Citizen Staff Writer
UA’S NEW COACH
ANTHONY GIMINO
agimino@tucsoncitizen.com
University of Arizona assistant coach Reggie Geary said he is hoping to speak with new head coach Sean Miller as soon as possible.
Geary, who has been steadfast in his desire to remain with the Wildcats, will return Tuesday from the Final Four.
“He’s 40, so I don’t want to say he is up-and-coming, but I definitely think Arizona got one of the best young coaches in the business,” Geary said.
Geary, a former UA guard who was a defensive standout, spent one season on the Arizona bench under interim head coach Russ Pennell. Geary, who previously was the head coach of the Anaheim Arsenal of the NBA’s Development League, has been the point man for UA recruiting all season.
There was no immediate word on whether Miller would bring any of his assistant coaches with him, although Chris Mack could be a candidate to replace him at Xavier. Another assistant, Emanuel “Book” Richardson, is considered a top recruiter in the East. He is 36.
What would Geary, 35, tell Miller when they meet?
“That I have been recruiting this whole season and that I have information and can be used in a lot of different areas,” Geary said. “I can help his transition to West Coast recruiting, to the Pac-10, to UA, to different styles.”
Pennell hoped Miller would give Geary a chance.
“If I’m (Miller), I’m sure I talk to Reggie,” Pennell said. “Reggie has to be a fit. I understand that. But to just dismiss Reggie, I don’t think would be wise.”
Geary hopes to stay on with Miller’s staff