Where In The World Is Brian Jeffries? - BLOG
Keep up with Brian's travels and happenings in his blog entries from the road!
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Las Vegas
The Pac-12’s move to Las Vegas has been one of the league’s best decisions, ever. Playing in a non-Pac-12 city eliminates any talk of home court advantage, and the air service to Las Vegas is bountiful for fans from every school. Moving to the T-Mobile Arena was considered a bit risky, only because of the increased seating capacity. While filling, the arena isn’t necessary, having crowds at or above the 12,900 that could attend games at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was needed for the reputation of the conference.
Wednesday’s games didn’t differ from previous venues, and that’s no surprise. Teams from the bottom half of the league aren’t going to inspire fans to make the trek to Vegas. Thursday was the big test and the fans responded. Over 18,000 watched the nightcap and based on a small sampling, everyone loved the new building. Even more impressive is the fact that there was a major convention underway in Las Vegas, two other conferences (MW and WAC) were holding their tournaments and the annual NASCAR race had been moved to the same weekend as the Pac-12 Tournament. That caused hotel rates to skyrocket, but still, the fans turned out in record numbers. Arizona fans that is.
When the games were played at the MGM it caused a logjam. Everyone was in the same hotel/casino. With the move to T-Mobile the fans, and teams, were spread out around the city making for a more comfortable atmosphere. The UA team stayed at the MGM after using alternate hotels the last two years.
The Cat’s arrived rested and ready. The home loss to UCLA cost the team the number one seed, but if you ask the players, they just wanted to play and I think there was a sense of anticipation that facing UCLA and Oregon was a challenge everyone was eager to see. First things first. The Cat’s dispatched a hot Colorado team on Thursday. UCLA beat USC that same night, setting up another chapter of the Pac-12’s most storied rivalry. Arizona’s defense against the Bruins during the regular season was arguably the best of any team UCLA faced. That trend continued as Kadeem and company denied Bryce Alford good looks and the Cat’s kept the Bruins from piling up three-point field goals. Oregon was next and again the Cats were focused. Don’t call it revenge. Call it an improving team that found its offensive rhythm at just the right time. Now it’s on to March Madness, one of the best times of the year.
Spokane/Pullman/Seattle
Our second “winter” trip started in Spokane, where the team says prior to its game in Pullman. The Inland Empire’s chief city boosts good restaurants and a great hotel, The Davenport. The historic building features a classic lobby and big rooms with modern amenities. Outside it was cold, as in snow and ice. But, who has time to sightsee with a big game looming? On game day, the Wildcats practiced at Gonzaga, using the Bulldogs Old Kennel Gym. Thanks to the tight relationship between Sean Miller and Mark Few, the Wildcats have made Gonzaga their usual practice location prior to the WSU game. Miller and Few are so close that the Gonzaga coach attended the UA practice and spent time talking shop with Miller (Gonzaga was hosting USF that same night). Later in the afternoon we set out for the 80-mile bus ride to Pullman. The Palouse features distinct seasonal scenery. Winter means snow drifts while spring and summer bring on a green blanket of crops.
There was a line of students outside Beasley Coliseum, which is always the case when the Wildcats come to town. WSU is rebuilding under coach Ernie Kent, and the fans are apparently waiting for more success before making their way to the arena. Fewer than 4,000 were on hand for the UA-WSU game. The Cat’s played shorthanded as Kadeem Allen had suffered a dislocated right pinky finger earlier in the week. Parker Jackson-Cartwright returned to the starting line-up and had a career game with 20 points as the Wildcats rolled over the Cougars. After the game, we made the 40-mile bus ride to Lewiston, Idaho for a flight to Seattle. Lewiston is the closest airport that can handle jet service, although the runway at the Pullman-Moscow Airport is being lengthened. Perhaps in the future we can travel in and out of town.
Friday was a practice, study hall, and rest day for the team. While Kadeem Allen did workout, Dusan Ristic was sidelined after he sprained an ankle against WSU. Kadeem was doubtful to play on Saturday and Dusan was ruled out. There was some concern about playing the second game on a road trip with a seven-man rotation. For the record, the weather was spectacular. Sunshine and temps in the 50’s made it a delightful day to walk around the city. On a personal note, my sister and brother-in-law made met me for dinner at Cutter’s. Outstanding clam chowder. Saturday included seafood chowder at Pike Place Chowder. Hey, when on the water, eat seafood, right?
Sean Miller canceled Saturday’s practice, preferring to keep everyone’s legs fresh for the game. Washington is having one of its worst seasons in recent memory, but it was the final home game for the Huskies and they played a spirited contest. With the game, close, Miller installed a zone defense in the second half. It worked, confusing the Huskies and helping the Wildcats to a weekend sweep. Arizona is the only team in the Pac-12 to have swept three conference road trips this season. The Fabulous Fin was fantastic, recording a double-double in both games and earning conference play of the week honors.
Los Angeles
Of the four traditional conference road trips (excluding Utah and Colorado), the Los Angeles swing has proven to be most difficult for the Wildcats. Arizona had lost nine of its previous fourteen road games against USC and UCLA. This is season might have been tougher based on the LA schools combined records. Thursday’s victory at the Galen Center was the first key. If you win the opening game of a road trip the pressure isn’t nearly as great for the second game. The Wildcats built a big lead only to see the Trojans rally. But, Lauri Markkanen hit a big shot and the Cats took out the Trojans 73-66. As usual, the crowd wasn’t a factor and the UA fans in attendance could be heard courtside.
Friday brought a powerful winter storm to Los Angeles. For those of us foolish enough to venture outside a change of socks was in order as the streets and sidewalks were awash in water. While I’d like to say that staying on the top floor of the hotel is special, it also means there was nothing above my room but a roof. A roof that was leaking, rapidly. It actually served as a wake-up call with cold water dripping on the bed at 6:00 AM. The staff was quick to act and I moved to the second floor and dry land. The Wildcats had a practice set for 3:00 PM at the LA Clippers facility in Playa Del Rey. It was a short bus ride, but one that will be remembered for quite some time. While on the way to practice, Sean Miller received word that Alonzo Trier had been cleared to play, ending a 19 game suspension. It was an instant shot of adrenaline for the entire team. Trier averaged almost 14 points last season and was arguably the Wildcats most talented player. His addition to this year’s team gives the Cats even more ammunition to battle for a conference title. Trier’s debut on Saturday at UCLA was nothing short of spectacular. Yes, his 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists were major factors, but, his mere presence in uniform was an equally big spark for the team. Now with a nine man rotation the Wildcats will be a fresher squad in the second half. This was the first time in recent memory that we stayed in Santa Monica. There were plenty of good restaurants to try, including the Herringbone. Check out the photos, which include an empty sightseeing bus, the pier on a rainy day, and the real Hotel California. Remember, you can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave.
Los Angeles
Arizona vs. Gonzaga. It’s become a classic series between two of the top programs in the west and for that matter, the country. The Cats and Dogs have collided in the NCAA Tournament and on neutral courts seven times previous. Last season the Wildcats beat the Bulldogs at the Kennel, an accomplishment that rivals an opponent winning at McKale Center. This season Gonzaga had the better team, primarily because it had one extra player. Amazing as it may seem, the Bulldogs ability to play eight men to Arizona’s seven might have been the difference in the game.
The Wildcats stayed in Beverly Hills, just off Rodeo Drive. Thanks to the general manager of the Montage (he being a UA grad) the team and a group of donors rested in a first-class hotel for the night. When I took my Saturday, morning walk the first sign that caught my attention was the law offices of Donald Sterling, the former owner of the LA Clippers. While he’s disappeared from the sports scene, Sterling remains a major real estate mogul in Southern California. No celebrity sightings, although some of the traveling party spotted Jay Z at the hotel. The bus ride from BH to Staples took about 40 minutes…..on a Saturday……in LA. Here’s my one opinion of how far (perhaps too far) our overly sensitive security measures have advance in America. The entire UA team was required to go through airport like security to enter the Staples Center. Bags searched, pockets emptied, body scanned. Do you thing Luke Walton goes through this when he arrives for a Lakers home game?
Las Vegas
The Wildcats second road trip of the season wasn’t really a road trip. Like Hawaii, the Las Vegas Invitational was staged on a neutral court. The Orleans Arena is located in the Orleans Hostel-Casino, well off the strip. I’m not sure anyone actually counted the attendance, but it wasn’t much. However, like many of the early season tournaments, this one was made for TV. Arriving Wednesday I ventured out to the House of Blues to see my favorite band, Switchfoot. Ironically, they had played Tuesday night in Tucson. It was a great show as always. Thanksgiving morning the team held a practice at Bishop Gorman High School. BGHS is a private high school located on the western edge of Las Vegas. Bishop Gorman has produced a number of great athletes in several sports. One name that caught my eye was Matt Othick, who was the Nevada HS Player of the Year in 1988. Thursday night the Wildcats beat Santa Clara 69-61. New Bronco’s coach Herb Sendek is doing a nice job and has a chance to rebuild that program. Friday, the Wildcat’s lost to Butler, 65-69. I had gone back to Tucson for the Territorial Cup game, so I missed the 44 fouls called, leading to 41 free throw attempts. Butler is a good time as the Bulldogs went on to beat Utah two nights later in Salt Lake City.
