Give me Sean Miller

[Woodsmoke]

Former point guard, son of a legendary coach and has Xavier in the Sweet 16 against a beatable Texas team. He's free from NCAA oversight, wasn't charged with any major penalties so he doesn't have anything hanging over his head. He's good to go.

 

[mcwildcats04]

Former point guard, son of a legendary coach and has Xavier in the Sweet 16 against a beatable Texas team. He's free from NCAA oversight, wasn't charged with any major penalties so he doesn't have anything hanging over his head.. He's good to go.

He underachieved so long at Arizona with a ton of talent every year. Not sure I can go in on him with one good year at Xavier.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan]

I'd take Barney Miller over Calipari.

 

[bigbluedon]

He admitted making payments out of his own pockets to the 7 footer, a few years ago. Can’t remember the kids name. Miller is not that great of a coach. Pass.

 

[Woodsmoke]

He admitted making payments out of his own pockets to the 7 footer, a few years ago. Can’t remember the kids name. Miller is not that great of a coach. Pass.

Ayton.

 

[DaProdigy23]

54yo
73% winning
won >400 games
won average 26 games last 12 yrs (excluding covid yr)
27-9 this yr. in very good yr for Big East

4 Sweet 16
4 Elite 8 (with a chance at one more)

8 top-10 recruiting classes
6 lotto picks including #1/2/4/6

Anyone who thinks his resume isn’t good does not know basketball.

Yes he got caught doing something that is now pretty much legal under NIL. The truth is that most high major programs including the coach of your favorite team has done stuff to get players on campus. You can be naive to it but it’s only a problem if you’re caught. Otherwise it’s the cost of doing business.

This all being said, Miller won’t be the coach but he does deserve to be in the conversation. He’s won more than guys like Oats and Muss. Miller isn’t your first few calls but he should be on the list. But after Calipari, I don’t think we want to hire his basically his little brother. We probably want to get some distance from cal. Feel very confident now that Scott Drew will be the pick.

 

[TheDude73]

Maybe we talk about this stuff when we are for sure Cal is on his way out the door. As for now, he'll be here at least through the end of next season. Could be a whole other crop of replacements on the table by then.

 

[kats23]

I wanted him several years ago, but he failed even when cheating. No thanks! That guy is a prime example of big fish, little pond.

 

[Montana81]

He underachieved so long at Arizona with a ton of talent every year. Not sure I can go in on him with one good year at Xavier.

I’m interested in Miller but i think wait and see is a fair approach right now.

 

[IowaMuse]

He underachieved so long at Arizona with a ton of talent every year. Not sure I can go in on him with one good year at Xavier.

His AZ team lost 2 Elite 8 classic one OT game against Wisconsin. Happened to run into one of the countries best teams twice in their region. He would do great at UK.

 

[IowaMuse]

And I do think he will be UKs next coach, likely hired a year from now.

 

[bthaunert]

54yo
73% winning
won >400 games
won average 26 games last 12 yrs (excluding covid yr)
27-9 this yr. in very good yr for Big East

4 Sweet 16
4 Elite 8 (with a chance at one more)

8 top-10 recruiting classes
6 lotto picks including #1/2/4/6

Anyone who thinks his resume isn’t good does not know basketball.

Yes he got caught doing something that is now pretty much legal under NIL. The truth is that most high major programs including the coach or your favorite team has done stuff to get players on campus. You can be naive to it but it’s only a problem if you’re caught. Otherwise it’s the cost of doing business.

This all being said, Miller won’t be the coach but he does deserve to be in the conversation. He’s won more than guys like Oats and Muss. Miller isn’t your first few calls but he should be on the list. But after Calipari, I don’t think we want to hire his basically his little brother. We probably want to get some distance from cal. Feel very confident now that Scott Drew will be the pick.

Those numbers are great and all, but Calipari’s would look amazing too taking his career. Miller hasn’t made it past the Sweet 16 since 2015…6 seasons. Why would we want a guy like that?

