Arizona parts ways with Miller amid NCAA investigation
Arizona had stuck by men’s basketball coach Sean Miller through an NCAA infractions investigation that stretched nearly four years.
Whenthe school didn’t extend his contract beyond next season, it became clear a decision would need to be made.
The wait came to an end Wednesday when the school announced Miller was leaving after 12 seasons and associate head coach Jack Murphy will serve as interim head coach.
“Weappreciate Sean’s commitment to our basketball program and to the university,” Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke said in a statement. “After taking the many factors involved into account, we simply believe that we need a fresh start and now is the time. I want to thank Sean, Amy and their sons for their service to the university and wish them the very best in the future.”
Miller and the Wildcats have been in the NCAA’s crosshairs since being ensnared in a 2017 FBI investigation into shady recruiting practices.
The NCAA issued a Notice of Allegations last year and the case is currently going through the Independent Accountability Resolution Process. Arizona issued a self-imposed postseason ban this year and finished 17-9, 11-9 in the Pac-12.
Miller became the third Wildcats coach to reach 300 wins with the program and went 302-109 in 12 seasons. Arizona reached the Elite Eight three times, won five Pac-12 regular-season titles and three Pac-12 Tournament titles under Miller.
Moving on: Syracuse forward Marek Dolezaj is not returning to the Orange for a final season and will seek to play professionally, he announced on social media. Dolezaj had one year of college eligibility remaining due
to the coronavirus pandemic. The 6-foot-10, rail-thin native of Slovakia played in 131 games for the Orange and started 83 times over four years, becoming a mainstay in the starting lineup the past two seasons. He averaged 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds as a junior and 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds this past season. ... Penn State’s leading scorer is heading to Florida and could be a huge help right away. Guard Myreon Jones announced his commitment to the Gators on Wednesday, joining fellow transfers Brandon McKissic from Kansas City and CJ Felder from Boston College as new additions for coach Mike White in Gainesville.
Michigan State has added high-scoring guard Tyson Walker, a transfer from Northeastern. Walker averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 assists and 2.4 steals last season as a sophomore, leading the Huskies to an 8-2 record in the Colonial Athletic Association. He scored 27 points in a game at North Carolina and had 30-plus points twice last season. ... Graduate transfer center Nysier Brooks has signed to play with Mississippi. The 7-footer, whose signing was announced Tuesday, played last season at Miami. Brooks averaged 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season while shooting 51.7% from the field.