The postseason for the University of Arizona women’s basketball team has had many trophies, including the one in coach Adia Barnes’ stroller, but all the team has on their mind now is the Final Four. (Photo courtesy Arizona Athletics)
TUCSON – Sometimes when you’re on a long trip, the trip goes faster than expected. Despite the distance covered, the time is made up on the way.
Some might say that their way was long. A great college career at the University of Arizona, 12 years as a professional basketball player, and finally a return to her alma mater as the head coach of the women’s basketball team.
« Basketball changed my life for me, » said Barnes. “It has taken me to over 40 countries, it has enabled me to see the world and meet different people, and it has enabled me to coach and do something that I enjoy doing that it doesn’t feel like I would work so I’m grateful for basketball and grateful for that. «
In Barnes’ fifth year as a trainer at UArizona, the Wildcats are on their way to the first Final Four in program history. On the other hand, tonight are the famous Connecticut Huskies, who make it into the Final Four for the 21st time Perform.
« We climaxed at just the right time »: UArizona women make the first Final Four in program history
It’s been a journey, but somehow Barnes is still ahead of schedule. Was anyone expecting she’s here already?
Greg Byrne, the University of Alabama sports director who previously served as UArizona director of sports and hired Barnes, said that even he hadn’t seen this type of run that quickly. Byrne said, that the long-term success of the program was kept in mind when it was hired.
« To see that kind of success after five years is special, » said Byrne. « It’s an honor for her. It’s a credit to the University of Arizona. It is to the credit of the administration (UArizona Sports Director Dave Heeke, President Robert Robbins) and everyone there who has led for the past four years. I am very happy that you are having the success that you are having. «
» We’re underdogs and I think the thing for us is that we don’t care, « said Barnes. » If we were listening to other people, we wouldn’t even have been in the tournament or here. « I think for us, there is no pressure. «
To be the surprise team in the Final Four can come with disrespect. On Thursday, the NCAA posted a Final Four hype video on one of their Twitter accounts. One problem: Arizona, the only team in the Final Four that is not number 1, was noticeably neglected.
The Twitter account for women’s basketball in Arizona, @ArizonaWBB, responded to the video, which has since been deleted . According to ESPN, the NCAA apologized to the school and said the omission was not intentional. « It was frustrating, » said Senior Guard Aari McDonald. “I definitely took it as a sign of disrespect, but it is what it is. I have to bring them together. But I mean we don’t worry about it, we’ll do our thing. In any case, you will see that this will be translated in court. «
The NCAA issued a statement saying, » We will continue to work hard to recognize all four women’s Final Four teams for their incredible runs and remarkable seasons. « Needless to say that the Wildcats will advance to the national semifinals with a chip on their shoulders.
« These are things that I think are sometimes overlooked and shouldn’t be because there are four teams that really do Worked hard to get here, done the same amount of work and wearing the same shoes and uniforms and enjoying the experience, « Barnes said. » That shouldn’t happen. «
Though the Wildcats are sticking to this Being an underdog at the weekend, her run has caught the attention of the basketball world. Sue Bird, great WNBA and Barnes’ former teammate at Seattle Storm, said she knew when Barnes was hired that she was going to be successful ürde.
« To see it go around the corner so quickly, I think she’s even surprised, and I think all of us that we see are just so proud of her, » said Bird. “So proud of her. You can just see it, it’s really fun to see someone make the Final Four for the first time. «
Bird added that it is also fun to see a team return to the Final Four after having been there many times. This could be said about UConn, which happens to be Bird’s alma mater.
UConn will play the role of Goliath in today’s matchup and will appear in Final Four for the 13th consecutive year, headed by Paige Bueckers, the first newcomer to be named Associated Press Player of the Year.
Barnes’ way to this point is a story about how to come full circle for a potentially big moment, training at her own alma mater and ready to take on the biggest stage with the same team that hers 23 years ago famous college career. The Wildcats hope to make the most of it.
« We’re blessed to be here, but we’re not just happy to be here, » said Barnes. « We’re trying to win . We’ve come this far, so why not get the gold? We were excited. «
James Johnston expects to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism in 2021. Johnston is working for Cronkite Sports this spring.
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