Arizona Basketball: Why players love playing for Sean Miller

Current Arizona Basketball head coach Sean Miller was one of the true point guards during his playing days at Pittsburgh.

There are many reasons why Arizona Basketball is considered to be Point Guard U and a Players Program. One of the main reasons why would be because of head coach Sean Miller and his ability to recruit some of the best point guards and athletes in the country. It doesn’t hurt that he once was a great point guard himself during his playing days. His understanding of the position and the game of basketball has made him the great coach he is today.

For those that didn’t know, Miller played for Pittsburgh from 1987-92. In the 128 games played, Miller started in 124 of those as point guard! Over four seasons, he averaged 10 points, 5.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. He averaged 43% from the field and 88.5% from the free-throw line! In addition, his freshman season Miller was awarded Big East Rookie of the Year and Big East All-Freshman team. His senior year he was on the All-Big East Team.

As a point guard for Pitt, he was known for his basketball IQ as well as his leadership qualities. Miller took good care of the ball, only averaging 2.5 turnovers per game in four seasons. That something that all coaches love to see their point guards do, not having silly turnovers.

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His playing career and knowledge of the game makes him someone that players can relate to as well as trust. Whether during practice, a timeout or during a game, his players know that what he is communicating and telling them what to do is coming from someone who has been in those situations before.

Miller also had and still has the ball-handling and shooting skills to back up his basketball IQ. Recently during an Arizona Basketball practice, he was showing off his dribbling and juggling skills!

Interesting fact, this isn’t the first time he has put his skills on display. Back when Miller was only 15 years old he was on the Johnny Carson show and had the chance to showcase his talents!

https://twitter.com/APlayersProgram/status/1156369996492132352?s=20

Over the years, Miller has developed special bonds with his players. T.J. McConnell, Kadeem Allen, Rawle Alkins just to name a few. These and many others love playing for Miller because of the passion he has for the game and the wanting to make them better players. Every so often he reminds them he still has game. Also, players know he was part of the most infamous moments in college basketball history when he made a sweet looking dish to Jerome Lane in1988, who ended up shattering the glass!

At Zona Zealots, we know that not just players but fans love Sean Miller! As he continues to coach for Arizona Basketball he will prove why this is a Players Program. Bear Down, Arizona!