Corvallis
The Wildcats final road trip was to Oregon State. Because there isn’t a hotel capable of hosting a football team (see Pullman) the Wildcat’s stayed in Eugene, some 40 miles south of Corvallis. The first reminder of where we landed was the fact that the Oregon Ducks football team was leaving from the same terminal as we arrived. Oregon played at Utah on Saturday. Because of the distance the Wildcat’s didn’t do a walk through at Reser Stadium. Friday night we had a nice Italian Dinner at Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria. All I can say is, outstanding! Saturday morning always includes a walk along the Willamette River and thanks to a mild fall day it was perfect weather to be outdoors. We departed early for Corvallis to include a stop at Tyee Wine Cellars. The winery has been in existence for over thirty years. We learned about the history of the company, but had to resist the tasting room as it was a work day.
The game at Reser Stadium matched two teams on long losing streaks. The Beavers used the home field to their advantage and won the game easily. Playing yet another night game forced the UA to return home at 4:15 AM on Sunday. Just in time for the 6am church services.
Honolulu
Ok, you can start the jokes now. Three days in Hawaii to play one game. Hey, someone had to do it, right? There was a very good reason the Wildcats arrived early for their season opener. The game against Michigan State was played on Veterans Day, a significant day for our country and certainly for our state and school. With the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor approaching it was only fitting that the UA be included in the Armed Forces Classic. Prior to the game on Friday the team took part in several activities surrounding the game as we honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. No matter how many times you visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, emotions run high. Standing near the watery grave of the USS Arizona you can’t help but feel a greater love and appreciation for all our military personnel both past and present. Several the Arizona players had never been here before and by the looks on their faces, the historical significance wasn’t lost. College athletes are often placed in a singular category that involves only their own on field/court achievements. Let’s not forget the value of one’s education often includes more than what is learned in the classroom.
Following the teams second exhibition game, coach Sean Miller repeated a statement that should never be forgotten. The Wildcats will be a better team next month and even better the following month. The influx of freshmen and a transfer means the best is yet to come. That’s why I say it’s way too early to draw any conclusions, except for the team’s depth. Eight scholarship players are currently active and while that’s a number Miller has used in his past rotations, it still leaves the team with zero room for additional injuries, etc. The Wildcats have strength at every position, but two areas will be watched closely as the season progresses. Can the team find a couple of consistent outside shooters? And, will they be able to rebound at the same level as last season’s team?
The days leading up to the game against Michigan State were spent practicing and seeing Pearl Harbor. The military folks were incredibly kind and giving of their time to not just show us the base and harbor, but explain in detail the events of December 7, 1941. It was an experience none of us will forget. Now I won’t kid you, the beach was steps from my hotel room and I did take in some sand and sun. I just couldn’t figure out why they asked me for my tie every night at the restaurant. Or was that mai tai.
The Wildcats and Spartans played at the Stan Sheriff Center, home of the Hawaii Rainbows. It’s a nice building and I was pleasantly surprised by the big crowd. Michigan State jumped out to a 15-point lead, but the Cats showed their poise and rallied to win the game on Kadeem Allen’s length of the court drive with 1.9 seconds remaining. A great win that will only make the Wildcats stronger. We’re back in Hawaii for the 2018 Maui Invitational that features the best line-up in the history of that tournament. Arizona, Duke, Xavier, Illinois, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Auburn, and Iowa State. Should be fun. Aloha.
Pullman
We’ll start with a brief review of the travel itinerary to Pullman. First, you can’t get there from here. If you fly commercial it looks easy. Connect in Seattle and you can land at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. However, a traveling party of over 100 requires an airplane too large to land at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. Word is that the runway is being lengthened, so perhaps someday we can go directly to our destination. Until then the Wildcat’s charter flight must land 30 miles south in Lewiston, Idaho. Crossing the Snake River, I often wonder how Evil Kenevil pulled off his jump and lived to tell about it. Friday was a beautiful day and the Pallouse was bathed in a reminder of the final harvest of the summer. The rolling hills would soon be covered in snow when winter arrives. This time we enjoyed 60 degree temperatures and the colorful changing of the leaves. The highway splits just north of the Washington border giving drivers a choice of doing through Moscow or Pullman. We chose Moscow, since that’s the location of the team hotel. Remember, we spend the night in Idaho and play the game in Washington. The reason is simple as Pullman has no hotel that can house and feed a football team.
It was Dad’s weekend on the WSU campus so every restaurant from Pullman to Moscow was jammed. We opted for Smoky Mountain Pizza and Pasta, a staple in Moscow, and always good food and service. Saturday started with another favorite, The Breakfast Club. It’s the only restaurant I’ve visited that specializes in Huckleberries. I opted for the Huckleberry pancakes. The Huckleberry Zucchini bread is another excellent choice. On the way to the stadium we stopped at the WSU bear enclosure. Yes, a Cougar is the school’s mascot, but the WSU veterinary department studies brown bears and the view is up close and personal. Only one bear was out on Saturday morning and I later learned that many of the bears have already headed for hibernation. Given Pullman’s rather remote location, tailgaters that travel great distances can camp overnight at a parking lot just across the street from Martin Stadium. I’m guessing that sleep is at a premium on the nights before Cougar home games. Kickoff was at 1:07 and by 1:09 the Cat’s luck had already turned the wrong direction. An illegal man downfield negated a first play touchdown pass. Little did we know that the remainder of the game would take on a similar tone. It looks like the Cats are running low on fuel for the season. The long list of injuries is taking a toll as the team’s depth is too thin to stand up against the better Pac-12 teams. I still maintain that this year’s team will pull off a big win before the season is over. It might be this week against first place Colorado. Hope to see you at the stadium. Bear Down.
Salt Lake City
Winter can’t be far off. When landing in Salt Lake City the first sight to behold is the snowcapped Wasatch Mountains. With that in mind we were set for a chilly night at Rice-Eccles Stadium. However, before football there was food to consume. Over the years I’ve found a favorite restaurant in every Pac-12 city. In Salt Lake it’s Rodizio Brazilian Grill. Years ago on my first visit I met the owner of Rodizio and he kept me spellbound with his story of moving from Rio to America and bringing with him authentic Brazilian cuisine. Not only does Rodizio serve an outstanding fare, it’s basically all you can eat. The champion of this stop is none other than Lamont Lovett. Football players love their meat and potatoes and Lamont knows his football and meat and potatoes. However, I have discovered one item on the Rodizio menu that Lamont will avoid. Chicken hearts. My mom introduced chicken hearts to me at a young age and while I rarely see them on a menu, Rodizio always comes through. A good meal and some fresh air and I slept like a baby on Friday night. Another night game allowed us to watch some early games before heading to the stadium on Saturday. The visitors broadcast booth at Rice-Eccles is small and uniquely situated on the sixth floor of the press box. To access the booth we walk through an athletic department employee’s office. That’s one for the books. The game started at just after 8 pm local time. Still, every seat was filled. Utah fans do a tremendous job supporting their football team.
Like the first two conference games, the Wildcat’s started fast, even scoring on the first play of the game. But, by halftime the Utes had wrestled back the momentum and went on to win the game. Hopefully the upcoming bye week will give the Cats as chance to rest and heal for the stretch drive. I’m convinced the UA will win some important games once all hands are on deck.
Pasadena
Over 30 Wildcat’s call California home, so any trip to the Golden State is special.
Travel tip. If you are visiting Pasadena, try flying into Burbank (Bob Hope Airport). It’s very small which makes it convenient for both arrival and departure. One cautionary note; the traffic isn’t any lighter once you reach the freeway. Lamont and I searched for a new breakfast place on Saturday morning. Nothing against the franchise places, but we something local on occasion. Found Foxys Restaurant on Colorado Blvd. in Glendale. Nice variety of omelets and an outdoor patio.
The Rose Bowl is a historic stadium, located in the Arroyo Seco just north of downtown Pasadena. There are no main roads, just neighborhood streets. Since we arrive early and leave late I’ve never experienced what the traffic must be like for the fans. Perhaps that’s why so many people leave by the end of the third quarter. With the Bruins win on Saturday the teams have now split their last ten games. Arizona won five in a row and now UCLA has won five in a row. Go figure.
Last Sunday in SF the greatest PBP announcer in broadcasting history signed-off the air for the final time. While I don’t know Vin Scully on a personal level, his influence on my life and career and those of other announcers, will never be forgotten.
Vin Scully did more than just broadcast Los Angeles Dodger games for 67 years, he provided the sound track for a city that reached beyond sports. Scully’s eloquence and mastery of the English language brought generations together even though most of his listeners didn’t know the difference between a slider and a knuckle curve. Scully was their friend, a calming voice that encapsulated the love of baseball like no other.
