SAN JOSE – There’s plenty of storylines for the Arizona and Texas, both of which are playing in the Sweet 16 on Thursday in San Jose. None is more obvious than a potential showdown between the Wildcats and Longhorns for a trip to the Final Four. And while the two programs need to handle business against the No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks and No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers, respectively, Texas head coach Sean Miller, who spent 13 seasons at the helm of Arizona, has nothing but respect for Tucson and the Wildcat community.
Texas takes on the Purdue in the first game of the Sweet 16 double-header in San Jose on Thursday, so naturally, there will be Arizona fans in the stands as they awaiting the Wildcats’ game against Arkansas. Sean Miller says he hopes those fans dressed in Red and Blue are also cheering for the Orange and Black.
“I would hope they would cheer for us. We’re the 11 seed. If I were them, I’d want us to win.”
Miller then took the opportunity to open and reflect about his time at Arizona, which was more than just a logo on the front of his quarter zips and polos for over a decade, but a place he and his family called home.
“My relationship with Arizona is nothing but great. I have three sons, they all attended the University of Arizona, and each of them had an amazing experience. Two of the three, their girlfriends, potentially maybe who they end up with as their wife, also went to Arizona. I was there for 13 years, have friendships that will last a lifetime. I was treated, our family was treated incredibly well.”
Given the way things ended between Miller and Arizona, which included a corruption scandal and FBI investigation that ultimately resulted in his termination in 2018, he still has nothing but respect for the Wildcats.
“I mean, if we were to beat Purdue — I’m at Texas. That would be amazing. We’re playing in the Elite Eight. But the other part of it doesn’t really exist for me. I think with that emotion, you can either burn the house down or make it warmer. I look at that place and that experience as nothing but just making my house warmer. I have nothing but positive thoughts, feelings and perspectives towards that experience.”
Behind Lute Olson and the 1997 national championship, Miller is one of the most successful coaches in program history. During his tenure, he led Arizona to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16s and three Elite 8s. So for him to be impressed by the job Tommy Lloyd has done taking the baton through the first five seasons speaks volumes about the current leader of the Wildcats.
“My perspective of just watching Arizona, they couldn’t have hired a better coach. I mean, what he has done is just — it’s like legendary. I know that the team that they have this year might be the best team at Arizona, one of the best ever.”
As tantalizing as it may be for Arizona and Texas fans, both teams are focused on the Sweet 16…for now. If that happens, enjoy the ride!