Arizona coach Sean Miller not surprised Pac-12 basketball season is delayed

Some folks were surprised Tuesday when the Pac-12 cancelled all competition through the end of 2020, effectively delaying the start of the college basketball season, but Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller wasn’t one of them.

“Since the early part of April, we have been communicating regularly on several topics, including the 2020-21 season,” he said in statement released by the UA. “The new start date gives our conference the best opportunity to have a successful season in the safest environment possible for everyone involved, especially the student-athletes.”

While the Pac-12 has banned games until at least January, the league has not prohibited workouts and practices. Each school will be allowed to determine how it wants to handle its student-athletes.

In Arizona basketball’s case, its players reported this week to begin on-campus workouts. The Wildcats have eight new faces plus a new assistant coach in Jason Terry, and now have more time to get them acclimated for the season.

“We appreciate the leadership President Robbins has provided our campus during these uncertain times, and we are eager to welcome our players safely back to campus,” Miller said. “Our staff is looking forward to utilizing the coming months to develop our team and building for the beginning of an exciting New Year.”