Being an Arizona Wildcat basketball fan goes beyond just showing up to a home game. Us super fans indulge in a six-month roller coaster relationship from the Red and Blue game to the terrible breakup during March Madness. We have grown to love and hate basketball season here in Tucson. Even if we walk away with our heads down at the end of the day, there is always another exciting season waiting for us.

Love: Arizona basketball is a force to be reckoned with.

Lute and Miller have never disappointed fans as they have recruited some of the best high school basketball players. It is always exciting to see these young athletes come to the big stage. And I’m still always blown away when I realize some of them are only 18 or 19-years-old.

Hate: Watching our favorite players leave.

It is such a heart breaker when we see our players leave for the pros. I get it, why come back for another season with the risk of getting injured when you can be furthering your career? I hate how we watch the players grow from talented high schoolers to stand out stars. But don’t worry, once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat and we love watching you in the NBA.

Love: Seeing what our favorite players do as alumni.

I love how we still hear about how Arizona basketball alumni are doing, whether they are still playing or coaching. And the players don’t forget about us either.

Hate: The new clear bag policy.

Thank you, Arizona Athletics for keeping students and spectators safe, but what am I suppose to do when I’m running from class trying to get the best seats in McKale? Or for the students who are trying to be scholarly while waiting in line for hours for a good seat? I used to work on homework while waiting in line, but this new rule just flat out ruins my chances of doing any work for that day.

Love: The player intro video

I don’t care that it is the same thing every home game, that intro video gives me the chills Every. Single. Time. We know every word. We cheer when they highlight our favorite alumni players. And we go insane when its over. Why? Well because this is Arizona.

Hate: Wells Fargo

I’m sorry but come on Wells Fargo! We are broke college students just trying to win $100. We wave our Wells Fargo cards crazily in the air, but almost every time no one in the ZonaZoo wins. It only seems fair that the students should win!

Love: Dedicated fans

To the students who dedicate their whole day waiting more than five hours before you are even let into McKale, cheers to you. I love that Arizona has die-hard fans. Game after game you see the same students standing in the front rows. Once you become part of that elite club of die-hard fans, a family bond is created. And you see their spirit projected on the big screen.

Hate: Hard to get good student section seats

Okay so maybe you don’t spend your whole day waiting outside in the beautiful Arizona sunshine. The game starts at 7 p.m. You think, "Yeah 5 or 5:30 seems like a reasonable and normal time to get in line." Well, you’re wrong and you miss your chance to get that wristband that allows you to be in the front of the ZonaZoo section. Luckily, there is no bad seat and the energy fills the McKale Center, but you still can’t help but hate the fans in the front rows.

Love: Is ASU even ranked?

That is all I have to say about that.

Hate: Big heads in student section

I get that the big heads are a ZonaZoo staple. They are fun and distracting to other players, but to the people who hold them throughout the whole game, it can be a little difficult to see the game. Just please be mindful if you are blessed with the honor of holding a big head.

Love: Phyllis the fan

Phyllis defines goals. Actually, every season ticket holder defines goals. But Phyllis is my favorite. How can she not be your favorite? Each game you can look over and catch her dancing her heart out or yelling at a stupid call. No matter the season ticket holder, you can’t help but love them because they are just as dedicated as the students.

Hate: "Cardiac Cats"

You know I love you Arizona basketball, right? But can you please steer away of being the Cardiac Cats. I know not every game is a walk in the park, but some games you leave us hanging onto the last seconds. We are just young college students. I cannot handle the heart attacks and anxiety at this age!

But no matter what, I love Arizona basketball. There is absolutely no place like the McKale Center. Not only do we have the longest active home winning streak in the country, but we are also the best student section in the country. There is no place I would rather be and there is no team I would rather lose my voice cheering for. Thank you, Arizona basketball for making me committed to this relationship now and forever. As always, Bear Down!