local character
Sean Miller: U of A's new basketball coach shares how his family has settled in to the Old Pueblo
New team, new coaching staff, new home. Sean Miller has had a lot to get used to since he arrived in April 2009 from Xavier University in Cincinnati to lead the Wildcat men's basketball team at The University of Arizona.
While he well knew the reputation of the house that Lute Olson built, he admits he didn't do a good scouting job on Tucson.
"It's embarrassing," says the Pittsburgh native. "I did a very poor job investigating Tucson before I came here." The 41-year-old's only reconnaissance occurred when he played two games in Tucson as a University of Pittsburgh three-point hotshot. When he arrived as Wildcat coach, "I knew the weather was warm in the winter and hot in the summer."
Miller, his wife, Amy, and sons, Austin, Cameron, and Braden, are experiencing Tucson living from their Foothills home with a pool and gorgeous view of the Santa Catalinas. While he spends most of his time building the next great era of U of A basketball, Miller has gotten out of McKale Memorial Center to experience becoming a bona fide Tucsonan.
Q: When people ask you how you like Tucson, what's the first thing you say?
It has such a small-town feel, and I love that.
Q: What was instantly your favorite local restaurant?
Vivace. My wife and I really like the setting. They have unique chicken meatballs.
Same thing for shopping?
La Encantada. There's some amazing restaurants there. AJ's Fine Foods I found to be a really great place to eat and shop. It's nice to have it so close to where we live.
Q: What local restaurant reminds you of Pittsburgh?
Grimaldi's Pizzeria. The pizza reminds me all the time of back home.
Q: Where are you shopping to furnish your new digs?
I'm not a big shopper. My wife is in charge of that.
Q: What place or activity makes you feel like a real Tucsonan?
Outdoor living. One of the things we love is being able to watch TV outside. It's a great feeling for us. We have never been able to experience a winter like Tucson's.
Q: Current favorite spot for Mexican food?
Café Poca Cosa. It's very different. Also, Guadalajara Grill for lunch. Their salsa is amazing.
Q: What's the first Tucson attraction you want to show out-oftown visitors?
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, if they have young kids. It's so unique and represents where we live. Also, Old Tucson Studios to show them not only what old Tucson's like, but Gates Pass to see all of the cacti.
Q: Favorite thing to do on a sunny day off work?
I golf a little bit. I'm looking forward to playing on a lot of different golf courses, maybe become a little better golfer. Right now, I'm just trying to keep score.
Q: Where's your favorite spot near campus to take a break?
Sam Hughes Place Championship Dining is a great restaurant. It has a casual feel to it and is also upscale. You can settle down and unwind and have a good time doing it. They have great salmon salads and turkey burgers.