From a radio broadcasters point of view, Vin Scully showed once again that by simply telling the story of each game you provide fans a link to their team that can’t be found through any other media. As Scully recently said, radio provides a blank canvas, giving the announcer the opportunity to paint the picture. Vin is the Picasso of an industry, an artist with no peers. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Always humble, Scully thanked the fans for all the years of friendship. As a fellow broadcaster I say, thank you Vin, for the inspiration to worker harder every day and keep the game first.
Glendale
The Wildcat’s shortest “road” trip of the season would also be one of its toughest. The UA hadn’t opened a season on the road since 2010 when the Cat’s visited Toledo. The Wildcat’s hadn’t lost a season opener since 2007 at…..BYU. While other games received more headlines, the match-up under the dome deserved attention for putting two traditionally strong programs against one another. The atmosphere was outstanding with the crowd of 50,528 split evenly between the red clad Wildcat fans and white clad Cougar fans. The game was managed by the Fiesta Bowl and as usual, it was all first class. The Wildcats carried a heavy heart into the game, remembering teammate Zach Hemmila, who passed away during training camp. It was an emotional scene when his parents took the field for a pregame salute. The team will play the season knowing Zach’s spirit is with them during every game.
Most of us figured this to be a high scoring affair based on Arizona’s returning offense and BYU’s seasoned quarterback. The first half was totally opposite with neither offense able to find its rhythm. The second half kept the fans on the edge of their seats as a last second field goal decided the game in favor of BYU. One of Rich Rodriguez’s goals this season is to play more players. Game one was a good example. 27 players rotated on defense and 21 on offense. Some new faces made some big plays. While a loss is always difficult, I departed the stadium more encouraged than disappointed. Obviously, the Wildcat’s need to score more points, but their recent history indicates that will happen. Defensively, the team exhibited the attacking style they worked on during camp. The UA defense may not be the biggest, but it will be faster and stronger than many of its opponents.
The press box menu consisted of popcorn, pretzels, and soft drinks. Lunch included chicken or pork in what I’d call a Sloppy Joe format. Hotdogs at halftime and the always necessary cookie capped the day.
Between a great group of enthusiastic fans and a great venue, it was a good night, save for the final result.
Arizona and BYU have three more games scheduled in the future including another neutral field contest in Las Vegas. Unless I miss my guess, both programs will be in high gear in the season’s ahead.
Los Angeles
As many times as I’ve visited LA for games this marks the first hotel stay in Chinatown. Yes, the food is great, but to be honest I just wanted to avoid driving the freeways to the USC campus. A downtown hotel means a simple, if there is such a thing in Los Angeles, two-mile commute, using Olive, Washington and Figueroa to reach Dedeaux Field. Now the next challenge is to find a restaurant near the USC campus that actually has a parking lot. This is why someone invented the drive-thru. Dedeaux Field is a cozy ballpark that sits on the western edge of campus. It’s a great venue if you like to be close to the field. Unfortunately, not many folks showed up on Thursday or Friday. Perhaps it was the cool to cold weather or maybe the fact that the Trojans own a losing record. Too bad, because both games were well played with each team winning once by the same score of 8-5. Saturday was the rubber game and while the Wildcats jumped out to a 2-0 lead, the USC pitching staff didn’t allow another run in a 5-2 victory. While losing two of three is never ideal, the Wildcats headed home with a positive nine-day stretch where they won five games in three cities, none of which were named Tucson. Now with nine conference games remaining the Cats remain in the thick of the Pac-12 race, along with nine other teams. It will be interesting to see how the NCAA selection committee treats the conference this season. The champion received the automatic bid to the 64 team playoff field. Historically speaking, the Pac-12 normally sends four to eight teams to regionals. As of this week you could make the argument that five deserve to be included this season. Utah would be the sixth, but only if the Utes win the regular season title. Now it’s home for six of the remaining nine conference games. Winning the final three series would put the Cats in great shape for post-season play.
Phoenix (again)
Game two of the five game season series with ASU took place on another Tuesday night at Muni. The Cats needed to get off to a better start than the earlier game on April 12. They followed orders, scoring a run in the top of the first and running away with an 8-0 victory over the team from up north. Bobby Dalbec hit a two run homer, but the story of the game was Junior pitcher Kevin Ginkel. The right hander was throwing heat from the first inning on and ASU struggled to make contact. Ginkel pitched a perfect game through six innings and finished with a two hit shutout. He faced just one over the minimum, pitching to 28 batters. It was one of the most dominating performances ever, especially when you take into account where the game was played and the opponent in the other dugout. If you missed our broadcast, you didn’t hear Jay Johnson’s story about how Ginkel joined the Wildcats. Johnson had recruited him since the age of 15. Ginkel grew up in Lakeside, California, just outside San Diego, where Johnson was coaching at the time. Ginkel later signed a letter of intent with Nevada, where Johnson was then coaching. The Wolfpack released him and Ginkel became a Wildcat. He could pay big dividends down the stretch. His fastball on Tuesday hit 94-95 MPH. While we didn’t mention the words “no hitter” it might be interesting to note that the last no-hitter by a Wildcat pitcher was one Joe Magrane, against Cal-State Fullerton in 1984.
Berkeley
Perhaps it’s a sign of global warming reversed. For years we would travel to Berkeley for a baseball series and almost always have to deal with rain at some point of the weekend. There were two seasons when the Wildcats traveled to Cal and never played a single inning. We just sat in the hotel for three days waiting for the rain to stop. For over a decade there have been no rain delays for any games played on the California campus. That run nearly ended this season. Occasional showers fell all day on Friday and even into several minutes of the game. Fortunately, there were no interruptions and Nathan Bannister tossed a marvelous three hit shutout to get the Cats off to a good start in the series. Little did we know what was to come on Saturday. In game two the Wildcats jumped out to a 3-0 lead only to see the Bears rally three times to keep the game going into early Sunday morning. Ryan Aguilar hit a three run rocket over the right field wall and Bobby Dalbec pitched the final 5.1 innings to earn the win. The game went 13 innings and 5:19, the longest continuous game I’ve ever broadcast. I then discovered that the BART train stops running at midnight, so a cab ride was necessary for the return trip to the hotel. The driver turned out to be a big college baseball fan so I spent about twenty minutes recapping the wild night at Evans Diamond. Sunday’s game came all too quickly and started out a little on the sloppy side. It looked like Cal would salvaged one game of the series thanks to a five run seventh inning. But the Wildcats responded with five of their own runs in the eighth and went on to win 7-6. Bobby Dalbec let his bat do the talking on Sunday with three hits and four RBI. Major props to freshman pitcher Alfonso Rivas who retired the Bears top three hitters in the bottom of the ninth to earn the victory.
Not much happing in Berkeley other than baseball. One of the comic con conventions was at my hotel bring some colorful folks to downtown Oakland. By the way, the BART train now has a link from the Oakland airport making it really easy to get around without dealing with the freeways.
Phoenix
The Wildcats made the bus ride to Phoenix for the first of two non-conference baseball games against rival ASU. It’s the second season in a row the teams have played at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, now the home of ASU baseball. Fewer than 3,000 fans turned out for the Tuesday game, perhaps a signal that the Sun Devils are having a down season. Mid-week pitching is always a challenge in college baseball and Tuesday’s game was no different. The Wildcats used seven pitchers, four of whom allowed at least one earned run. The Wildcats collected nine hits off four ASU pitchers. Two UA errors led to a pair of unearned runs and guess what? ASU won by two runs. That’s how fine a line it can be. The Wildcats are 13-4 when not committing an error. 7-9 when committing an error. Defense has been one of the Cats strengths this season and it will need to continue if the team wants to make the post season.
No out of the box concessions at Phoenix Muni. It should also be noted that the price of hot dogs at Hi Corbett (3.00) is the best bargain in the Pac-12. ASU charges 4.50 and Utah wanted 5.00.
We’re 33 games into the season and the Wildcats own a 20-13 record. That compares favorably to recent UA teams that this juncture of the season. A year ago the team was 22-11 and in 2013 the Cats were 21-12. This weekend will be huge. A series win over Stanford would put the Cats in a good position at the midway point of the conference schedule.
Salt Lake City
It was 42 degrees upon arrival on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Hardly baseball weather, but now you understand why Utah hadn't played a home game until the night before. Fortunately, the forecast was promising and Friday turned out to be clear and cool(ok, cold). Having been to SLC many times before I think I know most of the good downtown restaurants. This trip I tried a new one, Maxwells. Outstanding pasta and plenty of TV's to watch sports. The other thing I like about SLC is the Trax rail system. No need to rent a car as it can take you from the airport to downtown to the ballpark. The snow capped Wasatch Front makes Smith's stadium one of the best settings to watch baseball. If I lived the area season tickets to the Bees would be a must. The Utes were coming off a series win at ASU and Friday we found out why. Good pitching and just enough offense to beat the Cats. Saturday's game started earlier and again Utah rallied from behind to win with five runs in the bottom of the ninth. Just like the Wildcats win over UCLA a week earlier. After the game I was entertained by a scene right out of a Beatles movie. Justin Beiber played a concert at the Jazz arena, which was conveniently located across the street from my hotel. 20,000 screaming girls spilled out on to the streets with about 500 of them chasing Bieb's limo as he exited the arena. I can only imagine what it was like inside the building. Sunday the series ended with another Utah rally. It was the Utes first three game sweep of a Pac-12 opponent. After the game the Wildcats traveled down I-15 to Provo for a Monday game against BYU. The Cougars were 23-3, off to the best start in school history and drew an SRO crowd to Miller Field. The Cats responded with a pair of home runs and some heroic pitching by Bobby Dalbec to win the game and leave the state of Utah with a smile. Now it's back home for six straight games at Hi C.
