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Artwork posted by Arizona fan Steve Lin on Facebook. In the photo are Bret Brielmaier (top left) with Luke Walton and Steve Kerr below him, Bruce Fraser above Andre Iguodala (center) and Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson.
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I posted this question last night on Facebook at the Arizona Wildcats Basketball page: “OK Arizona fans have to ask: Who you want to win the NBA Finals?: Golden State or Cleveland? No hedging!”
The responses came fast and heavy, an overwhelming amount in favor of Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors, who also feature other former Arizona players as coaches (Luke Walton and Bruce Fraser) and standout forward Andre Iguodala.
As of 8:30 this morning, 92 fans favored Golden State, while only 17 wrote they will cheer for the Cavaliers. Essentially, almost eight out of every 10 Arizona fans like the Warriors over the Cavaliers.
Cleveland has two former Wildcat fan-favorites on its team: Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson. Bret Brielmaier is a Cavaliers assistant coach.
Another significant Arizona tie-in to the Finals: Tom Tolbert broadcasts Warriors games on the radio.
Even the “Ooh Aah Man”, Joseph Cavaleri (whose name closely resembles the spelling of the Cavaliers), took Golden State. His reason: “I am not a LeBron fan.” A few responses gave a similar response to “The King” LeBron James.
Jason Nimrichter, who has posted blogs at this site, is an ardent Cleveland fan. He wrote, “I’m just a sad Cleveland fan looking for someone to cheer with. #WEHAVECATSTOO”. He also posted this photo of Frye and Jefferson:
It will be fun to see if Lute Olson, who coached all of these guys, will make the trips to Oakland and Cleveland to watch the games. He deserves a front row seat.
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Richard Jefferson was Luke Walton's best man at his wedding. Now Walton will try to keep RJ from 1st NBA title ring #ArizonaWildcatsCivilWar
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) May 31, 2016
#ArizonaWildcats have most players in NBA Finals with three, all coached by Lute Olson, who retired nine years ago. #LastingImpact
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) May 31, 2016
So these guys are now playing each other in @NBA finals. @APlayersProgram reppin. Great friends are foes #BEARDOWN pic.twitter.com/TEn85Hqp0G
— Miles Simon (@milessimon) May 31, 2016
INCLUDING COACHES, SCHOOL AFFILIATIONS IN NBA FINALS
Arizona 7
Duke 2
Kansas 2
North Carolina 2
UCLA 2
St. Mary’s
Miami
Tennessee
Georgia Tech
Texas
Alabama
Nebraska
Marquette
Missouri
Xavier
Hawaii
Frostburg State
Utah
Belmont
Davidson
Vanderbilt
Michigan State
Florida
Washington State
Fresno Pacific
Stanford
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.
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