Arizona basketball media day notes and quotes

The Arizona Wildcats are coming off one of their most headline-driven seasons in recent memory.

From the FBI probe, Sean Miller’s self-imposed exile to a Pac-12 championship and an early exit from the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats went through college basketball’s version of an M. Night Shyamalan movie in 2017-18.

Now as the 2018-19 season draws near, Miller and the Wildcats held its annual preseason media day on Monday.

Here’s what Miller had to say during their press conference:

Sean Miller’s Presser

Sean Miller on if there are lowered expectations for Arizona this year: “There are and rightfully so, but it’s up to us to be better than people on the outside predict us to be.”

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Miller first mentions Oregon when asked about the @pac12 hierarchy. Followed that was USC, Colorado and UCLA.

— AZ Desert Swarm (@AZDesertSwarm) October 1, 2018

Chase Jeter and Justin Coleman are Arizona's captains this year. It was voted on by the team and staff. Earned it because of their experience and leadership.

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Miller on Ira Lee, who was cited for super extreme DUI in the offseason: "It's so much about helping him get through this, and supporting him. He's learned how hard it is to make a bad decision." Says they're 'working through' any sort of team discipline.

— AZ Desert Swarm (@AZDesertSwarm) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller says Alex Barcello has been Arizona's best shooter so far. Miller said, unlike last year, he will play both on and off the ball.

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller on freshman Omar Thielemans: "I think his best years are ahead of him. I think he’s more of a developmental player.”

Said he is still making the adjustment from FIBA to the college game (less spacing, longer shot clock, etc.).

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

This has become Sean Miller’s catchphrase. https://t.co/cJO8IEsDey

— Brian Pedersen (@realBJP) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller said he doesn't know who can be Arizona's lockdown perimeter defender this year. Sounds just like last year.

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Miller has consulted with the Suns on rookie Deandre Ayton: "I told Deandre I'm going to try to catch a training camp practice or one of these early games."

— AZ Desert Swarm (@AZDesertSwarm) October 1, 2018

Miller on grad transfer recruiting: "When you have the opportunity to have a grad transfer and welcome them into a program, you want to have a role for them since they only have one year."

— AZ Desert Swarm (@AZDesertSwarm) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller says the new NCAA rules — allowing the team to workout for four hours instead of two in the summer — is helpful because of all the new faces on the team. Says Arizona is further along than usual, but said it's like taking over a new program.

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

"I would be surprised if they didn't have an NBA career" — Sean Miller on @Iam_RawleAlkins and @ISO_ZO not getting drafted

— AZ Desert Swarm (@AZDesertSwarm) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller thinks Deandre Ayton will take the NBA "by storm" because of his intelligence on and off the court.

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller on Arizona's point guards: “The difference between the three of them is Justin Coleman only plays point guard. When he’s in the game, he’ll be at point guard.”

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller says one thing Arizona has to its advantage is there are roles to be had everywhere: "When you have that sitting there, (players) go for it."

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

Sean Miller predicts Arizona will sign 5 or 6 recruits in the 2019 cycle. Hopes to sign 3-4 in November.

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) October 1, 2018

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