Providence
A 2600 mile plane flight is not everyone’s idea of fun, but thanks to the NCAA we had a non-stop charter flight that seemed to fly by quickly, so to speak. Arriving in Providence at 8pm local time we were greeted by a stiff wind and temperatures in the 40’s. Spring appeared to be weeks away in the Northeast. Because the Wildcats didn’t know their first round opponent it was a unique opportunity to be at the hotel in Providence while watching Vanderbilt and Wichita State play in Dayton. There was a large view party at the hotel. As the Shockers pulled away I was reminded that we were in the same NCAA venue with the Shockers a couple of years ago. WSU is one of those mid-major programs that have built a reputation as a big school power. The senior back court of Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker were on the 2013 Final Four team and as they say, guard play often determines your fate in March Madness. The Shockers didn’t arrive in Providence until 4am on Wednesday, the open practice day at Dunkin Donuts Center. WSU didn’t have to be at the arena until after 5pm so rest should have been in order. The Wildcats open practice was attended by 1000 fans, many of whom were there to see all the teams. Yes, UA fans made their voices heard, although it was a small group. The team had practiced earlier in the day at Brown University. That practice was closed to the public. The 50 minutes on the court at The Dunk is more for show and a chance to get familiar with the floor and rims.
Game day started early, it was St. Patrick’s Day after all. When they say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, it might really be true in Providence, which is just a 45 minute train ride from Boston. The streets were full of those dressed in green mixed with basketball fans. Duke had the largest contingent, but then again, it’s Duke. Walking around Providence you can see the history of the city. It was founded in the 1600’s and some of the buildings downtown dated back to the 1800’s. The Providence River flows through town and into the bay and then into the Atlantic. Playing the last game of the day made it a long wait. While it’s fun to watch March Madness, I get restless knowing that work is to be done. Tip-off finally occurred at close to 9:40 Eastern time. The Shockers took control about 9:45 and the Wildcats never seemed to find a rhythm. Give Wichita State credit. They defend as well as any team the UA played this season, if not better, and with those experienced guards the Shockers had too much going on for the Cats to handle. So, the season came to an end with a 25-9 record. Losing in the first round is never fun, but consider the Arizona program has been in the dance in 30 of the last 32 seasons and you can’t argue with its place in history. If you include Ray Smith, the Wildcats could have as many as six new players on the roster next season along with the seven who should return. October will be here before you know it.
Las Vegas
Commonly referred to as “McKale North” the Pac-12 Tournament was set for another run at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Arriving on Tuesday I didn’t expect to see a large number of UA fans. Wrong guess. The MGM was full of red clad Cats fans, even though the Wildcats first game wasn’t until Thursday. The support is amazing and for many reasons. Traveling to Las Vegas is easy from Tucson. It’s also easy from Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland and Salt Lake City. Yet, no matter how successful those other teams might be, UA fans simply own the town every March. Of course the Wildcats normal spot among the upper half of the conference standings is also an influence. While the Grand Garden Arena wasn’t built for basketball, the Pac-12 and the folks at the MGM have done a tremendous job making it a great venue for the tournament. Fans staying at the MGM don’t have to leave the hotel and those staying nearby have a relatively easy walk to the arena. All that being said, word leaked out that the conference was moving to the new T-Mobile Arena located across the Strip and behind the New York New York and Monte Carlo Hotels. While neither is directly connected to the new arena, the distance is not a negative factor. It was evident that if the Pac-12 didn’t make the move, another conference might sign a deal to hold its tournament at T-Mobile, leaving the Pac-12 in a smaller and older building. Hopefully the fans will continue to pack Sin City for what has become an outstanding four days of basketball. I’m one of those who never leaves the hotel for the vast majority of our stay, so other than the restaurants that are in The District at the MGM, I saw very little of the city, although it was interesting to see that the new Buffalo Wild Wings is open 24 hours a day.
The Wildcats first half against Colorado was one of its best of the season. The second half was not, but the Wildcats had enough fire power to beat the Buffalos and move into the semi-finals on Friday night. While the seedings had Arizona and Oregon meeting, both had to scramble to win their quarterfinal games. Against the Ducks the Wildcats struggled to handle the length and athleticism dressed in yellow. Throughout the season Sean Miller had called his team resilient and it certainly showed against Oregon. Down by 7 points with less than thirty seconds remaining the Cats somehow tied the game up and forced overtime. While the Ducks went on to win the game the Cats seemed to have some momentum going as Selection Sunday approached. Arizona could be seeded anywhere from a five to a seven for the NCAA Tournament. Given the teams schedule and quality of wins it made sense. We only hope that the committee will keep the team closer to home (OKC is the favorite).
Boulder
For the first time in three years there was little snow on the ground upon our arrival in Boulder. Two nights earlier nearly 8 inches had fallen, but the warm days caused a quick meltdown. So, no snowball fights between the players, or unsuspecting citizens. Regardless, it was cold, dropping to the low 30’s after dark. Tuesday night was quiet in downtown Boulder. A good friend met me for dinner. His choice was Bison fajitas. I just hope it didn’t come from any of Ralphie’s distant family. I stayed more traditional and enjoyed chicken with macaroni and cheese. Pearl Street is the place to be if you’re a student or just visiting. Plenty of choices for food and drink.
The team practiced on Wednesday at noon at the Coors Events Center. Colorado’s arena is austere in design yet very intimidating when full. The building was opened in 1979 at a cost of 7.7 million. Five years ago CU constructed a practice facility adjoining the CEC. The practice facility cost 10.4 million. Inflation I guess. While the altitude is always talked about, it’s probably more a form of attempted physiological warfare than anything. Just like how we remind visitors the field temperature at Arizona Stadium can reach dangerous levels. The toughest part about winning in Boulder is beating the home team. After a down season in 2015, Tad Boyle has found better chemistry this season. The Buffalo’s played well, in particular Josh Scott, who burned the Cats for 26 points.
Salt Lake City
We landed in SLC just after midnight. While it makes for a long day the advantages of moving immediately to the next city is that the players wake up in the same hotel they’ll be in for three nights, instead of spending half a day moving from one place to the next. There are both good and bad sides to spending two days between games. The players get plenty of rest and the coaches have more prep time. However, there’s only so much practice time allowed and that leaves an excess of down time. There’s a great Brazilian Steakhouse in Salt Lake City and some good local coffee spots. Personally, I hit the workout room at the hotel. Maybe Sean Miller’s weight loss has rubbed off. Either the scales were wrong or I actually lost two pounds on the trip to Boulder and Salt Lake City. Now if I can just avoid the double-double and fries.
Utah has a really good fan base. Basketball has been a staple for many years in SLC. The Utes won the National Championship in 1944 and who can forget the 1998 team that upset the Wildcats and advanced to the Final Four under Rick Majerus. The current program is on an upward swing that has no signs of slowing down. Several college basketball experts are predicting that Utah has the best chance of any Pac-12 team of reaching this year’s Final Four in Houston. The Utes won five conference road games this season and that’s a very good indication that the team can go places come March. The fact the Wildcats rallied from twelve down to four ahead in the second half continues to give me the belief that the UA has a bright future this season. The Wildcat’s have more depth and a great front line. As Coach Miller has said many times before, it’s just a matter of consistency. Can the Cat’s put together a full forty minute game on a regular basis? If so, anything is possible.
Spokane/Pullman/Seattle
We’ll travel over 3000 miles on this trip making it the longest of the conference season. While many people like to poke fun at Pullman, it’s a quintessential college town, nestled amongst the rolling hills of southeastern Washington. If you like small towns, this is one of the best. The only problem is that Pullman’s airport is too small to land an MD-80 aircraft, leaving us to overnight in Spokane. Now, if you’ve never visited Spokane I have just two words of advice. The Davenport Hotel and peanut brittle.
On game day we bus to Pullman for the game against WSU. It’s 36 degrees and overcast with a forecast of snow for later in the evening, which explains one reason why the Cougars draw poorly. Even when WSU was winning under Tony Bennett and George Raveling, attendance has never followed. It’s a shame since the Friel Court is one of the nicer arenas in the Pac-12. You’ve got to figure that current coach Ernie Kent will spark more interest as he rebuilds the program. The game went as expected with the Wildcats winning 79-64. It wasn’t that easy based on the Cats depth issues. Kadeem Allen was ill and played just seven minutes. Coupled with the absence of Allonzo Trier and Elliott Pitts you have to give the team credit for stepping up its game. Parker Jackson-Cartwright earned his first start and played a solid game with no turnovers in 35 minutes.
