtain a definite Distraction, but it also gets a committee of avid fans involved preparing for the game and wearing the ever-changing uniforms.

Her take on the game?  The referees were frustrating, and the Wildcats have more talent.  Thank you for talking to us, Laura, who put in overtime this weekend between the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the late night Cactus Bowl, and the early start time Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena.  Now go and get some sleep.

Next: Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Bobby Hurley’s big mistake, Sean Miller’s brilliance

The bottom line is being an Arizona Wildcat Basketball fan is fun.  We take pride in our basketball, our players, and coaches.  Seeing that the fans are as satisfied with Sean Miller as they were with Lute Olson indicates all things with Red and Blue basketball are going in the right direction.  Bear Down and congratulations, A Players Program.