Arizona Basketball head coach Sean Miller held his first press conference since the season ended abruptly in March. Here is how it all went down.
We are still six months till the start of the 2018-19 Arizona Basketball season, but it’s never too early to find out the latest happenings about our beloved Wildcats.
Coach Sean Miller held his summer press conference and addressed everything from his new head coaching staff, to accessibility of players, returners, incoming freshman and transfers and even the NBA Draft.
Coach Miller started off talking about how accessibility to players has improved and that coaches can spend more time with the players during the summer time. He did mention that Ira Lee and Dylan Smith are wrapping up the first three week session of summer training and that the next batch of players are scheduled to come in.
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Next, he discussed his brand new coaching staff. This year there will be two additions joining Assistant Coach Mark Phelps: Danny Peters and Justin Gainey. Miller sees this crew of being able to compliment each other quite well and being to build a real cohesive unit.
Miller then goes on to talk about how the incoming six (Chase Jeter included since he is now eligible) will be an important part of the overall success this next season. However, he truly believes the real success starts with the returners next year. Perfectly said!
Can’t teach experience. The Wildcats will have five returning players next season and all five will have the real opportunity to take that next big step in their career at Arizona.
The next big thing he goes over are the six incoming players for next season: Justin Coleman, Omar Thielmans, Devonaire Doutrive, Chase Jeter, Brandon Williams and Ryan Luther . One thing I want to point out here is when watching and listening to Coach Miller talk about these players you can really see why he attracts some incredible talent. He talks from the heart, he talks the truth and more then anything else you can sense the true passion he has for Wildcat Basketball. Love ya Coach!
https://twitter.com/APlayersProgram/status/1002270205647581184
Towards the end of the press conference, when asked his thoughts on the NBA Draft he feels strongly there is nobody like Deandre Ayton and is a definite No.1 pick. We all agree Coach! Phoenix Suns you listening? Don’t mess this up! Miller does mention that Rawle Alkins and Allonzo Trier have a good chance of getting drafted and play for a long time in the NBA because of what they did at Arizona.
Before Miller finishes, he talks about how the Pac-12 does it better than anyone else with the talent that gets drafted into NBA. Have the possibility to have back-to-back drafts with No.1 drafts come from the Pac-12, says a lot about how competitive the Pac-12 is year in and year out.
Some other highlights of the press conference:
- “He embodies everything we want as a culture” – Coach Miller when asked about Jake DesJardins receiving a scholarship
- Miller hinted at there are a couple transfers they are looking at to fill their last scholarship spot, but wouldn’t be eligible to play until next year.
- He reflected on how they did have a great season, but how it ended was not so great and there are certainly things he learned that he will apply to this season.
- Miller mentions he would like to be there (at the NBA Draft) if he can work things out
- Strength and conditioning will be a top priority for Miler and Coach Rounds (strength and condition coach) to focus on this summer. Interesting fact, Miller and Rounds have been together for 14 years! That’s one strong bond!
- “That strong connection between him and I (Brandon Williams), was probably that one thing that never got divided. But it was hard fight and I am glad we won” – when asked on re-recruiting Brandon Williams
- Miller understands recruiting has changed, bigs are hard to come by and would like to focus on having more wing players moving the ball and have that spacing.
- Miller mentions all the exciting ideas and possibilities as far as scheduling non conference games and the Pac-12 tournament.
The entire Arizona Basketball Press Conference:
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As we get that much closer to the Red and Blue game in October, then onto the exhibition games and then into the start of regular season, Wildcat fans can prepare themselves for what should be one an exciting seson. Bear Down!