Following the game we bussed to Lewiston, Idaho where our plane would take us to Seattle. The snow was now falling and the bus ride took a little longer than normal. There’s a two mile hill that drops probably 500 hundred feet to the Snake River Bridge causing the slow go. I’m asked all the time, Lewiston, Idaho? Well, its 38 miles from Pullman as opposed to the 85 mile trip back to Spokane and the Lewiston airport can handle big planes. Flying direct to Seattle allows the players to wake up on Thursday in the next city instead of spending half a day traveling. That made Thursday’s practice far more productive.
Downtown Seattle is always a buzz of activity. Not only is it one of the more cosmopolitan cities in America, but the continued development is amazing. From outside my hotel window I watched two skyscrapers under construction. Everywhere you turn there’s a crane working on yet another new building. The team practiced at Seattle University on Friday and at the Marv Harshman gym on the UW campus on Friday. Allonzo Trier really wants to play against the Huskies. Allonzo was born in Seattle, so the connection is natural.
With the Super Bowl on Sunday I needed to do something special, so on Saturday morning I walked down to the market and bought a fresh salmon. Wrapped and on ice it will safely make its way to Tucson for our game day gathering.
The game at Alaska Airlines Arena was fast paced and intense, just as we had anticipated. Ryan Anderson owned the paint and led the Cats to the victory. A road sweep in the Pac-12 is difficult to achieve and valuable to any team seeking a conference championship. Now with five of the last seven games at home the Wildcats have a great opportunity to make a run at a third straight league title.
Northern California
One nice thing about the bay area is the multiple airports available for arrival and departure. We flew into San Jose which is a relatively short drive to Palo Alto. The Stanford campus seems to sit in a neighborhood, although the adjoining cities along El Camino Real give you the impression that there is no dividing line between San Jose and San Francisco. Still, it’s a serene setting and even when the rain is falling it’s never a downpour. My favorite breakfast spot is Hobee’s and it never disappoints. Game night at Maples Pavilion was once one of the toughest atmospheres’s in the conference. However, for one reason or another, the fans and students now stay away. Perhaps it’s the heavy traffic that discourages many from venturing out on a weeknight. On the court the Wildcats kept the home fans quiet as they pulled away for the victory. Winning the first game of a two game Pac-12 road trip is always important and makes the day between games even more productive.
We moved to Oakland after the win at Stanford. While the city doesn’t have a stellar reputation, there’s been a noticeable investment in the downtown area. New restaurants have opened in Jack London Square and there’s always activity in the streets. I walked about three miles on Friday before the rain started falling. One of the hidden treasures of Oakland is the architecture. Check out the picture/photo section and you’ll see a sampling of the buildings that have stood for many years and continue to serve the community. The Wildcats had the privilege of using the Golden State Warriors practice facility on Friday. Apparently the Warriors coaching staff has a liking for Sean Miller and his team. A number of the staff attending the Warriors vs. Pacers game on Friday night. Talk about a reunion. Kerr, Walton, Fraser, Iguodala, S. Hill, J. Hill, and Budinger, all in the same building. Saturday’s game at Cal didn’t end well and if not for a 4:20 stretch to open the second half things might have been different. It’s always the biggest game of the season when the Cats arrive and they’ll face that same noise in upcoming trips to Pullman, Seattle, Boulder and Salt Lake City.
Los Angeles
From one rival to another, the schedule maker didn’t do the Cats any favors this season. UCLA is always at its best when the UA comes to town. No change in 2016. Coming off back-to-back losses at UW and WSU the Bruins were desperate and it showed. Credit the Wildcats for a second half rally that nearly led to a victory. Although UCLA and USC are only a few miles apart, the LA traffic is always a challenge. Still, we stayed in the same hotel for both games. The weather on Friday morning was perfect and I made the one mile walk to Manhattan Beach to enjoy the surf and a really good omelet at Bill’s Pancake House.
Losing the first game of a road trip adds a little pressure to win the second game. The Wildcats practiced on Friday at the LA Clippers facility near Marina Del Rey. USC is perhaps the most improved team in the Pac-12. The Trojans push the tempo and have the athletes to put up plenty of points. Just like on Thursday, the Wildcats found themselves down by double digits, only to force overtime. One overtime became two, then three, then four. USC prevailed and unless I’m totally off base, few teams will win once, let along twice in LA this season.
Tempe
The Wildcats conference schedule opens at the site of the team’s chief rival, ASU. The Sun Devils, under new coach Bobby Hurley, are one of several Pac-12 squads to have exceeded expectations early in the season. ASU has talent in the backcourt, but little size up front. The Wildcats Had dropped two straight games at Wells Fargo Arena, so beating the Sun Devils was a nice way to start league play. While ASU has had some good teams over the years the Sun Devil fans haven’t taken notice. Unless the UA is in town the arena is mostly empty. Nothing new in the valley, although a stop at Rudy’s BBQ provided a nice pregame meal before the Cats took care of business in Tempe.
Albuquerque
Returning to the New Mexico Bowl brings back great memories from 2012 when the Wildcat’s rallied for and incredible victory over Nevada. This year’s game had an added element of drama as the hometown Lobo’s would be the Cat’s opponent. I thought it might give the UA an edge in motivation, knowing that the vast majority of fans would be rooting again the Cardinal and Navy. Over 30,000 attending and UNM certainly took advantage of playing on its home field. That’s why the Wildcat’s victory was even sweeter. Some might call the season a disappointment, but I’ll always remember a group of coach’s getting every ounce of energy and talent from a group that was hit by more injuries that any team should suffer. The Wildcat’s earned every win and with a precedent setting four straight bowl games (3 wins) and a senior class that won a record 33 games over four seasons, the future continues to look bright. Because of the basketball schedule we didn’t get to spend much time in the Land of Enchantment, but our best meal was by far at Rudy’s BBQ. You order by the pound and eat off butcher paper on long tables. That’s my idea of a great meal, and it was.
For the second time in three seasons the New Mexico Bowl was staged on the same day as a UA home basketball game. In 2012 the football game started at 11 am. This year it kicked at 12 noon. That eliminated a rather safe window to return to Tucson on the football charter flight in time for the basketball game. Thanks to UA AD Greg Byrne and super fans Cole and Jeannie Davis, I got a ride back in time to grab a hotdog and settle in for a big game against UNLV. And for the second time in three years, the Cat’s swept the football-basketball double-header. I tell people all the time that our community is blessed to have one of the best athletic departments in the country and not just because of the victories, but the spirit that surrounds all 20 teams. As another year comes to an end it’s the perfect time to give thanks to everyone who supports the teams and our broadcasts. There’s no better place to live and work. Bear Down.
Spokane
Visiting Spokane is almost routine as we always fly into the Inland Empire on the way to Pullman every season. This time there is no 85 mile bus ride through the Palouse. The Wildcats and Gonzaga Bulldogs renew a rivalry and for the first time the Cat’s will play the Dog’s in the McCarthy Athletic Center, commonly referred to as the Kennel. 6,000 seats and filled for every game, the Zags fans, in particular the students, are rabid and loud. It has to be one of the better atmospheres in college basketball. It helps that Gonzaga always puts a top notch team on the floor and this season’s team is no exception. For the first twenty minutes it looked like the Bulldogs would win going away. Then, Gabe York got hot and the Cats won a game that will pay dividends come selection Sunday. If you ever visit Spokane I highly recommend staying at the Davenport Hotel. It’s a historic building that has been totally modernized while keeping its century old charm. There are three Davenport properties in Spokane, so make sure you stay at the original. The lobby is the hub of social activity in Spokane and the restaurant selection nearby is outstanding.
Anaheim
The Wildcat’s annual early season tournament takes us to Fullerton/Anaheim for the Wooden Legacy. It’s an eight team event that starts at Titan Gym on the Cal State-Fullerton campus and concludes at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The bracket was set-up in hopes that the Wildcat’s and Michigan State Spartans would reach the championship game. The team stayed within earshot of Disneyland and many of the families who traveled with us had a chance to take in the Happiest Place on Earth. For the players it was all business. In the opening game the Cat’s were pushed to the limit by Santa Clara, a school that has messed with the UA’s season previously (see NCAA Tournament, Steve Nash, etc.). The Wildcat’s withstood the Bronco’s efforts and moved on to play Providence. The Friars are a really good team and unless my guess is wrong, will make it to March Madness. Providence guard Kris Dunn is one of the best players in the country and despite some early foul trouble he singlehandedly led the Friars to a win over Arizona. That meant the Wildcats would face Boise State for the second time in the season and the Cat’s beat BSU easily. It was nice to get a win at the Honda Center because the Wildcat’s season has come to an end several times in that same building. It’s also worth noting that the NCAA West Regional semi-finals and championship will be back at the Honda Center in March. Spending Thanksgiving on the road is normally melancholy day. However, being around Disneyland it was just like any other day, and besides, Turkey makes me sleepy.
