Arizona Basketball: Ranking Sean Miller’s first 6 teams
By Brad Malone
2. 2014-15 (34-4, Pac-12 Champions, Pac-12 Tournament Champions, Elite Eight)
Arizona won the conference for the third time during Miller’s tenure, but 2015 will be most remembered for the year the Cats brought the Pac-12 Tournament trophy back to Tucson.
It had been 13 years since the last time the Cats won the tournament. During the Miller era, the Cats had lost three close games in the championship.
This time, the Cats ran roughshod over its opponent in the title game, winning 80-52 over Oregon.
A healthy Brandon Ashley was the tournament MVP, averaging 19.7 points and 6.3 rebounds for the three games.
For the second straight year, the Cats made a run to the Elite Eight. The Wisconsin Badgers were waiting for them in a rematch of the 2014 West Regional Final.
Arizona played great, but the Badgers shot the lights out, winning 85-78.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 17 points and eight rebounds in his final game as a Wildcat.
The loss made the Cats Final Four bridesmaids for the third time in five seasons. A tearful T.J. McConnell exited the game in the final seconds to a standing ovation by the Arizona fans who had made the trip to Staples Center.
McConnell left Arizona as one of the most beloved players in program history.
He only lost one game in his college career, while playing in rowdy McKale Center.
It was in 2011 when Arizona beat McConnell’s Duquesne Dukes 67-59.
Next: No. 1 : Dream Season Ends in Anaheim