 

[UK90]

He underachieved so long at Arizona with a ton of talent every year.

“Underachieved” only in the sense of not reaching the final four. He coached a lot of very very good teams at Arizona … nearly all of which looked quite well coached and reached the six sweet 16 or Elite 8 …but just never knocked down that final door (despite repeatedly coming heartbreakingly close).

I’m not sure if that qualifies as under-achievement or just unfortunate luck in the wild crapshoot that is today’s NCAA tournament. But he clearly is a damn good coach. It’s fair to question his integrity, given the evidence of him arranging past payments …but, hey, does that stuff really matter anymore in today’s Wild West NIL era?

 

[cathouse]

I'd take Barney Miller over Calipari.

I'd take Barney Fife.

 

[IowaMuse]

Those numbers are great and all, but Calipari’s would look amazing too taking his career. Miller hasn’t made it past the Sweet 16 since 2015…6 seasons. Why would we want a guy like that?

This is such a short-sighted and simplistic view, and flawed logic.

You want a coach who can consistently put you in a position. Miller will get over the hump eventually. You’re eliminating almost every coach from consideration based on that criteria.

“Underachieved” only in the sense of not reaching the final four. He coached a lot of very very good teams at Arizona … nearly all of which looked quite well coached and reached the six sweet 16 or Elite 8 …but just never knocked down that final door (despite repeatedly coming heartbreakingly close).

I’m not sure if that qualifies as under-achievement or just unfortunate luck in the wild crapshoot that is today’s NCAA tournament. But he clearly is a damn good coach. It’s fair to question his integrity, given the evidence of him arranging past payments …but, hey,does that stuff really matter anymore than today’s Wild West NIL era?

right. Cal has been to 2 FF in 15 call pledge seasons when UK hired him. So he won an extra game in the tournament once. Why is that a better hire than Miller?

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan]

I'd take Barney Fife.

Me too

 

[SemperFiCat]

Miller is on my list, but a lot can change before a decision will be made.

 

[Montana81]

Miller also has 5 30 win seasons. That’s a pretty big number. And on the off chance he makes the FF this season it’ll be 6.

And also IF he makes a FF at Xavier, he is not going to be there long. Louisville, or UNC or some power house program that’s struggling is going to make a play for him.

 

[Roe07]

He is a pretty good coach. Just couldn't get Arizona over that Final 4 hump.

 

[bthaunert]

This is such a short-sighted and simplistic view, and flawed logic.

You want a coach who can consistently put you in a position. Miller will get over the hump eventually. You’re eliminating almost every coach from consideration based on that criteria.

right. Cal has been to 2 FF in 15 call pledge seasons when UK hired him. So he won an extra game in the tournament once. Why is that a better hire than Miller?

How is that a simplistic view?

2016 (Zona) - 6 seed lost to an 11 seed in the 1st round
2017 (Zona) - 2 seed lost to an 11 seed in the Sweet 16
2018 (Zona) - 4 seed lost to a 13 seed on the 1st round
2019 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2020 (Zona) - no tournament. Finished 21-11
2021 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2023 (XU) - Sweet 16 so far

What about that says. “Yes, that’s our guy”. You’d be firing Cal to hire another Cal.

 

[HenryMuto]

Former point guard, son of a legendary coach and has Xavier in the Sweet 16 against a beatable Texas team. He's free from NCAA oversight, wasn't charged with any major penalties so he doesn't have anything hanging over his head. He's good to go.

Geez thanks for cursing me there is no chance Xavier will win tonight now. You couldn't have waited until after the game at least so maybe they could have had a chance to win ?
Every single time someone posts about a coach they almost always lose their next game so then everyone else can come on and post about it...........

 

[HenryMuto]

How is that a simplistic view?

2016 (Zona) - 6 seed lost to an 11 seed in the 1st round
2017 (Zona) - 2 seed lost to an 11 seed in the Sweet 16
2018 (Zona) - 4 seed lost to a 13 seed on the 1st round
2019 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2020 (Zona) - no tournament. Finished 21-11
2021 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2023 (XU) - Sweet 16 so far

What about that says. “Yes, that’s our guy”. You’d be firing Cal to hire another Cal.