Los Angeles
Or it could read Glendale. The Wildcats stay well north of downtown LA and the Coliseum. While there’s no such thing as isolation in southern California, it’s nice to avoid the noise of the city. We had dinner in Pasadena on Friday night and enjoyed a restful Saturday morning before making the trip to the game.
USC wants to raise over 200 million dollars to renovate the historic Memorial Coliseum and believe me, it needs it. The setting is special, but the building has been in use for 80 years and requires some work. If LA gets an NFL team it might have to play at the Coliseum while a new stadium is constructed.
The Wildcats played an inspired game but made too many mistakes. If they can take the positive energy from that game and bring it back to Tucson, the Utes will be in trouble.
Seattle
A nice crisp, cool day when we arrived in Seattle on Friday. Good time for some Pikes Place chowder. I had to go back for seconds. We rode the Monorail to the Seattle Center and took in a high school football game at Memorial Stadium. The team stayed in Bellevue, which sits just east of Lake Washington and provides easy access to the UW campus the Evergreen Point floating bridge.
Saturday’s weather was typical for late October. Rain, wind and cold greeted us at Husky Stadium. Since the rebuild, Husky Stadium has regained its spot as one of the best football venues in the country. The lake and the views are unsurpassed. When filled Husky Stadium can also be the loudest and most intimidating stadium in the Pac-12. However, the late start, the bad weather, Halloween and two average teams kept the crowd to about 40,000. Along with the chowder, Top Pot doughnuts serve a Seahawks special. Now the doughnut isn’t special, but the frosting and sprinkles match the Seahawks colors.
The game started well for the Wildcats but the opening drive produced the only points of the night. Life is a challenge in the Pac-12 and the Cats have some more of those ahead.
Stanford
Planes, trains and automobiles. The bay area is great for public transportation. We used the CalTrain to go to the game on Saturday. Uber got us to lunch and of course our friends at AA did the flying.
First stop on Friday was the Fish Market. It’s a California based seafood restaurant that always has a nice catch of the day. The weather was perfect for some alfresco dining. Friday night was a treat as the boss took us all to AT&T Park to watch the Giants and Rockies. Although both teams were out of the playoff picture the game was fun. Giant’s fans are among the best in baseball. The game was sold out. AT&T has been SRO for over 400 straight games. It’s an outstanding venue although the Friday traffic made getting to the game a bit tedious.
Saturday’s game was much anticipated for both teams. The Cardinal was coming off back-to-back conference road wins and the Wildcats were looking to bury the UCLA outcome. Stanford’s reputation as a physical and tactical team rang true, too many big bodies on one side and not enough healthy ones on the other side. Sometimes the better team wins and that was the case at Stanford Stadium.
While the Wildcats defense is still a MASH unit, the offense is getting healthier with the expected return of quarterback Ana Solomon and the possible season debut of T.J. Johnson. Remember, TJ is the fastest player on the team and the Cats leading kick returner in 2014. It also looks like receiver Trey Griffey is getting closer to seeing the field. Both Johnson and Griffey have missed the season to date with foot injuries.
UCLA
Saturday’s in the fall are special, especially when it’s a home football day. You can feel the energy of the city even before arriving on campus. Tailgate parties are buzzing and fans roam the area around the stadium as if they can hardly wait to take their seats. Add to that the presence of ESPN’s Game Day and the UA was the center of the college football universe. Win or lose the exposure provided for the Arizona football program is incredible. The fans were out in force and of course the weather couldn’t be better. Video from that day will make a big impact on future recruits.
It was a special day in our broadcast booth as well when we welcomed a reporter from Bear Essential News. Every season a young man or woman comes to visit and learn about the broadcast industry. It’s fun to meet with them and see their eyes light up as they see the stadium from eight stories in the air. One of the best questions regards my favorite moment from announcing Wildcat football. There are too many to name just one, so I usually stay with the most recent, like last November when the Wildcats won the Pac-12 South Championship and did so in style by beating their rival from up north. That combination is hard to top. I’m always impressed how knowledgeable and mature the young reporters are when they come to visit. It’s always one of the best days of the season.
NEVADA
Having traveled to 38 states and four foreign countries, it’s nice to see a new and different place. Reno reminded me of Salt Lake City with the surrounding hills and lack of vegetation. Like SLC, the winter probably brings snow to those hills and of course skiing to nearby Lake Tahoe. Another way of describing Reno is Las Vegas 1.0, smaller and less “in your face” in terms of fewer lights and fewer people.
The University of Nevada plays in the Mountain West Conference and it’s evident by the facilities. The stadium is perfect for the size of market and offers great sight lines from everywhere. The fans were very friendly and the school very hospitable for our short stay.
While the Wolfpack won’t represent the Wildcats toughest foe this season it was good to get a road win and a 2-0 start to the season. The Nevada players were sky high for the game and for good reason. The Wolfpack gave the Cats a great run last season and of course there is still some sting left over from the New Mexico Bowl when the UA scored two touchdowns in 1:48 to win the game.
Friday night we dined at Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse at the Silver Legacy Resort in downtown Reno. Outstanding service and the steaks were excellent. Sorry to report that I won no money at the casino, which came by virtue of not gambling? History tells me it’s a losing cause and we have a daughter in college. You know the rest of the story.
Coach’s say that a team’s biggest improvement comes between game one and game two and the Wildcats did make some significant strides both in the tempo of their offense and the aggressiveness of the defense. Adjusting to the loss of several injured players will be a key going forward.
With the Pac-12 schedule just around the corner the Cat’s need to be at their best because the Pac-12 South is going to be a slugfest this season. No team in the division is unbeatable and none will go winless. Even Colorado has improved to the point that the Buffs are going to win an unexpected game this season.
Always keep in mind that too many media members believe in the snapshot mentality. One week a team may look great, the next it might stink. Nine games will decide a champion.
Oregon State
When the sun is out, Oregon is beautiful. Such was the case for our trip to Corvallis. The rhododendrons were in bloom and the OSU students were out and about enjoying a perfect spring day. Beaver baseball is big in Oregon. All three games drew at or near capacity crowds. Goss Stadium is not huge, but the fans are right on top of the action. Since our last visit Oregon State has installed artificial turf at the ballpark. That’s the only thing that spoils an otherwise great atmosphere for baseball. Corvallis a wonderful town for walking or bike riding on the tree lined streets, or rafting on the Willamette River. If you are in need of a good hamburger check out Clodfelters. It’s next to the campus and offers a nice variety of beverages as well. Pitching dominated the weekend baseball series between the Cats and Beavers. Oregon State outscored Arizona 9-7 over the three game series, taking two of the games in close fashion. On the way back to Portland I drove the old highway 99 through some cool small towns and miles of green pastures. Like I said, when the sun is out, Oregon is beautiful.
Los Angeles
Since we didn’t play at UCLA or USC this season it was nice to be back in LA for the NCAA West Regionals. Staples Center wasn’t a successful location for the Pac-12 Tournament, but it’s a great building for basketball. The only downside is the upper deck, and when I say upper, I do mean upper. With three levels of suites between the lower bowl and the upper deck, the sight lines from up top should be listed as “distant viewing.” Downtown Los Angeles also gets a bad rap, primarily from those people who haven’t been downtown in years. The LA Live area and surrounding neighborhoods have been upgraded significantly. We visited the Water Grill for the first time. I’m a sucker for good seafood. Several movies/TV shows were being filmed around our hotel. I’m not good with celebrity names, but several of the faces were familiar.
The Wildcats season came to an end in the Elite Eight. It was an incredible journey to say the least. Being able to witness one of the best seasons (34-4) in school history is truly an honor. One of the things I admire most about Sean Miller and his staff is their ability to teach the game of basketball. Every player made improvement over the 38 games and 100 plus practices. Next year’s team will be younger and probably won’t carry as high a ranking into the season, but by next March you can expect the Wildcats to be contending for another title.
Portland
We visit the state of Oregon every year for football, basketball or baseball, but rarely see the city of Portland, except for flying in or out of PDX. The Rose City is well equipped for an event like the NCAA Tournament. Downtown Portland has plenty of hotels, restaurants and things to see. There is also a great light rail/street car system that can take you anywhere in the metro region. One of my favorite sights was the old Multnomah Stadium. Originally used for minor league baseball and college football, the stadium, now known as Providence Park, is home to the Portland Timbers of the MLS. For all you historians, the UA football team played in Multnomah Stadium in 1984, defeating Oregon State 27-8. The NCAA Tournament games were played in the Moda Center, home of the Trailblazers. Like nearly all the NBA arenas it was perfect for the tournament games.
Boulder
Cold. Just cold. 14 degrees and snowing. The best part about visiting an area where it snows is the fact we get to leave. Nothing against Boulder or Colorado. Beautiful state, but there’s a reason we live in Tucson. I took the overcoat, scarf and gloves. It helped. Now about the game. The Wildcats were focused and the Buffalos were not. There’s great satisfaction when you walk out of an arena after beating the home team. In particular, when you were expected to win. Gabe York scored 14 points in what would be a fantastic weekend for the UA guard.
