Arizona Wildcats men's basketball

The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. They compete in the Pac-12 Conference of NCAA Division I and are currently coached by Sean Miller.

Arizona Wildcats men's basketball
2020–21 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
UniversityUniversity of Arizona
All-time record1,834–955–1 (.657)[1]
Athletic directorDave Heeke
Head coachSean Miller (12th season)
ConferencePac-12
LocationTucson, Arizona
ArenaMcKale Center
(Capacity: 14,644)
NicknameWildcats
ColorsCardinal and Navy[2]
         
Uniforms
Home
Away
Alternate
NCAA Tournament Champions
1997
NCAA Tournament Runner-up
2001
NCAA Tournament Final Four
1988, 1994, 1997, 2001
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
1976, 1988, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2014, 2015
NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen
1951, 1976, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
NCAA Tournament Round of 32
1976, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
NCAA Tournament Appearances
1951, 1976, 1977, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999*, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008*, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
*vacated by NCAA[3]
Conference Tournament Champions
Pac-10/12
1988, 1989, 1990, 2002, 2015, 2017, 2018
Conference Regular Season Champions
BIAA
1932, 1936, 1940, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953

WAC
1976


Pac-10/12
1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

Arizona has a long and rich basketball history. The program came to national prominence under the tutelage of former head coach Lute Olson (1983–2007), who established the program as among America's elite in college basketball. One writer referred to UA as "Point Guard U"[4] because the school has produced successful guards like Steve Kerr, Damon Stoudamire, Khalid Reeves, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Gardner, Jerryd Bayless, and T. J. McConnell, among others.

From 1985 to 2009, the Arizona basketball team reached the NCAA Division I Tournament for 25 consecutive years, two years shy of North Carolina's record with 27.[5][6][7] Despite having their 1999 and 2008 appearances later vacated by the NCAA, the media still cites Arizona's streak, and simply notes the changes.[8][9] The Wildcats have reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament on four occasions (1988, 1994, 1997, and 2001). They have also made two appearances in the National Championship (won over Kentucky Wildcats in 1997, lost to Duke Blue Devils in 2001). In Pac-10 play, former head coach Lute Olson currently holds the record for most wins as a Pac-10 coach with 327.[10] In addition, the team has won 16 Pac-10/12 regular season championship titles and seven Pac-10/12 tournament championship titles.[10] Arizona also holds the distinction of recording five out of the seven 17–1 Pac-10 seasons (one-loss seasons).[10] No team has gone undefeated since the formation of the Pac-10/12.

Arizona ranks 15th all time heading into the 2019–20 season with 1,813 wins and ranks 8th by winning percentage at (.657).[11] Arizona has spent 37 weeks at No. 1 in the AP Poll, which is tied for eighth-most all-time; 25 weeks at No. 2, tied for 13th all-time; 150 weeks in the Top 5, seventh all-time; 299 weeks in the Top 10, sixth all-time; and 550 weeks in the top 25, tied for 8th all-time.[12]

History

Early years (1904–1925)

The University of Arizona fielded its first men's basketball team in 1904–05. Orin Albert Kates coached the team and drew opponents from local YMCAs. The first game Arizona played ended in a 40–32 victory over the Morenci YMCA.[13]

In 1914, Arizona's first famous coach, James Fred "Pop" McKale was lured away from a teaching and coaching job at Tucson High School to take over as Athletic Director and coach basketball, football, baseball and track.[13] McKale took things to a new level, posting a 9–0 record his first season as a basketball coach.[13] Moreover, McKale elevated the program to intercollegiate play.[13] While basketball was his least favorite of the many sports he coached while at UA, he chalked up three undefeated seasons and a career-winning average of .803, which has never been bested by a UA coach who has held the post for at least three years.[13] The McKale Memorial Center, the main arena for Arizona basketball, is named in his honor.[13]

Fred Enke era

Fred Enke in 1960.

From 1925 to 1961, the program was under the stewardship of Fred Enke, UA's longest tenured coach.[14] Coach Fred A. Enke was responsible for the early successes of Wildcat basketball. Enke amassed 509 wins in his tenure on the UA sidelines and still ranks as the second-winningest coach in school history, winning more than 60 percent of his games. Enke also led the Cats to the first four postseason appearances (3 N.I.T./1 NCAA) in school history and in 1950–51 competed in both the N.I.T. and NCAA postseason tournaments. Finally, he was the first coach to lead Arizona to a national ranking. Two of his teams (1950, 1951) finished the season ranked in the top 15.[14]

Under Enke, UA competed in the now defunct Border Conference. Under Enke's direction, Arizona won 12 conference championships, including a span in which the Cats won or shared seven consecutive Border Conference titles (1942–51). No Border Conference team won as many league games (231) or overall contests (398) during its membership.[14] In 1962, Arizona joined the Western Athletic Conference as a founding member after the Border Conference disbanded.[14]

Fred Snowden era

In 1972, Fred Snowden was hired as the head basketball coach, making Arizona the second Division I school and the first major program to hire an African American head coach.[15][16] Known as "The Fox", Snowden brought the excitement back to Wildcat basketball during his 10 years on the Arizona sideline, averaging more than 80 points per game in six of his 10 years and topping the 100-point barrier 27 times.[14] Snowden led Arizona to the NCAA tournament twice, in 1976 and 1977, getting as far as the Elite Eight in 1976 before losing to UCLA 82–66, a game after defeating UNLV in a Sweet Sixteen matchup. During the 1976 tournament he also logged Arizona's first and only tournament wins until Lute Olson's hiring, beating John Thompson's Georgetown team 83–76. Snowden's 1976 team also won the school's only WAC championship title on a buzzer-beater by Gilbert Myles verses New Mexico, with the help of the spectacular play of Bob Elliott, Jim Rappis, and Al Fleming. In 1978, Coach Snowden helped transition the basketball program over to the newly formed Pac-10. Snowden could not sustain success in the Pac-10, however, finishing no higher than 4th place in the conference. His 9–18 final season led UA to look for a replacement.[13]

Known for his high-octane offense and remembered as a trailblazer, Fred "The Fox" Snowden brought excitement to Arizona basketball during his 10-year tenure as the program's head coach. Snowden, who led the Wildcats from 1972–82, was the first African-American head basketball coach at an NCAA Division I institution, amassing a 167–108 mark. The 1973 Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, his career winning percentage of .607 has been topped by only three UA coaches since 1924. Nicknamed "The Fox" due to his cool demeanor, Snowden led Arizona to three postseason berths, including the 1975 National Commissioners’ Invitational Tournament and the 1976 and 1977 NCAA Tournaments. His best season came in 1976, when the Wildcats went 24–9, won the Western Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA West Regional Final. The Brewton, Ala., native was the head coach who led Arizona into the Pac-10 in the 1978–79 season, guiding the program for its first four seasons in the Conference. Snowden also oversaw the transition into the McKale Center after its opening in 1973. He was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. Prior to his role at Arizona, Snowden was an assistant coach at Michigan. He also served on the coaching staff of his high school, Northwestern High School in Detroit, Mich., where he coached for five years after attending Wayne State University from 1954–58. Snowden died in 1994 at the age of 57.

Athletic Director Dave Strack brought in Ben Lindsey to replace Fred Snowden in 1983, and on the surface, it seemed like a reasonable move. Lindsey had junior college expertise, having had a successful career at Grand Canyon University, where he won two national titles. What resulted, however, was nothing short of disaster. The 1983 team finished with the worst season in school history at 4–24, with only one Pac-10 win.[13]

Lute Olson era

Early years

Newly hired UA Athletic director Cedric Dempsey fired Lindsey after only one season and hired University of Iowa coach Lute Olson as his successor. UA needed a coach with a history of quickly turning around programs, which Olson had done previously at Iowa. "I knew we had a tremendous amount of work to do", Olson recalled in a recent interview with Tucson Lifestyle. "The program was in shambles at that point, after the terrible year before..."[13]

All-American Sean Elliott won several national college basketball awards and set the school's scoring record while helping lead the Wildcats to the Final Four in 1988.

Under Olson, Arizona quickly rose to national prominence. Arizona won its first Pac-10 title in 1986, only three years after his arrival.[13] That season set up an amazing 1987–88 season, which included taking the Great Alaska Shootout championship, the Valley Bank Fiesta Bowl Classic championship and the Pac-10 championship.[13] Under players Steve Kerr, Kenny Lofton and Sean Elliott, Arizona spent much of the season ranked No. 1 and made their first (and Olson's second) Final Four.[13] While Arizona lost in the Final Four round, their play put the program on the map and launched Arizona's reign as a perennial Pac-10 and NCAA tournament contender. Sean Elliott was awarded the John R. Wooden Award on the season and would set the PAC-10 scoring record.[13]

In 1997, Arizona defeated the University of Kentucky, the defending national champions, to win the NCAA National Championship. Prior to winning the championship in 1997, Arizona stormed back from 10-point deficits in the Southeast Regional First Round and Second Round against #13 South Alabama and #12 College of Charleston, respectively winning 65–57 and 73–69. The Southeast Regional Semifinal pitted against overall #1 Kansas (34–1) which had defeated Arizona the year before in the 1996 West Regional Semifinal. However, Arizona came out fast and stunned the Jayhawks 85–82, then prevailed in overtime against Providence 96–92 in the Elite Eight to clinch a berth in the Final Four. Arizona then beat #1 seed North Carolina 66–58 in the Final Four, which turned out to be Dean Smith's last game as a coach. Arizona also accomplished the unprecedented feat of beating three number one seeds in the 1997 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. This feat has never been accomplished by another team.

The year following the Championship season, 1998, Arizona returned all 5 starters (Mike Bibby, Michael Dickerson, Miles Simon, Bennett Davison, and A. J. Bramlett[17]) and were poised to make another run after receiving the #1 overall seed in the West, but were upset by Utah in the Elite 8.

In 1999, all 5 starters were lost to graduation or early entry to the NBA draft and Arizona's hopes of continuing its streak of consecutives trip to the NCAA tournament was in jeopardy until senior point guard Jason Terry (the 6th man the previous two seasons) elevated his game (receiving National Player of the Year honors) and continued the school's amazing streak.