You missed some years

2006 (Xavier) 14 seed lost by just 4 pts to 3 seed Gonzaga
2007 (Xavier) 9 seed lost in 2nd round barely vs #1 overall seed Ohio State in OT
2008 (Xavier) 3 seed made the elite 8
2009 (Xavier) 4 seed made sweet 16
2011 (Arizona) 5 seed made Elite 8
2013 (Arizona) 6 seed made Sweet 16
2014 (Arizona) 1 seed made Elite 8
2015 (Arizona) 2 seed made Elite 8

 

[IowaMuse]

How is that a simplistic view?

2016 (Zona) - 6 seed lost to an 11 seed in the 1st round
2017 (Zona) - 2 seed lost to an 11 seed in the Sweet 16
2018 (Zona) - 4 seed lost to a 13 seed on the 1st round
2019 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2020 (Zona) - no tournament. Finished 21-11
2021 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2023 (XU) - Sweet 16 so far

What about that says. “Yes, that’s our guy”. You’d be firing Cal to hire another Cal.

You missed some years

2006 (Xavier) 14 seed lost by just 4 pts to 3 seed Gonzaga
2007 (Xavier) 9 seed lost in 2nd round barely vs #1 overall seed Ohio State in OT
2008 (Xavier) 3 seed made the elite 8
2009 (Xavier) 4 seed made sweet 16
2011 (Arizona) 5 seed made Elite 8
2013 (Arizona) 6 seed made Sweet 16
2014 (Arizona) 1 seed made Elite 8
2015 (Arizona) 2 seed made Elite 8

Lol compared to whom? Who is YOUT guy?

Miller is 54 years old. He now has Xavier in the Sweet 16.

He would be a home run hire. Another Cal? I’d take the 2011-2019 version of Cal any day.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

How is that a simplistic view?

2016 (Zona) - 6 seed lost to an 11 seed in the 1st round
2017 (Zona) - 2 seed lost to an 11 seed in the Sweet 16
2018 (Zona) - 4 seed lost to a 13 seed on the 1st round
2019 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2020 (Zona) - no tournament. Finished 21-11
2021 (Zona) - missed the tournament
2023 (XU) - Sweet 16 so far

What about that says. “Yes, that’s our guy”. You’d be firing Cal to hire another Cal.

Exactly. He's a solid coach but nothing special thus far.

 

[IowaMuse]

Exactly. He's a solid coach but nothing special thus far.

Who is “special’? Lol.

Jay Wright? Billy Donovan? Ain’t happening. Who else is special?

 

[bthaunert]

You missed some years

2006 (Xavier) 14 seed lost by just 4 pts to 3 seed Gonzaga
2007 (Xavier) 9 seed lost in 2nd round barely vs #1 overall seed Ohio State in OT
2008 (Xavier) 3 seed made the elite 8
2009 (Xavier) 4 seed made sweet 16
2011 (Arizona) 5 seed made Elite 8
2013 (Arizona) 6 seed made Sweet 16
2014 (Arizona) 1 seed made Elite 8
2015 (Arizona) 2 seed made Elite 8

My point is that’s exactly like Cal in the conversations around him. No one cares what he did 5-10 years ago. Why should we care what Miller did 5-10 years ago. This is not a defending Cal thread. This is a Miller has basically the exact same trajectory as Cal.

How is that different?

 

[Creed Bratton]

I'd take Barney Miller over Calipari.

I would take a Miller Lite over Calipari

 

[502 Wildcat]

My top 5 list, with none of the unrealistic names like Jay Wright and Brad Stevens people spew out, would probably include Sean Miller. He can coach.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Interesting I'm seeing so much support for Miller. He's like family to Cal and would be very similar to him. At least he went out and hired an offensive specialist to improve his offensive attack as that's why Arizona always sucked in March. Stall ball and heinous offensive basketball. So he's shown growth there.

