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Players at NCAA West regional focused on basketball, not unions

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The only kind of union players want to discuss in Anaheim this week is togetherness on the basketball court.

Wednesday’s ruling by regional director for the National Labor Relations Board that Northwestern football players have the right to form a union could have huge ramifications for collegiate athletes in all sports.

Players preparing for this week’s NCAA West Regionals at the Honda Center, however, are focused on getting to the Final Four.

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Arizona guard Nick Johnson said he was aware of the union effort led by Kain Colter and others.

“That’s their quarterback, right, from Northwestern?” Johnson said during Wednesday’s media session in advance of Thursday’s game against San Diego State. “Obviously, right now we’re pretty focused on what we’re doing. We have a game tomorrow. I think maybe probably for all of us we can look back or look at it in a few weeks down the road and probably look at it a little bit and say if we want to jump on board or stuff like that. But I mean, right now I think we’re pretty much focused on what we have ahead of us. “

Wildcats’ center Kaleb Tarczewski added, “It’s something we can look at in the off-season. Now, the most important thing is the game tomorrow and really being prepared for that.”

San Diego State players felt the same way.

“I’m not too familiar with it,” Aztecs forward Dwayne Polee said. “But if it’s going to benefit us in a positive way, then I’m all for it.”

Said forward Josh Davis: “I’m not familiar either, but I’m definitely open to the option. So we can look more into it.”

Guard Xavier Thames offered: “Same thing they said...we’re just focused on Arizona right now.”

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