Arizona Basketball: Ranking Sean Miller’s first 6 teams

3. 2010-11 (30-8, Pac-10 Champions, Elite Eight)

The most surprising year of the Sean Miller regime, and it was because of the growth of Derrick Williams.

When he was recruited to Arizona for Miller’s first year, Williams was the lowest ranked prospect of the freshman class. By the time he was done, he had ended up being one of the best players of the Miller era.

The regular season is remembered for Williams famous block against Washington, at the first McKale White Out. 

In only his second year at Arizona, Miller collected his first conference championship, but the lasting memories of this squad were made in March because of one of the most memorable tournament runs in school history.

The Cats started the tournament with nail-biting wins over Memphis and Texas. When the Cats reached the sweet sixteen in Anaheim, they were matched up against the defending national champion Duke Blue Devils.

Trailing by six at halftime the Cats came out and played one of it’s best halves in program history, winning easily 93-77. Williams led all scorers with 32 points and added 13 rebounds. MoMo Jones contributed with 16 points and six assists.

Not many games compare to the excitement this one brought Wildcats fans. The victory against Duke gave the Cats 30 wins on the season. It was only the fourth time in school history that milestone had been reached. 

Next: No. 2 : Pac-12 Tourney Champs