1999 NCAA sanctions under Olson

In 2000, former Wildcat Jason Terry, stated that he received approximately $4,500 in cash, checks and wire transfers from New York sports agent Larry Fox, after his junior season.[18] The NCAA announced that as a result a one-game 1999 NCAA tournament appearance was formally vacated. In addition, Arizona asked Terry to repay the $45,363 in forfeited NCAA 1999 tournament revenue and banned him from the UA Sports Hall of Fame, including a provision that his jersey would not be retired.[19] Terry's jersey was later retired in 2015.[19]

Later years

2001 was one of the most challenging and rewarding years for the program. Lute Olson's wife Bobbi, well known to players and fans alike as a steadfast presence on the sidelines, lost her battle with cancer. The team, which had been a preseason pick by many to win the national title had to play without Olson for three weeks while Olson was on bereavement leave. The Cats vowed to dedicate their season to Bobbi. With guard Jason Gardner, center Loren Woods and forward Michael Wright — each an All-American — leading the way, the Cats trounced their opponents, beating Oregon 104–65, devastating USC 105–61, and charging through the Final Four. They took down Eastern Illinois, Butler, Mississippi, Illinois, and Michigan State, only to be stopped by Duke in the title game. While being considered the favorite to win the title, which would have been Coach Olsen's 2nd and tied him with Coach Mike Krzyzewski, his opponent, the Blue Devils claimed a ten-point victory in the game. This is the last game Coach Olsen ever coached in the Final Four and is considered by fans of the program to be his most bitter defeat. A championship would have vaulted him into hallowed ground among coaches, being one of few with multiple titles. Instead he remains tied with many coaches who have a single championship ring to their name. Meanwhile, his opponent in that game now is in second place among college coaches with five championship rings, behind only John Wooden's ten. All five of Krzyzewski's titles came in the 64 team field era; Wooden none. Still Coach Olsen earned the respect of his contemporary, Coach K said in the post game interview that "Arizona had a great team and an amazing season and was worthy of winning the championship, lets give a hand to Coach Olsen and his team." The comment drew rousing applause from the audience in attendance and made Coach Olsen proud, even in defeat, to be honored as an equal by Coach Krzyzewski who many claim is the best coach in college history.

In his later years at UA, Olson fielded competitive teams with extremely talented point guards. Continuing the reputation and nickname "Point Guard U,"[4] recent standouts include Jason Gardner, Salim Stoudamire, Mustafa Shakur, Jerryd Bayless and Nic Wise. Arizona would win Olson's last Pac-10 title during the 2004–2005 season under the spectacular play of seniors Salim Stoudamire and center Channing Frye. That team also made it to the Elite 8 and the verge of the Final Four before blowing a 15-point lead with four minutes to play and losing in overtime, 90–89, to the No. 1 seed and eventual national runner-up, University of Illinois.[20]

Olson took an unexplained leave of absence at the beginning of the 2007–2008 season. Assistant coach Kevin O'Neill took over interim head coaching duties for the Arizona Wildcats. At that time, Olson announced that he intended to be back for the 2008–09 season and finish out his contract, which was scheduled to end in 2011.[21] His departure was criticized by some members of the media. They also questioned how he and the UA athletic department handled his return and the verbal succession agreement with coach O'Neill.[22] However, on October 23, 2008, he unexpectedly announced his retirement from the program (by way of an announcement from Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood).[23] A few days later, Olson's personal physician held a press conference and explained that the retirement was strongly advised due to health concerns.[24][25]

After Lute Olson's abrupt retirement, Arizona Athletic Director Jim Livengood appointed assistant coach Russ Pennell as the interim head coach for the 2008–2009 season 23 days before the start of the season.[26] The appointment came after Mike Dunlap, the associate head coach brought in to replace Kevin O'Neill, turned down the job. Under Pennell, the Cats finished 19–13 in the regular season, including a non-conference win over Kansas and a 7-game win streak with wins over UCLA and Washington. Despite a 19–13 finish to the season, Arizona was controversially selected as one of the last teams into the field of 65 as a 12th seed in the Midwest region, extending its NCAA consecutive tournament appearances to 25 years.[27] The Cats made it to the Sweet 16 (regional semi-finals) with wins over 5-seed Utah and 13-seed Cleveland State, before falling to overall 1-seed, Louisville.[28] Despite Pennell's post-season success, he was not retained, as Arizona announced before his hiring they would hold a national coaching search after the season ended.[28] (On April 9, 2009, Pennell was hired as head coach of the men's basketball team at Division II Grand Canyon University, a member of the Pacific West Conference.)

Further NCAA sanctions under Olson

Following Olsen's retirement, reports of NCAA violations arose regarding payment of impermissible benefits to players and recruiting violations. In response, Arizona self-imposed sanctions that included a reduction in the number of recruiting visits by coaches and prospective players, the disbanding of a booster group, and implementation of a series of administrative and rules changes to prevent further violations.[29] The NCAA upheld most of those self-imposed sanctions but determined the school had used two ineligible players in 2007-08 and would have to vacate all wins involving those players and eliminate their statistics.[30] The NCAA reduced the number of scholarships and visits with recruits Arizona was allowed to make.[31] The NCAA found that Olson failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance at the university but decided against sanctioning the coach because he was retired and had health issues. "I think that was my fault," Olson said during a 2008 interview with ESPN.com. "That wasn't anyone else's fault. It was my error and it was a big error. But I guess in 26 years you are allowed to make a mistake once in a while anyway and that's not to say I haven't made a lot of them but in terms of that, that was a big mistake on my part."[32]

Sean Miller era

After the end of the season, various coaching names were considered to succeed Lute Olson on a permanent basis. Arizona was perceived to have interest in Gonzaga's Mark Few, Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon and then-Memphis coach John Calipari (before he accepted the vacant position at Kentucky) to take the job. Arizona even brought USC's Tim Floyd on campus for an interview and while Arizona claims no formal offer was ever presented, Floyd ultimately turned down the job publicly.

Arizona hired Sean Miller from Xavier University to fill the head coaching position. He initially turned the job down before changing his mind and accepting the job on Apr. 6, 2009 despite having never visited the Arizona campus.[32] Miller was formally introduced as the 13th head men's basketball coach at Arizona at a press conference on April 7, 2009 at McKale Center.[33] At the press conference, Miller acknowledged Lute Olson's impact on the Arizona program by addressing Olson personally: "One of the reasons I sit here today is because of the great legacy you built."[34] Miller also promised U of A fans that they would enjoy the style of both offense and defense he would bring to Wildcat basketball. Miller's salary is $1.6 million per year; he will receive an additional $400,000 per season from Nike and media contracts during a five-year deal, as well as a $1 million signing bonus and other amenities such as season tickets to other Wildcat sporting events and the use of a private jet.[34] Within three months of joining the program, Miller compiled a strong five-player recruiting class that ranked 13th nationally in 2009.[35] After going 16–15 and missing the NCAA tournament for the first time in 25 years during Miller's initial 2009–10 campaign.

In his second season as the head coach at Arizona, the Cats finished the season with 30–8, 14–4 Pac-12 play, behind the play of sophomore Pac-10 Player of the Year Derrick Williams.[36] It would be the Wildcats' first outright Pac-10 regular season title (its 12th overall), 4th 30+ win season (1st overall) and Elite Eight appearance (8th overall) since the 2004–2005 season. In addition, Miller led the Wildcats to their first unbeaten home record (17–0) in 14 years and was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year. This was the first time an Arizona coach received this honor since Lute Olson in 2003. The 17 wins without a loss at home is tied for the second most in school history.[37] Miller would add to the season's success by guiding the Cats to their first Elite Eight appearance since the 2004–2005 Season as a 5-seed. In the second round, Arizona secured a 2-point victory over 12th seeded Memphis (coached by former Wildcat (and member of the 1997 national title team) Josh Pastner) with a blocked shot in the final seconds by Derrick Williams. Arizona would follow with another close game—a controversial one-point win against 4-seed Texas.[38] In the Sweet-16 match-up, Arizona found itself pitted against top-seeded Duke, the first time since the 2001 title game that the two schools had met.[39] Duke would extend an early lead, but 25 points from Derrick Williams kept the Cats in the game and down by 6 points at the half.[39] In the second half, Williams' teammates picked up the slack, dominating the Blue Devils by scoring 55 second-half points and routing the defending champs 93–77.[39] Arizona's run at the Final Four would fall 2 points short, losing to 3-seed (and eventual national champion) Connecticut 65–63.

For his third season, Arizona's 2011 recruiting class was ranked 7th, notably signing Nick Johnson and Josiah Turner. Arizona secured three players in the top nine of the ESPNU 100, with all four newly signed players within the top 36. This has cemented Arizona as the No. 1 signing class nationally, surpassing Kentucky who held the No. 1 spot 2010 and 2011.[40][41][42] The Wildcats missed the postseason for the second time, reached to the NIT Tournament before falling to Bucknell to finish the season 23–12 overall, 12–6 in Pac-12.

In his fourth season, Miller guided to its second top-5 ranking in the AP poll (the first coming in weeks 7–10 of the 2012–2013 season[43]), Arizona reached the Sweet 16 in 2013 falling to Ohio State, finished the season with 27–8, 12–6 in Pac-12.

In his fifth season with the most talent Coach Miller has had since arriving in Tucson. On December 9, 2013, Arizona became the #1 ranked Team in the Country for the 6th time in school history, after a 9–0 start with wins over traditional national powerhouses Duke and UNLV. The Wildcats followed this up by securing a key come-from-behind victory on the road at Michigan on December 14 and led the Wildcats to their second outright Pac-12 Regular Season Title (its 13th overall, 26th regular season overall) in Sean Miller's fifth year as the head coach. Arizona reached the second unbeaten home record at (18–0), Coach Miller again named the second Pac-10/12 coach of the year, 5th 30+ wins season (2nd overall), 2nd Elite Eight appearance (9th overall) in 2014. But in the 2014 NCAA tournament, the Wildcats would fall to Wisconsin in overtime, they finish the season with 33–5, 15–3 in Pac-12.

In his sixth season as the Arizona Wildcats basketball head coach, after Gonzaga's home loss to BYU on February 28, 2015, Arizona claimed the longest active home winning streak in D-I men's college basketball (38th home win at 2nd all-time, 82nd home win at 5th all-time). Arizona defeated #13 Utah in Salt Lake City the same day, winning its share of the Pac-12 regular season title. After three losses to Pac-12 archrival Arizona State, Oregon State and UNLV, Arizona won their third Pac-12 regular season championship title (2nd straight year, its 14th overall, 27th overall). Arizona reached the third unbeaten home record at (17–0). The Wildcats completes their sixth ever 30+ win (3rd overall) and won their first Pac-12 Tournament title (5th overall) since 2002. In the 2015 NCAA tournament, the Wildcats fell to the Wisconsin Badgers in Elite Eight, 85–78, and finished the season 34–4, 16–2 in the Pac-12.[44]

In his seventh season, they finished the season 25–9, 12–6 in Pac-12 play to tie with California for third place. They defeated Colorado in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament to advance to the semifinals where they lost to Oregon. In the 2016 NCAA Tournament, as a 6-seed in the South Region. They lost in the first round to Wichita State.