I'd rather go away from Cal tied/connected coaches myself.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan]

I would take a Miller Lite over Calipari

Me too

 

[rolaid]

Scott Drew will be the Coach - fits like a glove - won a title @ Baylor - think about that for a second- taught Jerome Tang everything he knows

 

[blackcat714]

He underachieved so long at Arizona with a ton of talent every year. Not sure I can go in on him with one good year at Xavier.

Hard to believe anyone can underachieve as bad as Cal

 

[UKWildcats1987]

My point is that’s exactly like Cal in the conversations around him. No one cares what he did 5-10 years ago. Why should we care what Miller did 5-10 years ago. This is not a defending Cal thread. This is a Miller has basically the exact same trajectory as Cal.

How is that different?

Yeah whats the difference?

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

I think Drew will get the call first but...there's no guarantee he would take the job. More than likely he would but, he has turned down other offers.
I think Tommy Lloyd will get a call and I think Miller should as well. Guys like Stevens, Vogel and Donovan are pipe dreams.
Heck, Miller might turn Uk down too. He's at home at Xavier. That's worth quite a bit.

We really need a coach that puts a enjoyable product on the court, doesn't have a ego bigger than the Sun and who can at least get UK back to winning lots of games. I don't buy the narrative that only a select couple of guys can handle the UK job. College basketball isn't what it was just 10 years ago. Other schools are paying what UK can and every game is on TV.
We may be entering a phase where there are no big personality coaches in college basketball. Which is fine by me. I've had quite enough of that ridiculousness.

 

[WeWant9]

I don’t know if the floors at Rupp could handle his sweat.

 

[truebluewildcat]

Cal's here for another year or two. But I think he is definitely on the home stretch of the back 9 of his career. I think he is burnt out. Whatever mojo he had his first 6-7 years hear has really fallen off in all regards from recruiting, to developing, and coaching. I think there are lots of reasons some Cal can't control some he could tweak but seemingly is incapable of or flat refuses to.

I think it's appropriate to have a short list ready.

I've always liked Miller. He's not a huge name on the marquee type of character. He got some old big east grit to him from his playing days when that conference was a tough legit basketball conference.

From a coaching standpoint he's got program/culture building roots. He had Xavier rolling on what I think could have been a perennial mid major power who is always on scene in March trajectory. Kind of like Gonzaga, Butler under Stephens, Villanova under Wright, etc...

I don't know if he will be the guy, but that's kind of the type of guy we need.

Billy Donovan, similar. Old big east point guard who built a basketball power from scratch at a Football School via good old-fashioned coaching and culture building.

I think Billy D should be on the short list till he retires. He could build an absolute monster here and be in final four and title games in short order.

 

[bbncal02]

So. We willing to sell our souls I see.

Leopards don’t change their spots folks.

 

[Montana81]

So. We willing to sell our souls I see.

Leopards don’t change their spots folks.

I am. Every other program does it. The ncaa doesn’t care. College athletics are a nice guys finish last competition.

I’m to the point that i’m LOOKING for a guy that’s proven they’re willing to get their hands dirty. I think Cal was that guy and then the ncaa and the media neutered him. Made him a afraid to take a leak without sending them the proper documentation to make sure it was okay.

If anything i’d only hesitate on Miller because of what Ralph Dalton said. He’s a cal guy, and that means cal would still have influence. Continueing to be “players first” would be a problem.

 

[Jont0805]

Who is “special’? Lol.

Jay Wright? Billy Donovan? Ain’t happening. Who else is special?

I miller had every resource available to a big time program yet failed to make the final four.

if you cannot win it with all the resources of Arizona, what would be the difference at Kentucky?

I have no idea who would be the choice, but I would say miller would be an option only if a lot of people turned Kentucky down.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

One negative thing about him is his friendship with John Calipari. I prefer to get as far away from Calipari as possible.