If not Miller, then who?

[KansasCityCats]

Hard to disagree with TJ74's comment.

Arizona was a consistent Final Four contender when guys like Archie, Book, Pasternak, Phelps and Romar were on staff.

Despite the recent struggles, I wouldn't be shocked if we somehow sneak into Atlanta. There's a lot of talent on the floor and there aren't a lot of schools that are playing at a high level. Nobody is a lock to go far in the tourney this season, which is advantageous for us.

[CatInFL]

Replacing Miller at best is a crap shoot.  Especially with Heeke and Robbins at the helm.  I would much rather see Miller be forced to hire better assistant coaches.  Ones that will bring us a better understanding of playing against a zone defense among other things.  Miller is very stubborn but can definitely recruit and get players.  What he needs is help on in game coaching.  Someone he will listen to.  I don't see anyone on the bench right now that he will listen do and adjust.

I agree with everything you said.  A head coach at this level, though, should have a better understanding of playing against a zone defense (they're much improved with Nico), should be flexible and be able to make adjustments with minimal input from assistants, and he should already be a good in game coach.  An assistant coach at this level should definitely be able to recruit and get players.  Keeping Miller, at this point, seems to be a crap shoot too.   

With that said, everything changes in a couple of years with the end of "one and done", and he may then have a chance to develop players.  I look forward to this.  On the other hand, I still won't like the ugly, boring pack line defense, and (what seems to be) his inability to be flexible and work to his players strengths.  I'll still get frustrated by bad end game decision making and the lack of interior offense. 

[Wildcat4life]

Wild-I love your dedication and support of this forum, but what universe do you live , declaring Miller as one of the best coaches in college basketball? Obviously you don't pay attention to other forums, "experts", outside the local market, media professional that for the most part think Miller has done less with more then any other coach in college basketball Lucky for Miller he was gifted some extremely  talent freshman in his back yard, (Ayton, Mannion and Williams) otherwise he would have been gone three years ago. Secondly, Miller was the Steward of the program, during the the numerous NCAA infractions, including an assistant coach, ( longest tenure) being incarcerated for infractions under his watch. Miller brought this upon himself, and should not be rewarded for guiding the program under difficult circumstances, which he is ultimately responsible for. Oh wait I forget he takes zero responsibility for! It's sad when a program is associated with Cheating, right, wrong or different and still can't win! This the lowest the program has ever been! Sad!

[Dirty Dancer]

I would prioritize defense with any hire. Stevens and Donovan are the top tier but seem unlikely. Then I would offer Beard or Drew. Gets pretty thin after that with guys like Randy Bennett and McDermott who are more offensive minded and recruiting specialists like Wojo. Pretty thin field to be honest and I don't even know if the first 2 tiers would even consider the gig.

[KansasCityCats]

How dramatic. "The lowest the program has ever been"?

You understand that Arizona only had two seasons that included wins in the NCAA tourney prior to 1986, right?

High end recruits want to play in Tucson, 14,500 true fans show up to every home game and our program is respected on a national level.

Miller is not coaching this program to its potential but he is far from failing. There's still plenty of hope to make a deep run with this year's talented team.

[Wildcat4life]

Okay good point. The lowest the program has been over the last 30 years. 14500 fans. I have been to every home game this year and it's no where near being sold out. When was the last time the men's program needed to market ticket sales? I guess we can keep looking to the past and dwell on those memories or simply enjoy the next five years of underperforming Miller.

[KansasCityCats]

You're there & I only get to one game per year, so I trust that there are open seats.  It seems packed from the TV & the Cats are still way ahead of the rest of the Pac...but continued struggles will definitely bring down the numbers.

[Wildcat4life]

Oregon.

[TennesseeCat36]

Okay good point. The lowest the program has been over the last 30 years. 14500 fans. I have been to every home game this year and it's no where near being sold out. When was the last time the men's program needed to market ticket sales? I guess we can keep looking to the past and dwell on those memories or simply enjoy the next five years of underperforming Miller.

why are you going to every home game then if you clearly aren't happy with Miller and the team currently? My 92 yr old grandma goes to every home game, my aunt also goes to just about every home game and I'm a die hard fan living 1,700 miles away in Middle Tennessee that would love to come to Tucson and watch more games but I get out there about every 4 years for a few days to watch them play 2 games thanks to
My grandma giving me the rare extra ticket that becomes available to
Her.  My great uncle is a platinum wildcat donor every single year who has had premium seats for the past 40 plus years that I would love to have for just a few games every year, let alone for one whole season. I'm jealous of people that get to go to every game at McKale and I definitely would support them and be happy to attend 15 home games a year.  My first game at Mckale came in 2003 with Salim, Iggy, Adams, Frye and I was 20 yrs old at the time and I had goosebumps being there and almost had tears in my eyes from the joy of being there. Just enjoy it man because If I was there I would definitely be living it up. The last time I was there was 2 years ago, Millers first game back from being Vindicated and that crowd was so electric when he came out And once again goosebumps for me.

[Wildcat4life]

It's because I want the program to get past Miller and find a better HC. It's not simply about the wins or losses, the direction the program is going in not a positive one. The games aren't nearly as fun to watch. The style of play is boring, out of conference games are against inferior competition, constant recycling of players and coaches doesn't afford any stake in team. I've had Season ticket for the entire Miller era and the last 8 years under Lute and the energy, excitement and thrill has gone away. JMO. I'm sorry if I don't agree with the Miller supports, but I see him for what he is... a below average coach that is an above average recruiter. His down falls greatly out way his abilities. Last post regarding Miller until after the season, maybe the cats make a deep run and Miller changes everything to prove me wrong.