In his eighth season at UA, AP polls & 81-straight coaches polls. The 97-consecutive weeks in the AP poll is currently the second-longest streak in the nation behind Kansas at 161 weeks.[1] They have been ranked every week in the 2016–2017 season, bringing those totals to 97 weeks for the AP & 100 weeks for the coaches poll. Arizona won its first 10 conference games, the best start since the '97-'98 season when they started 16–0. They finished the season at seventh ever 30+ wins with 32–5, tied at 16–2 with Oregon in Pac-12 play for first place to win their 3rd Pac-12 regular season championship title for the 15th time (28th overall). The Wildcats entered the Pac-12 Tournament as a 2-seed, the Wildcats defeated 7-seed Colorado in the quarterfinals, 3-seed UCLA in the semifinals and 1-seed Oregon in the championship game, Wildcats won their 2nd Pac-12 Tournament championship title for the 6th time. In the 2017 NCAA Tournament, as a 2-seed in the West regional, Arizona defeated the 15-seed North Dakota 100–82 in the first round, 7-seed Saint Mary's 69–60 in the second round and losing to Xavier 71–73 in the Sweet Sixteen.

As Miller's ninth season as the head coach at Arizona was about to get underway, federal prosecutors announced, on September 26, 2017, bribery, soliciting a bribe and wire fraud charges against assistant coach Emanuel "Book" Richardson as part of a far-reaching, college basketball-wide scandal.[45] Perhaps in part due to the ongoing scandal, the Wildcats ranked No. 2 in the country at one point, lost three games at the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament.[46][47] Arizona would eventually fire Richardson for his role in the scandal and the team would recover to lead the Pac 12 for the majority of the season.[48] On February 24, 2018, Associate Head Coach Lorenzo Romar was temporarily named head coach after news broke the previous day that Miller had been caught on an FBI wiretap offering to pay players to come to Arizona.[49][50] On March 1, Miller held a joint press conference with the University denying all allegations and stating he would be retained as men's head basketball coach. That same night, the Wildcats won their 29th regular season conference title, 16th in the Pac-12, and secured the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament by defeating Stanford 75–67. On March 10, Arizona defeated USC to win a record seventh conference tournament title. As a result, the Wildcats received an automatic bid to their sixth straight NCAA Tournament (35th NCAA tournament appearance, 12th all time) as the No. 4 seed in the South regional. The Wildcats, a trendy pick to make the Final Four and win the championship were blown out in the First Round by No. 13 seed Buffalo, losing 89–68.[51]

Sean Miller is currently in his tenth season as the Arizona Wildcats head coach. After a victory against UTEP, Miller recorded his 250th win for Arizona (370th win overall), in only 324 games, which is the 5th fastest of any coach at any Division 1 program all-time.[52] On January 5, 2019 Arizona won its 600th game in the McKale center with an 84–81 overtime victory over Utah.[53] Arizona became the first Pac-12 team to achieve 100 wins against conference opponents since the conference expanded to 12 teams before the 2011 season, after defeating Stanford 75−70 Jan. 9, 2019.[54] Recruiting for the 2018–2019 season suffered some setbacks due to the stigma attached to the FBI investigation of former assistant Coach Book Richardson.

Coaches

The Wildcats have had 17 coaches in their 115-year history. Sean Miller is the current coach. To date, one Wildcats’ coach has won the National Coach-of-the-Year award: Lute Olson twice, in 1988 and 1990. Additionally, 2 Wildcats coaches have been named Pac-12 Conference Coach-of-the-Year: Lute Olson in 1986, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2003 and Sean Miller in 2011, 2014, and 2017.

Season by season results

Under Sean Miller

Statistics overview
Season Coach Overall Conference Standing Postseason
2009–10 Arizona 16–1510–84th
2010–11 Arizona 30–814–41stNCAA Elite Eight
2011–12 Arizona 23–1212–64thNIT First Round
2012–13 Arizona 27–812–6T–2ndNCAA Sweet Sixteen
2013–14 Arizona 33–515–31stNCAA Elite Eight
2014–15 Arizona 34–416–21stNCAA Elite Eight
2015–16 Arizona 25–912–6T-3rdNCAA First Round
2016–17 Arizona 32–516–2T-1stNCAA Sweet Sixteen
2017–18 Arizona 27–814–41stNCAA First Round
2018–19 Arizona 17–158–109th
2019–20 Arizona 21–1110–85th
Arizona: 285–100 (.740)139–59 (.702)
Total:285–100 (.740)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

Rivalries

Arizona State

Since becoming a University on December 5, 1958. Arizona leads ASU 73–58. Since both schools joined the Pac-10 conference in the 1978–79 season Arizona leads ASU 59–28. Since Lute Olson took over as head coach for the 1983–84 season Arizona leads ASU 58–17. Since Sean Miller took over for the 2009–2010 season Arizona leads ASU 15–7.

The most recent matchup came in Tempe, AZ on January 4, 2020, where Arizona State beat Arizona 65–66. Arizona lead the all-time series with 153–86.

UCLA

Since then, the two schools competed for the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) Championship every year, with the two teams winning 22 out of the 30 conference titles, and 8 of 17 conference tournament titles. Arizona clinched their first conference title in 1986, when they won on the road at UCLA in Olsen's third season.[55][56] The UCLA-Arizona basketball rivalry is still seen as the match up of the two premier teams in the conference.[57] Also, the performance of the two schools influences the national opinion of the conference. California Coach Mike Montgomery has stated, "...If those two are not good, the conference is not perceived as being good. People don't give credit to the schools across the board in the league." Since the mid-1980s, Arizona has also had a basketball rivalry with UCLA, as the two schools competed for the Pac-10 Championship every year. Since 1985 the two teams have combined to win 24 out of the 34 conference titles. The UCLA-Arizona basketball rivalry still is seen as the match up of the two premier teams in the conference. Also, the performance of the two schools influences the national opinion of the conference.[58]

The most recent matchup came during the 2020 season, where UCLA beat Arizona 68–64. Arizona Wildcats trailed the all-time series lead by UCLA with 60–43.

Traditional rivalries

[59]

Team Arizona Record First Meeting Latest Result Home Record Away Record Neutral Record Notes
Arizona State (in-state) 153–86 (.640) Dec 13, 1913 (Arizona 41–17) Jan 25, 2020 (Arizona State 65–66) 89–30 (.748) 63–55 (.534) 1–1 (.500) Arizona–Arizona State
UCLA 43–60 (.417) Feb 19, 1923 (UCLA 43–30) Feb 29, 2020 (UCLA 69–64) 24–18 (.571) 14–35 (.286) 5–7 (.417) Arizona–UCLA
Total 196–146 (.573) 1913 Present 113–47 (.706) 77–90 (.461) 6–8 (.429) N/A

Other rivals

Arizona also has intense rivalries with the in-state Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona. As well as out-of-state rivalries, including Kansas, Duke, San Diego State and Gonzaga.

Team Arizona Record First Meeting Latest Result Home Record Away Record Neutral Record
BYU 20–19 (.513) Dec 1, 1951 (BYU 68–62) Dec 11, 2010 (BYU 87–65) 15–4 (.789) 4–14 (.222) 1–1 (.500)
Colorado 20–14 (.588) Dec 2, 1960 (Colorado 82–72) Jan 16, 2020 (Arizona 75–54) 11–3 (.786) 3–10 (.231) 6–1 (.857)
Duke 5–4 (.556) Dec 16, 1961 (Duke 78–47) Nov 29, 2013 (Arizona 72–66) 2–0 (1.000) 0–1 (.000) 3–3 (.500)
Gonzaga 6–4 (.667) Nov. 29, 2000 (Arizona 101–87) Dec 14, 2019 (Gonzaga 84–80) 2–1 (.667) 1–0 (1.000) 3–3 (.500)
Grand Canyon (in-state) 5–0 (1.000) January 6, 1978 (Arizona 78–66) December 14, 2016 (Arizona 64–54) 5–0 (1.000) 0–0 (–) 0–0 (–)
Illinois 9–6 (.600) Dec 27, 1966 (Illinois 93–77) Nov 10, 2019 (Arizona 90-69) 4–0 (1.000) 0–3 (.000) 5–3 (.625)
Kansas 4–8 (.333) Dec 31, 1979 (Kansas 78–60) Nov 27, 2010 (Kansas 87–79) 1–2 (.333) 1–2 (.333) 2–4 (.333)
Michigan 8–2 (.800) Dec 30, 1957 (Michigan 88–76) Dec 13, 2014 (Arizona 80–53) 2–1 (.667) 1–1 (.500) 5–0 (1.000)
Michigan State 5–2 (.714) Jan 2, 1947 (Arizona 45–43) Nov. 11, 2016 (Arizona 65–63) 2–0 (1.000) 1–1 (.500) 2–1 (.667)
New Mexico 85–42 (.669) Feb 1, 1917 (New Mexico 28–19) Dec 16, 2017 (Arizona 89–73) 53–9 (.855) 31–32 (.492) 1–1 (.500)
North Carolina 3–4 (.429) Dec 28, 1948 (North Carolina 60–49) Jan 27, 2007 (North Carolina 92–64) 0–1 (.000) 0–1 (.000) 3–2 (.600)
Northern Arizona (in-state) 99–27 (.786) February 10, 1919 (NAU 37–32) Nov 6, 2019 (Arizona 91–52) 69–6 (.920) 30–21 (.588) 0–0 (–)
San Diego State 24–7 (.774) Dec 27, 1945 (Arizona 46–44) Nov 26, 2014 (Arizona 61–59) 14–2 (.875) 7–5 (.583) 3–0 (1.000)
Texas Tech 24–28 (.462) Jan 15, 1934 (Texas Tech 33–29) Dec 3, 2013 (Arizona 79–58) 17–9 (.654) 5–18 (.217) 2–1 (.667)
UNLV 9–12 (.429) Dec 28, 1972 (UNLV 65–64) Dec 2, 2017 (Arizona 91–88 OT) 6–2 (.750) 2–8 (.200) 1–2 (.333)
Utah 34–29 (.540) Dec 21, 1953 (Utah 65–57) Jan 16, 2020 (Arizona 93-77) 21–8 (.724) 11–20 (.355) 3–1 (.750)
UTEP 62–30 (.670) Feb 2, 1920 (Arizona 24–15) Nov 14, 2018 (Arizona 79–46) 38–8 (.826) 23–22 (.511) 1–0 (1.000)
Wisconsin 2–5 (.286) Dec 3, 1962 (Arizona 51–46) March 28, 2015 (Wisconsin 85–78) 0–0 (–) 1–0 (.609) 1–5 (.167)
Total 422–243 (.635) 1919 Present 261–56 (.823) 119–159 (.428) 42–28 (.600)

