TUCSON, AZ- It wouldn’t be Arizona Basketball if we didn’t have a bit of over-analyzed drama regarding the future of head coach Sean Miller.
Making headlines again, it seems like Sean Miller and the Arizona Basketball team can’t avoid the national spotlight, good or bad.
However, in the midst of an unusually down year, the Wildcats were supposed to finish senior day on a high note, directing attention to and honoring the seniors one last time as they won’t be back next year. Instead, more focus and attention is being put on what Miller said.
Arizona Wildcats
For those unaware, Miller thanked the fans for being so loyal and supportive throughout the year. But, what’s really drawing the most attention is this part… “it has been an amazing honor to coach in McKale Center for the last 10 years.”
When asked about his emotional, heart-felt speech in the press conference, Miller responded by saying his all-too-favorite phrase by now, ‘no comment’.
Oh no, is Sean Miller leaving? Why did he say that? Did he just say goodbye? This all sounds so ominous!
STOP IT! Stop over-analyzing everything! Easier said than done I guess, since this is Arizona Basketball, and for the past year-and-a-half, we’ve all been on the proverbial edge.
However, as we’ve said over and over again, Arizona fans need to be patient and diligent throughout this process.
As it stands, the facts that are currently present suggests Miller is still innocent. Disregard the subpoena, disregard the sentencing of Book Richardson or Christian Dawkins, at this point given the facts that are present AND known, Miller is not in trouble and that is how we should approach it as fans.
Unless something changes, there’s no point in suggesting, thinking or stating otherwise.
So what do we think Miller meant in what he said? Well, I think that’s up for debate, and from our Zona Zealots contributors/ experts, here’s what we had to say:
"David Rosen – What Miller said was basically him thanking the fans, for this season and the last 10 years. Reaching the 10 year milestone with one school is quite the feat, especially considering everything this program under Miller has been through. Yes, I can see fans and media taking what he said out of context, implying he might be done after this year. But that’s the problem in today’s social media driven world, things are taken out of context, rumors start flying and next thing you know that’s all you read about.The truth of the matter is the boosters, AD, President, players, fans (majority of them) support him and want him to stay. There are those fans/media that say he hasn’t been a successful coach because they haven’t made it to the Final Four under Miller. I say that’s ridiculous. It is very hard to make it to a Final Four and even when you do, to then win a championship requires much luck.There are so many talented and skilled players out there in college basketball, that consecutively making to the Final Four is much harder then people think. The talent that Miller has brought to the UofA has been incredible. A good majority under Miller have had successful careers in the NBA, and with all that being said, I feel like he isn’t going anywhere.I believe he will remain as head coach at Arizona and everyone just needs to chill and wait for real facts before making assumptions. Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention is that both Josh Green and Nico Mannion were in attendance at the ASU game. Why would Miller make a statement like he did, with them in attendance? Just sayin’… Anyways, that’s my whole take on this on-going Sean Miller debate. I honestly can’t wait till this whole saga ends. Enough already. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!Mark Barrera – Every year Miller gives a speech at the last home game thanking the seniors, the school and the fans. What we saw Saturday wasn’t anything new. However, it makes sense as to why this one was more emotional. This season, Miller hit the 10-year milestone, which is kind of rare in today’s college b-ball. It was also the worst season he’s had at Arizona. These last 1 1/2 years have been the hardest and most stressful due to what’s going on with the FBI probe. Add all of this up with fans who continue to support him, the program, and sellout games, it’s easy to see why he showed more emotion this year than in the past."
As for me, I think it was Miller just getting caught up in the moment and being humble and honest for a few minutes. To me, this is an embattled man who was simply thanking a fan base that despite having been through a lot too, are still supporting the program wholeheartedly through the good and the bad.
10 years is a long time for any coach in this industry, and the guys that returned, came here or stayed and competed week-in and week-out, regardless of results, Miller is grateful for that.
I do feel Miller expects to be back next year and using that moment to say ‘goodbye’ with his two, top recruits in attendance would be a weird move.
I believe this year was a humbling one for him, and I think the culmination of everything really hit home to him. I feel that Miller is grateful to be here and is supported by a fan base that has had his back and has been behind him the whole way.
Why should we judge him for getting emotional? He’s still a person that has been through a lot the past year-and-a-half, and who are we to say he shouldn’t show emotion, and when he does he needs to explain himself. That’s crazy and over-analyzing everything is just as crazy!
Here is the senior ceremony from yesterday, where Coach Miller really begins to talk at the 4:40 mark. What do you think of Miller’s comments?
At Zona Zealots, we are proud of the way the team competed this year, despite all the adversity. We thank the seniors for their hard work and dedication and will miss them dearly! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!