The NCAA West regionals couldn’t have picked a better doubleheader for us So-Cal folk on Thursday with San Diego St. basically playing a home game against U-Conn followed by favored Duke vs. Pac 10 champs Arizona. The Huskies ruined Aztec coach Steve Fisher’s birthday with a 7 point win in a difficult way to end just a 3 loss season…

San Diego St. Coach Steve Fisher:

As for U-Conn, Kemba Walker was as promised and more scoring 36 with ease before I got in a few questions for him and his prideful coach Jim Calhoun who previewed Saturday’s matchup for me even though he didn’t know it yet…

U-Conn’s Kemba Walker and coach Jim Calhoun:

And the team the Huskies get on Saturday is Arizona who earned every ounce of praise they’ll get for hammering Duke by 14 and outscoring them by 22 in the 2nd half. After the game, I got to ask Wildcats head coach Sean Miller a few questions at the podium and when we were finally allowed in the Cats’ locker room, senior starting forward Jamelle Horne gave me all smiles knowing that his college career was still alive-and last but not least, I also got that special moment response from starting guard Kyle Fogg…

Arizona coach Sean Miller, Jamelle Horne, and Kyle Fogg:

And finally it was a tough way to get ousted from the tournament for legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, but he was still much more gracious and open with his time for me than many others may’ve been right after that stunning blowout (and even joked while dealing with some mic problems)…

Duke Coach K:

And Zona’s All-American standout Derrick Williams has become my choice for the John R. Wooden award which I must get my vote in by next week.

Now hopefully there’s an NBA season after this one (with a looming almost certain lockout) or else he may want to think about staying in school! If only coach Miller can get that in writing NOW! 🙂