Wildcats of note

Wildcats in NBA

NBA players

Name NBA team Seasons as Wildcat Post-Wildcat accomplishment
Andre Iguodala Miami Heat 2002–04 3x NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018), NBA Finals MVP, United States – 2012 Summer Olympics – Gold medal, NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA All-star, 2x NBA All-Defensive Team, NBA Dunk Contest participant (2006)
Solomon Hill Miami Heat 2009–13
Aaron Gordon Orlando Magic 2013–14 3x NBA Dunk Contest participant (2016, 2017 & 2020)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Toronto Raptors 2013–15
Stanley Johnson Toronto Raptors 2014–15
T. J. McConnell Indiana Pacers 2013–15
Kadeem Allen New York Knicks 2014–17 Currently on a two-way contract playing with the Westchester Knicks
Lauri Markkanen Chicago Bulls 2016–17 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (2018)
Kobi Simmons Charlotte Hornets 2016−17 Currently on a two-way contract playing with the Greensboro Swarm
Deandre Ayton Phoenix Suns 2017–18 First Arizona Wildcat to be selected 1st overall, NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (2019)
Allonzo Trier New York Knicks 2015–18

NBA G League players

Name NBA team Seasons as Wildcat Post-Wildcat accomplishment
Brandon Randolph Wisconsin Herd 2017–19

Source: Arizona 2018-19 Media Guide[60]

Current non-NBA professional players

NBA Draft history

12 different NBA championships have been won by 10 Wildcats players. Since the NBA draft was shortened to two rounds in 1989, 41 Arizona players have been selected. Former Wildcats have had successful NBA careers, totaling over $1.4 billion in total contracts through the 2019–2020 NBA season[61]

Name Round Overall Pick Year Team
Morris Udall ... ... 1948 Denver Nuggets (NBL)
Lincoln Richmond ... ... 1948 Fort Wayne Pistons
Leon Blevins 7 79 1950 Indianapolis Olympians
Leo Johnson 5 44 1951 Ft. Wayne Pistons
Roger Johnson ... ... 1952 Milwaukee Hawks
Ernie McCray 17 95 1960 Cincinnati Royals
Warren Rustand 4 31 1965 San Francisco Warriors
Bill Davis 12 160 1968 Phoenix Suns
Michael Foster ... ... 1970 Indiana Pacers (ABA)
Tom Lee 9 147 1971 Philadelphia 76ers
Eddie Myers 10 160 1971 Baltimore Bullets (ABA)
Bill Warner 11 170 1971 Buffalo Braves (ABA)
Bruce Anderson 7 101 1972 Detroit Pistons
Eric Money 2 33 1974 Detroit Pistons (ABA)
Coniel Norman 3 37 1974 Philadelphia 76ers (ABA)
Al Fleming 2 30 1976 Phoenix Suns
James Rappis 5 77 1976 Milwaukee Bucks
Bob Elliott 2 42 1977 Philadelphia 76ers
Herman Harris 2 43 1977 Philadelphia 76ers
Jerome Gladney 8 164 1977 San Antonio Spurs
Phil Taylor 10 198 1978 Denver Nuggets
Larry Demic 1 9 1979 New York Knicks
Joe Nehls 7 152 1980 Houston Rockets
Ron Davis 4 79 1981 Washington Bullets
Robbie Dosty 6 148 1981 Golden State Warriors
Frank Smith 8 177 1983 Portland Trail Blazers
Leon Wood 1 10 1984 Philadelphia 76ers
Pete Williams 4 89 1985 Denver Nuggets
Eddie Smith 7 158 1985 Denver Nuggets
Tom Tolbert 2 34 1988 Charlotte Hornets
Steve Kerr 2 50 1988 Phoenix Suns
Sean Elliott 1 3 1989 San Antonio Spurs
Anthony Cook 1 24 1989 Phoenix Suns
Jud Buechler 2 38 1990 Seattle SuperSonics
Brian Williams 1 10 1991 Orlando Magic
Sean Rooks 2 30 1992 Dallas Mavericks
Chris Mills 1 22 1993 Cleveland Cavaliers
Ed Stokes 2 35 1993 Miami Heat
Khalid Reeves 1 12 1994 Miami Heat
Damon Stoudamire 1 7 1995 Toronto Raptors
Joseph Blair 2 35 1996 Seattle SuperSonics
Ben Davis 2 43 1996 Phoenix Suns
Reggie Geary 2 56 1996 Cleveland Cavaliers
Mike Bibby 1 2 1998 Vancouver Grizzlies
Michael Dickerson 1 14 1998 Houston Rockets
Miles Simon 2 42 1998 Orlando Magic
Jason Terry 1 10 1999 Atlanta Hawks
A. J. Bramlett 2 39 1999 Cleveland Cavaliers
Richard Jefferson 1 13 2001 Houston Rockets
Gilbert Arenas 2 31 2001 Golden State Warriors
Michael Wright 2 39 2001 New York Knicks
Loren Woods 2 46 2001 Minnesota Timberwolves
Luke Walton 2 32 2003 Los Angeles Lakers
Andre Iguodala 1 9 2004 Philadelphia 76ers
Channing Frye 1 8 2005 New York Knicks
Salim Stoudamire 2 31 2005 Atlanta Hawks
Hassan Adams 2 54 2006 New Jersey Nets
Marcus Williams 2 33 2007 San Antonio Spurs
Jerryd Bayless 1 11 2008 Indiana Pacers
Jordan Hill 1 8 2009 New York Knicks
Chase Budinger 2 44 2009 Detroit Pistons
Derrick Williams 1 2 2011 Minnesota Timberwolves
Solomon Hill 1 23 2013 Indiana Pacers
Grant Jerrett 2 40 2013 Portland Trail Blazers
Aaron Gordon 1 4 2014 Orlando Magic
Nick Johnson 2 42 2014 Houston Rockets
Stanley Johnson 1 8 2015 Detroit Pistons
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 1 23 2015 Portland Trail Blazers
Lauri Markkanen 1 7 2017 Minnesota Timberwolves
Kadeem Allen 2 53 2017 Boston Celtics
Deandre Ayton 1 1 2018 Phoenix Suns

Source: Arizona 2017–18 Media Guide[62] )

Wildcats in the NBA
NBA Draft Selections
Total selected: 77
Lottery Picks in Draft: 17
1st round: 23
No. 1 Picks: 1
Notable Achievements
Olympic Gold Medal Winners: 2 (Wood '84, Iguodala '12)
NBA champions: 10 players a total of 23 times, 2 Coaches a total of 2 times
Naismith Basketball-Hall-of-Famers: 0

Current coaches in NBA

Current coaches in NBA G League

Current management in NBA

Wildcats with NBA championships

A Total of 23 NBA championships have been won by 10 former Wildcats, consisting of 12 different finals years (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018). 7 of the last 10 championship teams have had a former Wildcat as a player and/or coaching staff member on the team.

Former Wildcats have played in 13 of the last 21 finals.

Player (College Years)Finals YearTeam
Steve Kerr (1983–88)
Andre Iguodala (2002–04)
Luke Walton (1999-03)
Richard Jefferson (1998-01)
New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jud Buechler (1986–90)
Channing Frye (2001–05)
Jason Terry (1995–99)
Bison Dele (1988–91)
Sean Elliott (1984–89)
Derrick Williams (2009–11)
Mike Bibby (1996–98)
Ben Davis (1994–96)
Al Fleming (1972–76)
Coach (College Years)Finals YearTeam
Steve Kerr (1983–88)
Bruce Fraser (1984–87)
Luke Walton (1999-03)
Bret Brielmaier (2004–08)

Current Arizona Wildcats college coaches

Wildcats in the Olympics

The following Arizona Wildcats men's basketball players have represented their country in basketball in the Summer Olympics:

Year Player Country Location Medal
1984Leon Wood United States (USA)Los AngelesGold
2004Richard Jefferson United States (USA)AthensBronze
2012Andre Iguodala United States (USA)LondonGold
UA Olympians

Honors, awards, and accomplishments

The individual honors, awards, and accomplishments listed in the succeeding subsections are aggregated by player in the following table. Players with only all-conference honors (other than conference player of the year), lower than first-team All-America honors, or later than second-round draft positions are not included.

Name Seasons as Wildcat Post-Wildcat accomplishment
Deandre Ayton 2017–18 First Wildcat selected 1st Overall, NBA All-Rookie First Team
Gilbert Arenas 1999–01 3-time NBA All-Star, NBA Most Improved Player Award, 2-time NBA 3 Point Contest participant(2006 & 2007)
Mike Bibby 1996–98 NBA All-Rookie First Team, 2-time NBA 3 Point Contest participant(2000 & 2009)
Jud Buechler 1986–90 3-time NBA champion, 11 NBA seasons
Bison Dele (Brian Williams) 1989–90 NBA champion, 7 NBA seasons
Sean Elliott 1985–89 2-time NBA All-Star, NBA champion, 12 NBA seasons
Channing Frye 2001–05 NBA champion, NBA All-Rookie First Team, 1-time NBA 3 Point Contest participant(2010), 15 NBA seasons
Andre Iguodala 2002–04 3x NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star, NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team, NBA Rookie Challenge MVP, United States2012 Summer Olympics – Gold Medal, 15 NBA seasons
Richard Jefferson 1998–01 NBA champion, NBA All-Rookie Second Team, United States2004 Summer Olympics – Bronze Medal, 17 NBA Seasons
Steve Kerr 1983–88 5x NBA champion as Player, 3x NBA champion as Coach, 4-time NBA 3 Point Contest participant & 1-time winner(1994–1997), 2016 NBA Coach of the Year, 2015 NBA All-Star Game Head Coach, Current Head Coach of the Golden State Warriors, all-time leader in 3 Point FG %
Kenny Lofton 1985–89 6-time MLB All Star, 4-time Gold Glove Award, 17 MLB seasons
Eric Money 1972–74 456. Slam the 500 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time
Damon Stoudamire 1991–95 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, NBA All-Rookie First Team, 13 NBA seasons
Jason Terry 1995–99 NBA champion, NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, NBA All-Rookie Second Team, 18 NBA seasons - All-time leading scorer of Arizona players in NBA, 5th most made 3pt Field Goals all time, 10th in Games played
Mo Udall 1941–42, 46–48 Former member U.S. Congress (30 years)
Leon Wood 1979–80 United States – 1984 Summer Olympics – Gold medal, 7 NBA seasons

Source: Arizona 2018-19 Media Guide[62]

National honors and awards (Players)

Conference honors and awards (players)

Conference tournament most valuable player

All-Americans

Arizona has had 30 All-Americans, 8 of which have been Consensus First-Team.[65]