Salt Lake City
Warmer. Just warmer. 38 degrees and no snow. The city was ready for the big game. I spent Friday visiting with local radio stations. When asking about the Utes big home games, everyone talked about the BYU games over the years. I’m not sure Arizona and Utah have started a rivalry, but the Utes fans certainly understand that beating the Wildcats would be a major accomplishment. It turned out to be a rugged game that went down to the final minute. Again, it was Gabe York to the rescue with the follow field goal on a missed free throw and a huge blocked shot. I did get a chance to shop at Harmon’s and bring home some chocolate covered blue berries. The perfect treat to celebrate a championship.
Seattle/Spokane/Pullman
Beautiful weather for our brief stay in Seattle, which means there was no rain. Had breakfast with my brother in Gig Harbor (see photos) and took a long walk through downtown. It was important game for the Wildcats coming off the loss to ASU. You could see the focus in practice at Hec Ed and it carried through the game. UW might be the only school that serves clam chowder at is arena.
Immediately after the game in Seattle we took a brief 35 minute flight to Spokane. Saturday the team practiced at Lewis and Clark High School. Originally the team was going to work out at Gonzaga, but the Bulldogs had a home game at the same time. Downtown Spokane was jammed with Valentines couples on Saturday night. Sunday started with a 90 minute bus ride to Pullman. The Palouse was in all its glory with sunshine gleaming off the early growth of wheat and alfalfa. Not a big crowd at the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum, but those who were there made plenty of noise.....until tip. The Wildcats sent the message early that there wouldn’t be an upset. That’s two road sweeps of the Cats with one more road trip remaining.
Stanford and California
California has been suffering a drought for too many years now, bad news for the Golden State, good news for visitors. It was sunny and pleasant during our stay allowing for some great views and fun times walking the Stanford campus and the streets of Berkeley.
One of the best parts of the bay area is the variety of rapid transit available. I had a chance to ride Caltrain, BART and Amtrak over the three days. The only thing missing was a stop near Hobee’s, my favorite breakfast spot in the Pac-12. Maybe next time.
The Wildcats played well in both games, taking Stanford’s best shot and then running away from a poor Cal team. It was great to see all the former players at Haas Pavilion, from Steve Kerr to Luke Walton to Tom Tolbert, etc. That’s why it’s A Players Program.
Oregon and Oregon State
Last season the Wildcats spent five days away on each of their two game conference road trips. It’s funny, because having two days between games isn’t a bad thing, although it makes for a long trip.
From my point of view, the most difficult part of the extended journey is the final day. Walking up after four nights in a hotel leaves you homesick. Then the realization hits. You still have a full day and a game prior to a late night flight home.
The Wildcats trip started with a win over Oregon. The Cats defense was tremendous against Joe Young and the Ducks. Ironically, it was Oregon State’s defense that affected the next game and a loss to the Beavers. With two days between games there was plenty of time to get some prep work done and to enjoy the outdoors. While cool and cloudy, the Willamette Valley offers some incredible trails to explore. And yes, there are ducks everywhere.
Fiesta Bowl
Three bowl games in three season’s for UA coach Rich Rodriguez, quite an accomplishment considering where the program was four years ago.
It was great to see thousands of Arizona fans at University of Phoenix Stadium. It was also special to see the many former players who made their way to Phoenix for the event. That says a lot about the tradition of Wildcat football.
The night before the game we broadcast a live show from the team hotel in Scottsdale. Jake Fischer had some outstanding insights into the game. Our final guest, Donnie Salum, put a capper on the night with an emotional remembrance of his days in a UA uniform.
Game day was cold and wet outside, cold and dry inside. A hot start by the Broncos was all it took for Boise State to win the game. The Cats made gallant comeback, but fell short. It didn’t diminish what the Wildcats did throughout the season and sets up an exciting 2015 campaign.
Santa Clara
You could sense the enormity of the Pac-12 Championship game the moment I laid eyes on Levi’s Stadium. Two giant banners adorned the structure, one saluting Arizona, the other Oregon. This is not going to be a standard football game.
For a first time event on a neutral field the Pac-12 did a wonderful job of staging the game. From the National Anthem (Jordin Sparks) to the pregame fireworks, it was a special night. Levi’s Stadium was finished in July at a cost of 1.2 billion and change. The only negative was the natural grass, replaced five times since the opening due to wear and tear.
On the map Santa Clara is a suburb of San Jose, but yet a city unto itself. The street car takes you from end-to-end passing every software company known to man.
The game didn’t go as expected, but give Oregon some credit. Since the Cats win in Eugene on October 2, the Ducks had been untouchable. Advancing to the title game is a great credit to Rich Rodriguez, his staff and the players for a marvelous season. And, it’s not over yet. December 31 is a chance to show the world in Glendale. See you there.
Utah
Tough assignment for the Cats, given Utah’s defense and the weather. UA overcame both and posted a huge road win. Including bowl games, the Wildcats have now won ten of their last fourteen games away from home. Amazing.
Salt Lake City is another nice Pac-12 destination. Plenty of good restaurants and a light rail system that gets you almost anywhere. Favorite spot is Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse. It’s all you can eat and believe me you’ll eat, just ask Lamont Lovett.
Our broadcast booth at Rice-Eccles Stadium is one for the books. It’s part of someone’s office. We move the pictures of the family and clean up the trash. Our thanks to Jennifer for letting us use her space.
When leaving the stadium after the game the rain was turning to snow. Good time to get out of town, especially with a victory.
Maui
So Saturday night it was 39 degrees in Salt Lake City. When I landed Sunday in Kahului it was 85. Nice change. Living in Tucson means the weather is not the selling point in Maui, it’s the beach. Love the sound of the waves washing ashore.
Dinner at Cheese Burger in Paradise, always my first stop in Lahiana. It’s a tough balance between the scenery and the work.
Three games in three days are enough of a challenge, and then the draw of the ocean becomes a big distraction. No complaints. The Maui Invitational is one of the top early season draws in college basketball. Not only the quality teams but the incredible support of the fans, both local and from the mainland.
Arizona’s championship was hard earned. I think the Cats bonded and became a more cohesive group on the trip. Could pay big dividends as the season continues. Finally, a confession. I stopped at Krispy Kreme for doughnuts on Thanksgiving morning. Made the long flight home a little better.
UCLA
The trip to Los Angeles is always easy because it’s just an hour plane flight away, but a challenge because it takes just as long to navigate the freeways from the hotel to the Rose Bowl.
In fact, getting anywhere is always a test of one’s patience. Arriving Friday afternoon we had a chance to roam around Manhattan Beach, an ideal coastal town, where you forget about the crush of LA for a few hours.
Friday night I ventured to Staples Center to watch the Lakers and Clippers. It was great to see Jordan Hill playing well. He scored a team high 23 points, but alas, the Lakers lost the game and appear to be headed for a long season.
Saturday we stopped at Tony P’s for lunch and enjoyed multi television screens allowing for a good view of all the early college action. However, Tony P’s is a DirecTV location, so there was no chance to watch any of the Pac-12 games.
If you don’t know your way to the Rose Bowl, good luck. The stadium is located in a large arroyo just north of Pasadena. The streets leading to the stadium run through neighborhoods explaining the resistance to housing an NFL team, even on a temporary basis.
The Rose Bowl has gone through some extensive remodeling the last few years. New video boards, a newer press box and huge locker rooms make it a nice place to watch and play.
The Wildcats didn’t have their “A” game against UCLA and that usually leads to trouble. The league is too competitive to not be at your best. With three of the final four games at home the Cats can take aim at a big finish.
Pullman
Yes, Washington State University is in Pullman, but the Wildcats stayed Friday night in Moscow, Idaho. It’s confusing, but necessary. There are no hotels in Pullman capable of housing and feeding a 60 man football team and its staff. The trek to Pullman is always fascinating for the first time traveler. The team plane lands in Lewiston, Idaho, which is 30 miles south of Moscow. The Pullman airport can’t handle a 757. After a bus ride across the Snake River, we stay in a hotel that is actually located within site of the University of Idaho. Saturday brings about an 8 mile bus ride to Pullman and then the return trip to Lewiston for the flight home.
This year’s journey was near perfect. The weather was ideal, the Wildcats won the game and we were home before midnight. Two recommended stops on the WSU campus are the dairy for some fresh cheese and the bear house for an up close encounter with a very powerful animal (see pictures).
Martin Stadium has been redone and really looks nice. Like the UA, WSU has added an end zone building to house its football operations.
The Wildcats played a very solid football game, scoring on their first five possessions in the first half and first two in the second half. Here’s a noteworthy stat. Arizona has now won nine of its last twelve games away from home, including bowl games. Prior to the current stretch, the Cats had lost eleven of twelve away games.
