New UA athletic director Dave Heeke wasn’t present at Saturday’s game, but the Wildcats were well-represented nonetheless. Former interim AD Erika Barnes attended; so did her brother-in-law, PGA Tour golfer Ricky Barnes.
Arte Moreno made a rare appearance. The Los Angeles Angels owner made the short trip from Tempe Diablo Stadium, where the Halos train, to Wells Fargo Arena to watch his alma mater. He also attended the UA-ASU game at Wells Fargo in 2015.
Moreno’s return is telling. He kept his distance from the UA, at least publicly, while Greg Byrne was the Wildcats’ athletic director.
The Sun Devils brought stars of their own to Saturday’s game. Former basketball standout “Jumpin’” Joe Caldwell was in attendance.