  • 1951 – Roger Johnson (3rd-Team, Helms Foundation)
  • 1976 – Bob Elliott (3rd-Team, Basketball Weekly; Helms Foundation/Citizen's Savings)
  • 1977 – Bob Elliott (2) (1st-Team, Helms Foundation/Citizen's Savings)
  • 1988 – Sean Elliott (Consensus 1st-Team)
  • 1988 – Steve Kerr (2nd-Team Associated Press; 3rd, NABC)
  • 1989 – Sean Elliott (Consensus 1st-Team)(2)
  • 1993 – Chris Mills (2nd, Basketball Weekly; 3rd, Basketball Times, NABC, AP, UPI)
  • 1994 – Khalid Reeves (Consensus 2nd-Team)
  • 1995 – Damon Stoudamire (Consensus 1st-Team)
  • 1998 – Mike Bibby (Consensus 1st-Team)
  • 1998 – Michael Dickerson (3rd-Team AP)
  • 1998 – Miles Simon (Consensus 1st-Team)
  • 1999 – Jason Terry (Consensus 1st-Team)
  • 2000 – Jason Gardner (3rd-Team, Basketball Times)
  • 2001 – Michael Wright (3rd-Team, AP, ESPN.com)
  • 2001 – Gilbert Arenas (3rd-Team, ESPN.com)
  • 2002 – Jason Gardner (2) (2nd-team, cnnsi.com, Basketball America; 3rd-team, Associated Press, NABC)
  • 2002 – Luke Walton (1st-team, John Wooden, collegehoopsinsider.com; 2nd-team, Sporting News, Basketball News; 3rd, Basketball Times)
  • 2003 – Jason Gardner (3) (Consensus 2nd-Team)
  • 2005 – Channing Frye (2nd-team Basketball Times)
  • 2005 – Salim Stoudamire (Consensus 2nd-Team)
  • 2008 – Jerryd Bayless (2nd, Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com)
  • 2009 – Jordan Hill (3rd-Team)
  • 2011 – Derrick Williams (Consensus 2nd-Team)
  • 2014 – Nick Johnson (Consensus 1st-Team)
  • 2014 – Aaron Gordon (3rd-Team, Sporting News)
  • 2015 – Stanley Johnson (3rd-Team, NABC)
  • 2017 – Lauri Markkanen (3rd-Team, AP, USA Today, Sporting News, NBC Sports)
  • 2018 – Deandre Ayton (Consensus 1st-Team)

Fourteen Arizona players have received AP All-America honorable mention:

  • 1991 – Chris Mills (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 1991 – Brian Williams (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 1992 – Chris Mills (2) (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 1992 – Sean Rooks (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 1994 – Damon Stoudamire (AP Honorable Mention, Basketball Weekly, USBWA)
  • 1997 – Michael Dickerson (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2000 – Loren Woods (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2000 – Michael Wright (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2001 – Jason Gardner (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2001 – Loren Woods (2) (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2003 – Luke Walton (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2004 – Andre Iguodala (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2009 – Chase Budinger (AP Honorable Mention)
  • 2018 – Allonzo Trier (AP Honorable Mention)

McDonald's All-Americans

The following 27 McDonald's All-Americans listed below have signed with Arizona. An asterisk, "*", Indicates player did not finish his college career at Arizona. A cross, "†", indicates player did not begin his college career at Arizona.

The following is a list of Arizona Wildcats men's basketball players that were named first, second or third team All-Pac-12:

First team All-Pac-12

Note ‡ indicates player was Pac-12 Player of the Year

  1. indicates player was Pac-12 Freshman of the Year

† indicates player was Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year

Second team All-Pac-12

Second team was only awarded from the '77–79' & starting again in the 2007 season.

Third team All-Pac-12

Pac-12 3rd team was only given during the 2007–2008 season.

  • 2008 – Chase Budinger

Pac-12 All Freshman Team

Note

  • ‡ indicates player was Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.

Pac-12 All Newcomer

  • 1995 – Ben Davis Jr.
  • 1997 – Bennett Davison Jr.
  • 2000 – Loren Woods‡

Note

  • ‡ indicates player was Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year

Pac-12 All-Defensive Team

  • 2009 – Jordan Hill
  • 2012 – Kyle Fogg
  • 2014 – Nick Johnson
  • 2014 – T.J. McConnell
  • 2015 – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
  • 2015 – T.J. McConnell
  • 2016 – Kaleb Tarczewski
  • 2017 – Kadeem Allen
  • 2018 – Deandre Ayton

Note

  • ‡ indicates player was Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year

Pac-12 All-Academic Team

  • 1986 – Steve Kerr
  • 1988 – Steve Kerr (2)
  • 1989 – Matt Muehlebach
  • 1990 – Matt Muehlebach (2)
  • 1991 – Matt Muehlebach (3)
  • 1994 – Kevin Flanagan
  • 2001 – Eugene Edgerson
  • 2004 – Jason Ranne‡
  • 2004 – Andre Iguodala^
  • 2004 – Brett Brielmaier‡
  • 2019 – Chase Jeter‡
  • 2020 – Stone Gettings‡

Notes

  • ‡ indicates player was Pac-12 First Team Selection
  • ^ indicates player was Pac-12 Second Team

Wildcats in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Players

  • Sean Elliot (2018)

Coaches

  • Lute Olson (2002, 2006)

Coaching honors and awards (Coaches)

National Coach of the Year
WAC Coach of the Year
John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award
  • Lute Olson – 2002[66]
Clair Bee Coach of the Year Award[66]
  • Lute Olson – 2001
Pac-12 Coach of the Year[66]
  • Lute Olson – 1986, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2003
  • Sean Miller – 2011, 2014, 2017

Retired numbers

To have his number retired, a player must win one of the following six widely recognized player of the year awards:[67]

Players:

Postseason results

Regular season conference championships

Though the automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament is given to the conference tournament winner, the Pac–12 declares the team with the best record in the regular season the "official" conference champion.

Season Coach Overall Record Conference Record
Border Conference (1931–61)
1931–32Fred Enke18–218–2
1935–36Fred Enke16–711–5
1939–40Fred Enke15–1012–4
1942–43Fred Enke22–216–2
1945–46Fred Enke25–514–3
1946–47Fred Enke21–314–2
1947–48Fred Enke19–1012–4
1948–49Fred Enke17–1113–3
1949–50Fred Enke26–514–2
1950–51Fred Enke24–615–1
Western Athletic Conference (1962–78)
1975–76Fred Snowden24–911–3
Pac-10/12 Conference (1979–present)
1985–86Lute Olson23–914–4
1987–88Lute Olson35–317–1
1988–89Lute Olson29–417–1
1989–90Lute Olson25–715–3
1990–91Lute Olson28–714–4
1992–93Lute Olson24–417–1
1993–94Lute Olson29–614–4
1997–98Lute Olson30–517–1
1999–2000Lute Olson27–715–3
2002–03Lute Olson28–417–1
2004–05Lute Olson30–715–3
2010–11Sean Miller30–814–4
2013–14Sean Miller33–515–3
2014–15Sean Miller34–416–2
2016–17Sean Miller32–416–2
2017–18Sean Miller27–714–4
Conference Championships 27

Pac-10/12 Tournament results

UA has won the Pac-10/12 Tournament a record seven times, including three straight times from 1988–90.[68] The Wildcats have played in the tournament final a record 11 times.[68] UA also has a record 8 tournament MVP's.[68] Salim Stoudamire is 1 of only 2 players to win the MVP from a losing squad.[68]

Year Champion Score Runner-Up Arena City Tournament MVP
1988 Arizona 93–67 Oregon State McKale Center Tucson, Arizona Sean Elliott, Arizona
1989 Arizona 73–51 Stanford Great Western Forum Inglewood, California Sean Elliott, Arizona
1990 Arizona 94–78 UCLA University Activity Center Tempe, Arizona Jud Buechler & Matt Muehlebach, Arizona
2002 Arizona 81–71 USC Staples Center Los Angeles, California Luke Walton, Arizona
2005 Washington 81–72 Arizona Staples Center Los Angeles, California Salim Stoudamire, Arizona
2011 Washington 77–75OT Arizona Staples Center Los Angeles, California Isaiah Thomas, Washington
2012 Colorado 53–51 Arizona Staples Center Los Angeles, California Carlon Brown, Colorado
2014 UCLA 75–71 Arizona MGM Grand Garden Arena Paradise, Nevada Kyle Anderson, UCLA
2015 Arizona 80–52 Oregon MGM Grand Garden Arena Paradise, Nevada Brandon Ashley, Arizona
2017 Arizona 83–80 Oregon T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada Allonzo Trier, Arizona
2018 Arizona 75–61 USC T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada Deandre Ayton, Arizona

Source: 2007–08 Pac-10 Men's Basketball Media Guide pages 50–60 (PDF copy available at 2007–08 Pac-10 Men's Basketball Media Guide)[68]

NCAA Tournament results

The University of Arizona has made 35 NCAA Tournament appearances (two other appearances in 1999 and 2008 were later vacated by the NCAA, 35 total), beginning with the first in 1951 and were the National Champions in 1997. Including a run of 25 consecutive years from 1985–2009, which is second only to the North Carolina Tar Heel's 27-year streak from 1975–2001.[5][6][69] Their combined record is 56–33 (.629), including one national championship (1997) and 4 Final Fours (1988, 1994, 1997, 2001).[70] Arizona is also one of only seven #2 seeds to ever lose a first-round game, losing 64–61 to #15 seed Santa Clara, led by future NBA star Steve Nash in 1993.[71] In addition, the 1997 Arizona team is the only team to date to beat three #1 seeds to win the national championship. They have currently made the tournament 6 straight seasons.