Oregon
Early October is the perfect month to visit Eugene. The leaves are changing colors and there’s a slight chill in the air. The Willamette River runs through the city and along with the scenery a pedestrian path follows the river for several miles. Lamont and I walked from the hotel to a great pancake house for breakfast and then wasted all the exercise with a stop at Voodoo Donuts. The Portland Cream donut was enough for a meal. We also bought a Rainbow Sprinkle for our favorite travel coordinator from US Airways and the always popular Fruit Loops donut. I tried to take a nap but never came down from the sugar high.
It was the Cats second weeknight road game this season and despite the many green clad fans around town, the energy level was less than what we’ve witnessed in prior trips to Oregon. That changed quickly when Autzen Stadium filled to capacity. It’s currently the loudest venue in the Pac-12. Credit the Duck fans who fully understand their effect on the game. Husky Stadium was once louder and Arizona Stadium can match Autzen when full. Most impressive was the Wildcats poise in the noise. Many teams are eight points behind before kickoff. The UA players didn’t appear to be intimidated. That’s one reason the Cats won the game. It truly was a team victory. Yes, there were stars (Scooby Wright, Terris Jones-Grigsby, Dan Pettinato and Anu Solomon) but it took a huge effort from the entire roster. And, let’s not forget the coaching staff. The team was well prepared and executed a brilliant game plan.
So now the Wildcats have gone from a nice story to the big story. A historic jump into the Top-25 and the only unbeaten team in the Pac-12 has pushed the UA to the forefront of college football. How the team reacts to the attention will dictate much of their future success.
San Antonio
The Wildcats previous visit to San Antonio didn’t end well when Oklahoma State beat the UA at the Alamo Bowl. This season’s trip proved to be far more successful. The Wildcats knew their opponent (UTSA) would be physical and determined. Both accounts were true and Arizona’s three point victory was as difficult as predicted. Nick Wilson, Jered Tevis and Casey Skowron were the leaders on offense, defense and special teams. Skowron has been outstanding so far, hitting seven of eight field goal attempts.
The environment at UTSA is almost like none other. Playing inside a dome has its advantages. No rain, wind or other natural annoyances. The roof also elevates the noise level so that when 33,000 turn out it sounds like 50,000. It should also be noted that the UTSA band features two electric guitars, two keyboardists and six xylophones. I don’t think it can be called a marching band.
San Antonio is the seventh largest city in America. Very humid and plenty of freeways. The Riverwalk is the center of attention along with the Alamo. The Dallas Cowboys have a fan shop in downtown and the Spurs are always the number one topic of conversation.
Through two games the Cats have two trends that we’d like to see continue. No turnovers and 9-9 in the red zone. Two trends that need to improve include more touchdowns in the red zone (4 TD’s and 5 FG’s so far) and a better pass completion percentage (currently at .55%)
Anaheim
The Wildcats arrived at the Long Beach Airport on Tuesday night. Wednesday was spent practicing and meeting the media. The Honda Center has been a mix of good and bad for the Cats. 2014 marks the fourth time the UA has played a Sweet 16 game in what was once called The Pond. Arizona is now 4-0 in Sweet games played at the Honda Center. The Cats are also now 0-4 in Elite 8 games in the same building. It has nothing to do with the location or the structure. The team that plays the best on a given day will advance. While everyone I met in San Diego was aware of the NCAA Tournament games taking place at SDSU, most of the folks in Anaheim had no idea there was a major basketball tournament in their town. Disneyland dominates the city; everything else is lost in the shuffle. Friday night a 5.1 earthquake hit just to the Northeast of Anaheim. Several of us were at a local restaurant watching the other Sweet 16 games on TV. Across from me was a Southern California native who simply said, “Earthquake.” A couple of people dove under their tables, at least one woman ran out the front door. Twenty seconds later is was over. The season is over for the Wildcats, but there are no regrets and nothing but praise for the players and coaches. From that early season win over Duke in NYC to an eight week run at number one, to a Pac-12 Championship and a number one seed, it was a great ride. For those who haven’t had the privilege of traveling with a Wildcat basketball team, I can tell you that it’s an amazing and exhausting five month journey. The work put in by the coaches, players, trainers and managers is hard to describe. As the players say when they break their huddle, “ALL IN,” and that’s how you get to be the best program in college basketball.
Pac-12 Tournament
If there was ever a time to put it all on red it was at the Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas. Arizona fans dominated the MGM Grand Garden Arena and surrounding areas. Is there any doubt which school has the best fans and biggest following? While the move to Las Vegas has appeared to be very successful for the conference, it wouldn’t have had nearly the impact if not for the UA fans. The great part for those of us working the tournament is the fact that the hotel and the arena are essentially the same building. I realized on Saturday that I hadn’t stepped foot outdoors since Wednesday morning. Three games in three days will do that to you. The players have a similar experience. They sleep and eat on the 27th floor and then take a service elevator to the arena. I doubt any conference in America has a better setting for its post-season tournament. The Las Vegas halftime acts are always entertaining, although I’d seen Peter Rabbit in Eugene the week before. The Australian Bee Gees were almost scary clones of the real thing. The Pac-12 will have an option come 2017. MGM is building a new arena adjacent to the New York New York. Seating capacity will be around 19,000. I’d vote to keep the tournament where it’s at, but what about the $8.95 hot dogs at Nathan’s?
@ Oregon Trail
The Oregon State and Oregon campuses are separated by a mere fifty miles. Corvallis a small college town located about ten miles west of Interstate 5. Gil Coliseum is by my count, the oldest arena in the Pac-12. Washington claims that Alaska Airlines Arena was built in the 1920’s, but it was gutted several years ago, making it all new in my book. Gil opened in 1949 and while it shows its age, the structure looks indestructible. The Beavers don’t draw well, based on the size of the market and the average record of the team. Years ago Ralph Miller had Gil rocking with the likes of Gary Payton and A.C. Green. Those days are over for now.
Eugene is a bigger city with around 200,000 people in the metro area. The Willamette River runs through town and makes a great place to daydream, even on a cloudy, rainy day. There are a number of local wineries in Western Oregon and the ocean is about an hour away. I prefer spending as much time as possible walking along the river. The Wildcats are playing just their second game at Matt Court. It’s the newest arena in the Pac-12 and very nice. However, Mac Court was and is one of my favorite stops of all time. The floors creak and it smells like a gym, which it is.
@ Utah - Colorado
This season’s most challenging conference road swing takes us from Tucson to Salt Lake City to Denver to Boulder and home. By missing the UW-WSU roadie this becomes the only conference road venture that includes a plane flight between games. For those who think college athletes live a glamorous life on the road, consider the last few days. Play an overtime game at Utah, fly to Denver, bus to Boulder and hit the pillow at 3AM. Thursday includes breakfast, study hall and practice. Ditto for Friday. Game days can seem long because of the anticipation. Thanks to ESPN’s Game Day, the Cats didn’t practice until noon which is later than normal for a road game.
Boulder is a quintessential college town. Lots of night life on Pearl Street and a bike shop on every corner. Last year it snowed on the day of the game. This year plenty of sun and some wind. The Coors Events Center is a no frills arena with a low ceiling and very vocal fans. It helps that Tad Boyle has recruited some good talent and for those reasons the Buffalos are an outstanding team, especially at home. This is the last Pac-12 arena where Sean Miller has yet to win a game.
@ Advocare V100 Bowl, December 31, 2013
Five days in Shreveport and a bowl victory was a tremendous way to close out 2013. The hospitality of the folks who operate the AdvocareV100 Bowl was outstanding. Plenty of activities for everyone and the southern cooking was wonderful. From catfish to gumbo we all added a few pounds during the trip. Shreveport sits on the Red River almost midway between New Orleans and Dallas. The casino industry drives the local economy. Seven hotel/casinos are spread between Shreveport and Bossier City. A number of people made their way to Monroe to visit the Duck Dynasty warehouse. As for the game, well, it couldn’t have gone better for the Wildcats. All week the players looked focused and eager. The central theme was “make Ka’Deem look good.” The team did exactly that. Carey showed the country why he’s one of the best in the game. Arizona’s defense was at its best and the Cat’s brought home another trophy. Can't wait until next season.
@Washington September 28, 2013
We arrived in Seattle early (1:00 pm) on Friday allowing everyone to do some site seeing. I jumped on the Sounder Train and headed to beautiful Sumner to spend time with my family. We toured the pumpkin patches in the Puyallup Valley and dined on salmon and chowder. While the forecast was for rain, Friday turned out nice, by Seattle standards. Saturday morning the rain was in full force and it continued nearly non-stop all day. The conditions were challenging for the players as evidenced by the miscues in special teams play on both sides. At least the Field Turf kept the game from becoming a mud bowl. Washington won the game thanks to good defense and two UA turnovers. The Wildcats had their chances but couldn’t find an offensive rhythm in the second half. On the bright side, the Cat’s defense was solid against a team that was averaging over 600 yards per game. The new Husky Stadium was nice although I missed the hot chocolate they served in the press box of the old stadium. Now that there’s heat in the press box there’s apparently no need for hot cocoa.
