With Sean Miller back, Arizona basketball turns the page

TUCSON – Three things happened with Arizona basketball Thursday: Coach Sean Miller returned to his team. Guard Allonzo Trier returned from a two-game absence that stemmed from a failed drug test.

And the No. 19 Wildcats wrapped up at least a share of the Pac-12 regular-season title with a 75-67 win over Stanford at McKale Center.

For the 14,644 fans on hand, you didn't have to wonder which development held the most importance. They gave Miller a standing ovation every time he walked onto the court, firmly behind their coach after perhaps the most turbulent week in program history.

"I really didn't know what to think about it, other than it (being) just very, very emotional," Miller said of the crowd's response. "Tucson and our fans, they've always been the very, very best to my family and myself. They've supported our basketball program like no other. To see them do that, it was very emotional and something I'll never ever forget."

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Hours earlier, Miller had sat in front of cameras and delivered a statement, strongly denying last week's explosive ESPN story, in which veteran reporter Mark Schlabach reported that Miller was caught on FBI wiretap discussing a $100,000 payment to help land star freshman Deandre Ayton.

ESPN stands by the report.

After Thursday's contest, Miller was asked about the last week and how tough it had been, from losing Trier for two games to sitting out the Oregon contest. Miller pointed out that he already had issued his statement, something he said repeatedly earlier this season in regard to Arizona's involvement in the FBI investigation.

"Right now, for me, it's about focusing on the now, focusing on coaching our team, running this basketball program," Miller said. "This team certainly has dealt with a lot of adversity."

But over 15 minutes, Miller shared some details. It was clear the past week had taken a toll. Miller seemed excited about beating Stanford, but he also looked relieved. And emotionally drained.

Senior center Dusan Ristic – who had 21 points and five rebounds – said the Wildcats had not seen Miller all week, not until the moment he informed them Thursday that he would resume coaching duties.

In Miller's absence, assistant coaches Lorenzo Romar and Mark Phelps ran practice. Miller said the assistant coaches kept him abreast on everything but that he didn't have a chance to discuss Stanford until Thursday, when he met with his staff for a couple hours before the contest.

Asked what it was like to miss last Thursday's contest at Oregon, Miller said, "It wasn't a good (experience). ... I was hoping that we could pull it out. I thought the guys did a really good job under those circumstances. Playing in a difficult arena against a very good team in tough circumstances – I was proud of them." 

Moving forward, Miller's hope is that all this brings out the best in the Wildcats. The season began with high expectations. Then came the FBI investigation, which resulted in the arrest and dismissal of assistant coach Emanuel "Book" Richardson. After a January loss, Miller said he couldn't reach his team. After a February loss, he said it might be the worst defensive group he's coached.

Then Trier.

Then the ESPN report.

"We talk a lot about eliminating clutter," Miller said.

Ristic acknowledged the negative vibe around the program. He admitted dealing with it was tough. He thought about going through this weekend's senior day ceremony without the coach that brought him to Arizona.

"I didn't know what to expect," Ristic said.

But the senior big man also said the Wildcats may have showed something in Thursday's win: An uncommon toughness. That all the drama – and there's been a lot –has not altered the big picture.

"From this point on, I think this is going to help us because now we're mentally tougher," Ristic said. "I think we're ready to play our best basketball of the season."

With a win Saturday over struggling California, Arizona (23-7 and 13-4) would secure the outright regular-season title. It also would give the Wildcats momentum entering next week's Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas.

Late Thursday, near the end of his news conference, Miller was asked if "surreal" best described the past 12 hours. The coach said no and instead offered his own words.

"Very difficult,'' he said.

Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at doug.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller.

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