Opponent Result Score Site City Round
2018 – 4 Seed
#13 BuffaloL68–89Taco Bell ArenaBoise, IdahoFirst Round
2017 – 2 Seed - Sweet 16
#15 North DakotaW100–82Vivint Smart Home ArenaSalt Lake City, UtahFirst Round
#7 St. Mary'sW69–60Vivint Smart Home ArenaSalt Lake City, UtahSecond Round
#11 XavierL71–73SAP CenterSan Jose, CaliforniaRegional Semifinals
2016 – 6 Seed
#11 Wichita StateL55–65Dunkin' Donuts CenterProvidence, Rhode IslandFirst Round
2015 – 2 Seed – Elite 8
#15 Texas SouthernW93–72Moda CenterPortland, OregonFirst Round
#10 Ohio StateW73–58Moda CenterPortland, OregonSecond Round
#6 XavierW68–60Staples CenterLos AngelesRegional Semifinals
#1 WisconsinL78–85Staples CenterLos AngelesRegional Finals
2014 – 1 Seed – Elite 8
#16 Weber StateW68–59Viejas ArenaSan DiegoFirst Round
#8 GonzagaW84–61Viejas ArenaSan DiegoSecond Round
#4 San Diego StateW70–64Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Semifinals
#2 WisconsinL63–64 OTHonda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Finals
2013 – 6 Seed – Sweet 16
#11 BelmontW81–64Vivint Smart Home ArenaSalt Lake CityFirst Round
#14 HarvardW74–51Vivint Smart Home ArenaSalt Lake CitySecond Round
#2 Ohio StateL70–73Staples CenterLos AngelesRegional Semifinals
2011 – 5 Seed – Elite 8
#12 MemphisW77–75BOK CenterTulsa, OklahomaFirst Round
#4 TexasW70–69BOK CenterTulsa, OklahomaSecond Round
#1 DukeW93–77Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Semifinals
#3 ConnecticutL63–65Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Finals
2009 – 12 Seed – Sweet 16
#5 UtahW84–71American Airlines ArenaMiamiFirst Round
#13 Cleveland StateW81–57American Airlines ArenaMiamiSecond Round
#1 LouisvilleL64–103Lucas Oil StadiumIndianapolisRegional Semifinals
2008 – 10 Seed
#7 West VirginiaL65–75Verizon CenterWashington, D.C.First Round
2007 – 8 Seed
#9 PurdueL63–72Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LouisianaFirst Round
2006 – 8 Seed
#9 WisconsinW94–75Wells Fargo CenterPhiladelphiaFirst Round
#1 VillanovaL78–82Wells Fargo CenterPhiladelphiaSecond Round
2005 – 3 Seed – Elite 8
#14 Utah StateW66–53Taco Bell ArenaBoise, IdahoFirst Round
#11 UABW85–63Taco Bell ArenaBoise, IdahoSecond Round
#2 Oklahoma StateW79–78Allstate ArenaRosemont, IllinoisRegional Semifinals
#1 IllinoisL89–90 OTAllstate ArenaRosemont, IllinoisRegional Finals
2004 – 9 Seed
#8 Seton HallL76–80PNC ArenaRaleigh, North CarolinaFirst Round
2003 – 1 Seed – Elite 8
#16 VermontW80–51Vivint Smart Home ArenaSalt Lake CityFirst Round
#9 GonzagaW96–95 2OTVivint Smart Home ArenaSalt Lake CitySecond Round
#5 Notre DameW88–71Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Semifinals
#2 KansasL75–78Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Finals
2002 – 3 Seed – Sweet 16
#14 UC-Santa BarbaraW86–81WisePies ArenaAlbuquerque, New MexicoFirst Round
#11 WyomingW80–68WisePies ArenaAlbuquerque, New MexicoSecond Round
#2 OklahomaL67–88SAP CenterSan Jose, CaliforniaRegional Semifinals
2001 – 2 Seed – National Runner-Up
#15 Eastern IllinoisW101–76Kemper ArenaKansas City, MissouriFirst Round
#10 ButlerW73–52Kemper ArenaKansas City, MissouriSecond Round
#3 Ole MissW66–56AlamodomeSan AntonioRegional Semifinals
#1 IllinoisW87–81AlamodomeSan AntonioRegional Finals
#1 Michigan StateW80–61Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeMinneapolisNational Semifinals
#1 DukeL72–82Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeMinneapolisNational Championship Game
2000 – 1 Seed
#16 Jackson StateW71–47Jon M. Huntsman CenterSalt Lake CityFirst Round
#8 WisconsinL59–66Jon M. Huntsman CenterSalt Lake CitySecond Round
1999 – 4 Seed
#13 OklahomaL60–61Bradley CenterMilwaukeeFirst Round
1998 – 1 Seed – Elite 8
#16 Nicholls StateW99–60Sleep Train ArenaSacramento, CaliforniaFirst Round
#9 Illinois StateW82–49Sleep Train ArenaSacramento, CaliforniaSecond Round
#4 MarylandW87–79Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Semifinals
#3 UtahL51–76Honda CenterAnaheim, CaliforniaRegional Finals
1997 – 4 Seed – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
#13 South AlabamaW65–57Memphis PyramidMemphis, TennesseeFirst Round
#12 College of CharlestonW73–69Memphis PyramidMemphis, TennesseeSecond Round
#1 KansasW85–82 2OTBJCC ArenaBirmingham, AlabamaRegional Semifinals
#10 ProvidenceW96–92 2OTBJCC ArenaBirmingham, AlabamaRegional Finals
#1 North CarolinaW65–58RCA DomeIndianapolisNational Semifinals
#1 KentuckyW84–79 OTRCA DomeIndianapolisNational Championship Game
1996 – 3 Seed – Sweet 16
#14 ValparaísoW90–51Wells Fargo ArenaTempe, ArizonaFirst Round
#6 IowaW87–73Wells Fargo ArenaTempe, ArizonaSecond Round
#2 KansasL80–83McNichols Sports ArenaDenverRegional Semifinals
1995 – 5 seed
#12 Miami-OHL82–91UD ArenaDayton, OhioFirst Round
1994 – 2 Seed – Final Four
#15 Loyola-MDW81–55Sleep Train ArenaSacramento, CaliforniaFirst Round
#7 VirginiaW71–58Sleep Train ArenaSacramento, CaliforniaSecond Round
#3 LouisvilleW82–70Los Angeles Memorial Sports ArenaLos AngelesRegional Semifinals
#1 MissouriW92–72Los Angeles Memorial Sports ArenaLos AngelesRegional Finals
#1 ArkansasL82–91Charlotte ColiseumCharlotte, North CarolinaNational Semifinal
1993 2 seed
#15 Santa ClaraL61–64Jon M. Huntsman CenterSalt Lake CityFirst Round
1992 3 seed
#14 East Tennessee StateL80–87Omni ColiseumAtlantaFirst Round
1991 – 2 Seed – Sweet 16
#15 St. Francis-PAW93–80Jon M. Huntsman CenterSalt Lake CityFirst Round
#10 BYUW76–61Jon M. Huntsman CenterSalt Lake CitySecond Round
#3 Seton HallL69–84KingdomeSeattleRegional Semifinals
1990 – 2 Seed
#15 South FloridaW79–67Long Beach ArenaLong Beach, CaliforniaFirst Round
#7 AlabamaL55–77Long Beach ArenaLong Beach, CaliforniaSecond Round
1989 – 1 Seed – Sweet 16
#16 Robert MorrisW94–60Taco Bell ArenaBoise, IdahoFirst Round
#9 ClemsonW94–68Taco Bell ArenaBoise, IdahoSecond Round
#4 UNLVL67–68McNichols Sports ArenaDenverRegional Semifinals
1988 – 1 Seed – Final Four
#16 CornellW90–50Pauley PavilionLos AngelesFirst Round
#8 Seton HallW84–55Pauley PavilionLos AngelesSecond Round
#5 IowaW99–79KingdomeSeattleRegional Semifinals
#2 North CarolinaW70–52KingdomeSeattleRegional Finals
#1 OklahomaL78–86Kemper ArenaKansas City, MissouriNational Semifinal
1987 – 10 Seed
#7 UTEPL91–98McKale CenterTucson, ArizonaFirst Round
1986 – 9 Seed
#8 AuburnL63–73Long Beach ArenaLong Beach, CaliforniaFirst Round
1985 – 10 Seed
#7 AlabamaL41–50WisePies ArenaAlbuquerque, New MexicoFirst Round
1977
Southern IllinoisL77–81Omaha Civic AuditoriumOmaha, NebraskaFirst Round
1976 – Elite 8
GeorgetownW83–76Wells Fargo ArenaTempe, ArizonaFirst Round
UNLVW114–109Pauley PavilionLos AngelesRegional Semifinals
UCLAL66–82Pauley PavilionLos AngelesRegional Finals
1951
Kansas StateL59–61Municipal AuditoriumKansas City, MissouriFirst Round

National championship results

Year Coach Opponent Score Record
1997Lute OlsonKentucky Wildcats84–79 OT25–9
National Championships 1
1997 NCAA Tournament Results
Round Opponent Score
Round #1 #13 South Alabama 65–57
Round #2 #12 College of Charleston 73–69
Sweet 16 #1 Kansas 85–82
Elite 8 #10 Providence 96–92 (OT)
Final 4 #1 North Carolina 66–58
Championship #1 Kentucky 84–79 (OT)

Final Fours results

The Arizona Wildcats have been to four Final Fours, which is tied for 21st all time among Division I schools. 

1988–Semifinalist 1994–Semifinalist 1997–Champion 2001–Finalist
Season Coach Region Regional Final Result Final Four Site Semifinal Result Championship Game Result
1987–88Lute OlsonSeattleArizona 70,
North Carolina 52
Kansas City, MissouriOklahoma 86, Arizona 78N/A  
1993–94Lute OlsonLos AngelesArizona 92, Missouri 72Charlotte, North CarolinaArkansas 91, Arizona 82N/A
1996–97Lute OlsonBirmingham, AlabamaArizona 96, Providence 92 OTIndianapolisArizona 66, North Carolina 58Arizona 84, Kentucky 79 OT
2000–01Lute OlsonSan AntonioArizona 87, Illinois 81MinneapolisArizona 80, Michigan State 61Duke 82, Arizona 72
Total Final Four Appearances 4

NCAA Tournament seeding history

Year Tournament
Seed
Tournament
Result
1985 10 1st Round
1986 9 1st Round
1987 10 1st Round
1988 1 Final Four
1989 1 Sweet Sixteen
1990 2 2nd Round
1991 2 Sweet Sixteen
1992 3 1st Round
1993 2 1st Round
1994 2 Final Four
1995 5 1st Round
1996 3 Sweet Sixteen
1997 4 Champions
1998 1 Elite Eight
1999 4 1st Round
2000 1 2nd Round
2001 2 Runner-Up
2002 3 Sweet Sixteen
2003 1 Elite Eight
2004 9 1st Round
2005 3 Elite Eight
2006 8 2nd Round
2007 8 1st Round
2008 10 1st Round
2009 12 Sweet Sixteen
2011 5 Elite Eight
2013 6 Sweet Sixteen
2014 1 Elite Eight
2015 2 Elite Eight
2016 6 1st Round
2017 2 Sweet Sixteen
2018 4 1st Round

NIT results

The Arizona Wildcats have appeared in the four National Invitation Tournaments (NIT). Arizona's combined record is 0–4.

