Three Dot Thoughts…GCU and Arizona=Win/Win, Pac-12 Media Days

Sean Miller and Dan Majerle side by side talking hoops.

University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University are going to play a basketball doubleheader in downtown Phoenix this December. The Wildcats will meet Texas A&M and later the ‘Lopes will host St. Johns. GCU and Arizona partnering on an event like this has no downside. Yes, I would like to think that one day Arizona State President Michael Crow would get off his stance of not playing GCU, but, that is his stance. I’d rather look at the positive of what the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University have put together. I doubt that Miller will ever play on the GCU campus because of the amazing environment created by the fan base (The Havocs). In hearing both coaches speak about the event, it’s also pretty clear that one way or another the ‘Lopes and Wildcats will be tied together on schedules for the foreseeable future. Miller was effusive in praise for what Majerle has done Thumbs WAY up on this move…

Former Corona Del Sol point guard Alex Barcello is entering his first season with Miller. I took a moment to talk with the Wildcats coach about Barcello, who moved to Tucson in June.

“Alex is doing great, he’s a hard-nosed competitor. Very bright, very smart. He’s been responsible in everything we’ve asked him to do. It’s not always easy when they first transition from high school to college.”

Pac-12 football media days are going on in LA. The Sun Devils and Wildcats were both picked to finish in the lower half of the Pac-12 South. No one should be surprised by this…

I agree with the move by the Pac-12 of shaving five minuets off of halftime for football. Conference Commissioner Larry Scott was quoted as saying that attendance for games drops 30-percent after halftime. So…does anyone think that starting games at 8pm JUST MIGHT BE THE REASON? I get it, TV rules the world. So let’s call it as it is. When halftime hits at 10:15, most people are checked out…

Alan Williams signing a new deal with the Suns goes down as one of the better stories of 2017. I used to watch Alan play at North high school. I’d sit with his father, Cody, and watch this big kid show some occasional flashes. Never did think I’d be sitting in an audience hearing that same kid talking about signing his second NBA contract. Good for him!