Year Round Opponent Result/Score
1946First RoundKentuckyL 53–77
1950First RoundLa SalleL 66–72
1951First RoundDaytonL 68–74
2012First RoundBucknellL 54–65

Arizona Basketball cumulative all-time statistics

  • Total NCAA Tournament Appearances (NCAA and NIT): 33 (NCAA rank #12)[72]
  • #1 Seeds in the NCAA Tournament: 6 times
  • NBA Draft Picks: 77
  • All-Americans: 31
  • First Team Consensus All-Americans: 12 (NCAA rank #23)
  • Number of Times Defeating the #1 Ranked Team in the Country: 4
  • AP Poll Top-20/25 Weeks Ranked All Time: 549 (NCAA rank #9)[73]
  • AP Poll Top-10 Weeks Ranked All Time: 299 (NCAA rank #6)[73]
  • AP Poll Top-5 Weeks Ranked All Time: 150 (NCAA rank #7)[73]
  • AP Poll #1 Weeks Ranked All Time: 37 (NCAA rank #8)[73]

Arizona can also lay claim to several individual achievements for both players and coaches:

  • 9 players winning NBA Championships a total of 17 times
  • 3 players named NBA All-Star a total of 6 times
  • 2 Olympic Gold Medal & 1 Bronze Medal winner
  • 4 players named National Player-of-the-Year
  • 1 head coach named National Coach-of-the Year a total of 2 times
  • 2 head coaches named Pac-12 Coach-of-the-Year a total of 10 times
  • 8 players named Conference Freshman-of-the-Year a total of 9 times
  • 9 players named Conference Freshman-of-the-Year
  • 7 players named Conference Tournament MVP a total of 8 times
  • 1 players named NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player a total of 1 time
  • 4 players named NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player a total of 4 times
  • 28 players named McDonald's All-American
  • 2 players named McDonald's All-American MVP

Arizona also holds several other NCAA records and various additional accomplishments:

  • Arizona has 1 NCAA championship (1997), 2 Maui Invitational Championships (2000, 2014), 29 Fiesta Bowl Classic championships (1974–75, 1985–98, 2001–08, 2010–12), 16 Pac-10/12 regular-season championships, and a league best 7 Pac-10/12 Tournament championships.

All-Time Statistical leaders

Points
Name Years Points
Sean Elliott 1985-89 2,555
Bob Elliott 1973-77 2,131
Jason Gardner 1999-2003 1,984
Salim Stoudamire 2001-05 1,960
Khalid Reeves 1990-94 1,925
Freshman Points
Name Years Points
Deandre Ayton 2018 704
Jerryd Bayless 2008 592
Coniel Norman 1973 576
Lauri Markkanen 2017 576
Gilbert Arenas 2000 523
Stanley Johnson 2015 523
Rebounds
Name Years Rebounds
Al Fleming 1973-76 1,190
Bob Elliott 1974-77 1,083
Channing Frye 2001-05 975
Kaleb Tarczewski 2013-16 879
Anthony Cook 1986-89 861
Freshman Rebounds
Name Years Points
Deandre Ayton 2018 405
Aaron Gordon 2014 303
Bob Elliott 1974 278
Zeke Nnaji 2020 276
Lauri Markkanen 2017 266
Assists
Name Years Assists
Russell Brown 1978-81 810
Mustafa Shakur 2004-07 670
Damon Stoudamire 1992-95 663
Jason Gardner 2000-03 622
Luke Walton 2000-03 582
Freshman Assists
Name Years Points
Russell Brown 1978 197
Mike Bibby 1997 178
Nico Mannion 2020 169
Jason Gardner 2000 162
Mustafa Shakur 2004 147
Steals
Name Years Steals
Jason Terry 1996-99 245
Hassan Adams 2003-06 238
Jason Gardner 2000-03 225
Reggie Geary 1993-96 208
Kenny Lofton 1986-89 200
Freshman Steals
Name Years Points
Mike Bibby 1997 76
Gilbert Arenas 2000 71
Stanley Johnson 2015 57
Jason Gardner 2000 55
Andre Iguodala 2003 47
Blocked Shots
Name Years Blocks
Anthony Cook 1986-89 278
Channing Frye 2001-05 258
Loren Woods 2000-01 186
Ed Stokes 1990-93 167
Sean Rooks 1989-92 142
Freshman Blocks
Name Years Points
Deandre Ayton 2018 66
Anthony Cook 1986 50
Channing Frye 2002 50
Ed Stokes 1990 49
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 2014 40
Games Played
Name Years Games
Dusan Ristic 2015-18 141
Kyle Fogg 2009-12 139
Solomon Hill 2010-13 139
Jason Gardner 2000-03 136
Jordin Mayes 2011-14 136
Freshman Games Played
Name Years Points
Jordin Mayes 2011 38
Aaron Gordon 2014 38
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 2014 38
Stanley Johnson 2015 38
Wins
Name Years Wins
Dusan Ristic 2015-18 115
Parker Jackson-Cartwright 2015-18 110
Kaleb Tarczewski 2013-16 110
Matt Muehlebach 1988-91 110
Jason Gardner 2000-03 107

School records

Individual career

  • Points: Sean Elliott, 2,555
  • Scoring Average: Coniel Norman, 23.9 ppg
  • Field Goals: Sean Elliott, 892
  • Field Goal Attempts: Sean Elliott, 1,750
  • Field Goal Percentage: Joseph Blair, .613
  • 3-Point Field Goals: Salim Stoudamire ‡, 342
  • 3-Point Field Goal Attempts: Jason Gardner, 875
  • 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Steve Kerr, .573
  • Free Throws: Sean Elliott, 623
  • Free Throw Attempts: Sean Elliott, 786
  • Free Throw Percentage: Dylan Rigdon, .872
  • Rebounds: Al Fleming, 1,190
  • Rebound Average: Joe Skaisgir, 11.2 rpg
  • Assists: Russell Brown, 810
  • Steals: Jason Terry, 245
  • Blocked Shots: Anthony Cook, 278
  • Games Played: Dusan Ristic, 141
  • Games Started: Jason Gardner, 135
  • Minutes Played: Jason Gardner, 4,825
  • Average Minutes Per Game: Jason Gardner, 35.5 mpg
  • Most Wins in a Career: Dušan Ristić 115 Wins

Note ‡ indicates player was also Conference record holder

Team season records

  • Points: Khalid Reeves, 848 (1993-94')
  • Scoring Average: Khalid Reeves, 24.2 ppg (1993-94')
  • Field Goals: Khalid Reeves & Deandre Ayton, 276 (1993-94')(2017-18')
  • Field Goal Attempts: Khalid Reeves, 572 (1993-94')
  • Field Goal Percentage: Al Fleming, .667 (1973-74')
  • 3-Point Field Goals: Salim Stoudamire ‡, 120 (2004-05')
  • 3-Point Field Goal Attempts: Jason Gardner, 276 (2001-02')
  • 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Steve Kerr ‡, .573 (1987-88')
  • Free Throws: Derrick Williams, 247 (2010-11')
  • Free Throw Attempts: Derrick Williams ‡, 331 (2010-11')
  • Free Throw Percentage: Salim Stoudamire, .910 (2004–05)
  • Rebounds: Deandre Ayton, 405 (2017-18')
  • Rebound Average: Bill Reeves, 13.2 rpg (1955-56')
  • Assists: Russell Brown, 247 (1978-79')
  • Steals: Mike Bibby, 87 (1997-98')
  • Blocked Shots: Loren Woods, 102 (1999-00')
  • Games Played: 28 Players, 38 Games
  • Games Started: 12 Players, 38 Games
  • Minutes Played: Chase Budinger, 1,317 (2008-09')
  • Average Minutes Per Game: Steve Kerr, 38.4 mpg (1985-86')

Note ‡ indicates player was also Conference record holder

Freshman Single Season Leaders

  • Points: Deandre Ayton†, 704
  • Scoring Average: Coniel Norman, 24.0 ppg
  • Field Goals: Deandre Ayton†, 276
  • Field Goal Attempts: Coniel Norman, 476
  • Field Goal Percentage (min. 100 FG): Deandre Ayton, .612
  • 3-Point Field Goals: Salim Stoudamire, 73
  • 3-Point Field Goal Attempts: Jason Gardner, 193
  • 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Khalid Reeves, .463
  • Free Throws Made: Jerry Bayless, 187
  • Free Throw Attempts: Derrick Williams, 232
  • Free Throw Percentage: Salim Stoudamire†, .904
  • Rebounds: Deandre Ayton†, 405
  • Rebound Average: Deandre Ayton†, 11.6 rpg
  • Assists: Russell Brown, 197
  • Steals: Mike Bibby, 77
  • Blocked Shots: Deandre Ayton, 66
  • Games Played: Jordin Mayes/Aaron Gordon/Rondae Hollis Jefferson/Stanley Johnson, 38
  • Games Started: Aaron Gordon, 38
  • Minutes Played: Jason Gardner, 1,244
  • Average Minutes Per Game: Jason Gardner, 36.6 mpg
  • Double-Doubles (Pts/Rebs.): Deandre Ayton†, 24
  • 30-Point Games: Coniel Norman, 6
  • 20-Point Games: Deandre Ayton†, 17
  • Double-Digit Scoring Games: Deandre Ayton†, 33

Note † indicates player was also the Yearly Pac-12 Leader

Freshman Single Game Leaders

  • Points In A Game: Jerryd Bayless vs. ASU (2/10/08), 39
  • Made Field Goals In A Game: Coniel Norman vs. Wyoming (2/1/73), 17
  • Field Goal Attempts In A Game: Coniel Norman vs. BYU (2/24/73), 27
  • Field Goal Percentage In A Game (Min. 12 attempts): Deandre Ayton at WSU (1/31/17), .916
  • Made Three-Point Field Goals In A Game: 3 Players Tied at 6
  • Three-Point Field Goal Attempts In A Game: Mike Bibby vs. UNC (3/29/97), 11
  • Three-Point Field Goal Percentage In A Game (Min. 6 attempts): 5 Players tied at .833
  • Made Free Throws In A Game: Jerryd Bayless at Houston (1/12/08), 18
  • Free Throw Attempts In A Game: Derrick Williams vs. Wisconsin (11/23/09), 21
  • Free Throw Percentage In A Game (Min. 10 attempts): 6 Players tied at 100.00
  • Rebounds In A Game: Bob Elliott vs. ASU (2/2/74), 25
  • Assists In A Game: Russell Brown at Utah (1/21/78), 15
  • Steals In A Game: Mike Bibby vs. Texas (12/9/96), 8
  • Blocks In A Game: In A Game: Grant Jerrett & Deandre Ayton, 6
  • Minutes Played In A Game: Allonzo Trier at USC (1/9/16), 53
  • Most Points In NCAA Debut: Eric Money vs. Cal State Bakersfield (11/29/72), 37

Note ‡ indicates player was is also single game record holder

Home Court Winning Streaks

Rank Wins Years Coach
1 81^ 1945–51 Fred Enke
2 71 1987–92 Lute Olson
3 49 2013–16 Sean Miller
4 38 1975–78 Fred Snowden
5 37 1997–99 Lute Olson

^Played at Bear Down Gym

Record vs. Pac-12 opponents

The Arizona Wildcats lead the all-time series vs. ten other Pac-12 opponents, trailing only UCLA.[74]

Opponent Wins Losses Pct. Streak
Arizona St. 153 86 (.640) Arizona State 1
Cal 69 29 (.704) Arizona 8
Colorado 20 14 (.588) Arizona 1
Oregon 51 34 (.600) Oregon 5
Oregon St. 66 22 (.750) Arizona 1
Stanford 68 29 (.701) Arizona 20
UCLA 43 60 (.417) UCLA 3
USC 69 45 (.605) USC 1
Utah 35 30 (.538) Arizona 1
Washington 54 31 (.635) Arizona 1
Washington State 66 17 (.795) Arizona 2
  • Total (694–397, .636)
  • Note all-time series includes non-conference matchups & Pac-12 Tournament.

Pac-12 series records

Arizona joined the former Pac-8 conference in 1978 to create the Pac-10 conference with rival Arizona State. Utah and Colorado joined the Pac-10 in 2011 to create the present Pac-12. Arizona has a winning home record over every conference opponent since joining the conference. Arizona has an overall winning record over every conference opponent other than UCLA. Since Lute Olson became head coach in 1983, Arizona has a winning record over all 11 conference opponents.[75] Sean Miller has a winning record against every Pac-12 team.

Team Arizona Record Home Record Away Record Conference Tourny Lute Olson-Present Sean Miller-Present
Arizona State 59–28 (.678) 33–10 (.767) 25–17 (.595) 1–1 (.500) 58–17 (.773) 15–6 (.714)
Cal 66–19 (.776) 34–6 (.850) 28–13 (.683) 4–0 (1.000) 60–15 (.800) 16–4 (.800)
Colorado (2011-Pres) 15–6 (.714) 8–0 (1.000) 2–5 (.286) 5–1 (.833) 15–6 (.714) 15–6 (.714)
Oregon 51–34 (.600) 30–10 (.750) 19–21 (.475) 2–3 (.400) 48–27 (.640) 10–11 (.476)
Oregon State 64–22 (.744) 34–6 (.850) 24–16 (.600) 6–0 (1.000) 64–12 (.842) 15–5 (.750)
Stanford 64–22 (.744) 33–7 (.825) 27–14 (.659) 4–1 (.800) 56–20 (.737) 19–0 (1.000)
UCLA 43–48 (.473) 24–16 (.600) 13–27 (.325) 5–5 (.500) 41–38 (.519) 12–13 (.480)
USC 57–29 (.663) 34–6 (.850) 18–22 (.450) 5–1 (.833) 54–22 (.711) 14–7 (.667)
Utah (2011-Pres) 14–2 (.875) 8–0 (1.000) 5–2 (.714) 1–0 (1.000) 14–2 (.875) 14–2 (.875)
Washington 53–31 (.631) 31–9 (.775) 21–19 (.525) 1–3 (.250) 49–25 (.662) 12–8 (.600)
Washington State 65–16 (.802) 32–8 (.800) 32–8 (.800) 1–0 (1.000) 62–9 (.873) 15–3 (.833)
Total 551–257 (.682) 301–78 (.794) 214–164 (.566) 35–15 (.700) 521–194 (.729) 157–65 (.707)

Rankings

Arizona teams have spent a total of 37 weeks ranked number 1, most recently in 2015.

The Associated Press began its basketball poll on January 20, 1949. The following is a summary of those annual polls. Starting in the 1961–62 season, AP provided a preseason (PS) poll. AP did a post-tournament poll in 1953, 1954, 1974 and 1975. The following table summarizes Arizona history in the AP Poll:[76]

Year Appearances Pct High Low Average Final Ranking
2020 13 72% 12 25 19 TBD
2018 17 89% 2 23 13 12
2017 19 100% 4 20 11 4
2016 19 100% 7 23 14 17
2015 19 100% 2 10 5 5
2014 20 100% 1 6 3 4
2013 20 100% 3 21 10 21
2012 3 16% 15 23 18 NR
2011 7 37% 10 20 16 17
2008 7 35% 17 22 19 NR
2007 15 79% 7 24 14 NR
2006 8 42% 9 24 17 24
2005 19 100% 8 21 13 9
2004 19 100% 3 22 11 22
2003 19 100% 1 4 2 2
2002 17 94% 4 20 12 7
2001 19 100% 1 21 9 5
2000 19 100% 2 10 5 4
1999 18 100% 6 18 10 12
1998 18 100% 1 8 4 4
1997 18 100% 6 19 12 15
1996 17 94% 3 19 11 11
1995 18 100% 5 15 10 15
1994 18 100% 6 19 12 9
1993 18 100% 3 22 10 5
1992 18 100% 2 11 6 10
1991 17 100% 2 9 5 8
1990 17 100% 2 24 18 14
1989 18 100% 1 12 6 1
1988 17 100% 1 17 3 2
1987 2 11% 19 20 20 NR
1985 1 6% 19 19 19 NR
1977 15 88% 8 20 14 NR
1976 5 29% 10 18 13 15
1975 15 79% 10 19 15 NR
1974 8 44% 12 20 15 NR
1951 8 67% 11 16 14 12
1950 5 50% 15 19 17 15

Arizona vs. the AP Top 25

The Wildcats all-time record versus ranked teams is 148–185 (.444).[77]

Rank Record Last Met Opponent Result Score
No. 1 4–4 3/26/05 Illinois L 89–90 (ot)
No. 2 4–11 12/29/07 Memphis L 63–76
No. 3 10–6 11/20/18 Gonzaga L 74–91
No. 4 7–16 12/14/08 Gonzaga W 69–64
No. 5 8–12 3/11/17 Oregon W 83–80
No. 6 8–14 12/14/19 Gonzaga L 80–84
No. 7 7–7 12/5/17 Texas A&M W 67–64
No. 8 11–13 11/21/18 Auburn L 57–73
No. 9 10–7 1/9/20 Oregon L 73–74 (ot)
No. 10 4–9 1/27/05 Washington W 91–82
No. 11 2–4 2/14/09 UCLA W 84–72
No. 12 2–6 11/12/16 Michigan State W 65–63
No. 13 7–7 2/4/17 Oregon L 58–85
No. 14 2–9 2/22/20 Oregon L 72–73 (ot)
No. 15 6–4 11/26/14 San Diego State W 61–59
No. 16 7–7 3/8/07 Oregon L 50–69
No. 17 6–7 12/25/12 San Diego State W 68–67
No. 18 7–15 12/7/19 Baylor L 58–63
No. 19 7–4 3/1/03 Stanford W 72–69
No. 20 5–3 1/18/20 Colorado W 75–54
No. 21 4–2 3/15/13 UCLA L 64–66
No. 22 4–1 3/18/17 Saint Mary's W 69–60
No. 23 5–5 5 2/14/16 USC W 86–78
No. 24 2–2 1/4/07 Washington W 96–87
No. 25 7–5 2/15/18 Arizona State W 77–70

Conferences

Years Conferences Win–Loss Pct.
1904–1931None
1931–1962Border Conference231–144(.616)
1962–1978WAC98–98(.500)
1978–2011Pacific-10 Conference400–194(.673)
2011–presentPac-12 Conference114–47(.708)
TotalAll Conferences843–483(.636)

Game day traditions

Arizona's home games include many traditions involving The Pride of Arizona pep band and the Zona Zoo.

  • Before every game, the band splits into four sections in the four sides of McKale Center. They play Bear Down Arizona in sequence before the band runs back to the student section in the north stands and plays all of Bear Down. The band also yells "Hi fans!" to the fans, who respond by yelling "Hi band!" and "Hi Sean!" to head coach Sean Miller, who responds by waving to the band. The band also yells "Hi Adia!" to Arizona women's basketball coach Adia Barnes.
  • While the opposing team's players are being introduced, the student section turns their backs to the court. As each player's name is announced, they will yell "Sucks!" In the interest of sportsmanship, though, the Athletic Department is attempting to phase this tradition out.
  • At the start of each half, the entire crowd will stand until the other team scores a point. The fans will also clap rhythmically with the band as it plays a four-note refrain repeatedly until the ball is tipped or inbounded.
  • During the first four minutes of each half, or until the first media timeout, the band and students have several chants.
    • Every time an opposing player dribbles, the yell is "Boing!"
    • Every time they pass, the yell is "Pass!"
    • Every time they try to shoot, the yell is "Brick!"
  • When an opposing player fouls an Arizona player, the band and students chant, while pointing at the opposing player, "You! You! You! You! You! You! You! You! You! On you, that's who!" If the foul occurs during a shot and the player makes the shot, the chant is instead "Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! No no no no! No no no no! No no no no! No no no no! Don't touch me!"
  • If an opposing player accrues four fouls during the game, they will chant "Four!" four times while waving four fingers. If a player fouls out, the band plays the beat from "Another One Bites the Dust", concluding with the band and students yelling "Hey! We're gonna get you too!"
  • When opposing players are attempting foul shots, besides attempting to distract the player, the band and students have several chants, but the only constant one is yelled if the player misses their first shot of a two-shot foul, in which case they yell "Nice shot, buddy!"
  • If Arizona is beating an opponent by a comfortable margin late in the game, the band and students will chant "Go start the bus!" repeatedly. If an opponent makes a big play, they will chant "It just doesn't matter!"
  • Since the 1980s, the "Ooh Aah Man" Joe Cavaleri has made appearances at McKale to pump up the crowd. He starts by spelling out "A-R-I-Z-O-N-A!" with his body as the crowd chants along. He then directs the crowd in chanting "U of A!", first by each side of the arena, then by the north and south sides and east and west sides simultaneously then by the whole arena. His routine usually involves pulling off his shirt and pants to reveal another Arizona shirt and shorts underneath. Unfortunately, Cavaleri was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has only made a few appearances during the 2010–2011 season.[78][79][80]
  • At the end of every home game (and every Arizona athletics event the band is present at) the band plays Arizona's alma mater, "All Hail, Arizona!" Students and fans link arms, sway as they sing and jump up and down while singing the last part of the song.
  • The team hosts an annual "White Out" game. All fans are encouraged to wear white T-shirts. The most recent white out game was on December 7, 2013, versus UNLV. This was the fourth consecutive season to include a white out game.[81]

Facilities

Beardown Gym

McKale Center

Arizona plays its home games at McKale Center, located on the campus in Tucson, Arizona. Since moving into the McKale Center in 1973 the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team has experienced a high winning percentage with an outstanding home court advantage.

Radio network affiliates

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See also

References

  1. "All Time Record, Page 67" (PDF).
  2. "The University of Arizona Wildcats Logosheet" (PDF). December 9, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  3. NCAA Record Book
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  5. Witz, Billy (11 March 2010). "Arizona's N.C.A.A. Streak Quietly Ends". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  6. Eisenberg, Jeff (11 March 2010). "Arizona's NCAA tourney streak ends with little fanfare". rivals.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  7. Pascoe, Bruce (12 March 2010). "PAC-10 TOURNAMENT: UCLA 75, ARIZONA 69 Improbable bid to extend stellar NCAA run ends". Arizona Daily Star. Archived from the original on 15 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  8. Everson, Dave (26 January 2009). "An Appreciation of Arizona's NCAA Streak". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
  9. Lundblad, Jeremy (18 March 2009). "2009 NCAA tournament: By the numbers". ESPN. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
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  12. "College Poll Archive".
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  44. Arizona Wildcats men's basketball#cite ref-25 Straight 22-0
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