...the Penn State forward who may transfer to the UA? The Daily Star hints today that Aaron Johnson, who led the Big 10 in rebounding with 9.9 boards/gm, is considering transferring to AZ and trying his luck as a walk-on player for the Cats. With no scholarship offer, AJ would have to walk-on the team, sit out the 2005-06 season, and have one year of eligibility remaining. He would be a force, at 6ft 8in and 250 pounds, and would join the crowd of Tangara, Walters, Brielmaier and others in the inside.
More on this soon.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Lute invites former player now coach and his team out for a friendly December tourney
Just when you think there isn't anything else to know about Lute Olson along comes a former Iowa player and his UCF Golden Knights to remind us that he actually did have pre-Arizona years. Years to mold and inspire players other than Wildcats. With UCF joining Conference USA next season, coach Kirk Speraw is taking a page out of his old coach's manual and upgrading his non-conference schedule, a proven practice that Lute works to perfection here. The more competitive the opponent the more spirited the team will play, and losses like that teach much more than sloppy wins. Think Kirk is looking forward to playing against the Cats?
"I was thinking about going out there as a guarantee opponent, but then Lute said, 'Well, I've got this tournament,'" said Speraw, who played for Olson at Iowa. "Forty-five minutes later, it was done."
In his 12 season with Golden Knights, his team won more than 25 games last season and made their 3rd trip to the dance in Speraw's tenure. No cupcake here, folks, sorry.
"I was thinking about going out there as a guarantee opponent, but then Lute said, 'Well, I've got this tournament,'" said Speraw, who played for Olson at Iowa. "Forty-five minutes later, it was done."
In his 12 season with Golden Knights, his team won more than 25 games last season and made their 3rd trip to the dance in Speraw's tenure. No cupcake here, folks, sorry.
Off the hook
At least this criminal case against a college athlete will go away nice and fast. Los Angeles DA's have decided not to file sexual assault (rape) charges against Eric Wright of usc due to lack of evidence. Does that mean Eric gets back the $100K he forked over for his bail?
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Late night odds and ends
Adam Austin powers the offense -- and it sounds like the offense will be shaggin' and fraggin' this fall. Yowsa.
Batcats pound New Mexico -- again. Season series now stands at 4-0. That's the #6 ranked Wildcats, a lofty ranking that's well-earned. I'm a little miffed at Tuesday's Daily Star, though. There was not a single mention of the game to be played that night, nor did it appear in the Radio/TV listings for the day (print edition). Somebody napping over there, guys?
Whatever happened to -- Dennis Latimore? The former Wildcat-turned-Irish (a nice mix, actually) has announced he will forego his final year of eligibility at Notre Dame and turn pro, most likely overseas. At the UA's Midnight Madness when Dennis and Isaiah Fox were freshmen I was most impressed with Latimore, and kept up with him whenever I could catch him on TV. If he had stayed here and worked on his game he would have been of great value these last 2 years. btw - DL will be earning his degree in English and African-American studies from ND in May.
"The highest rated member of a heralded recruiting class in 2001 that included Salim Stoudamire, Channing Frye and Will Bynum (who transferred to Georgia Tech and helped them to the 2004 NCAA final), Latimore never could get his career untracked at Arizona. He started only once in 57 games for Lute Olsen's Wildcats and averaged 11.4 minutes per game."
Batcats pound New Mexico -- again. Season series now stands at 4-0. That's the #6 ranked Wildcats, a lofty ranking that's well-earned. I'm a little miffed at Tuesday's Daily Star, though. There was not a single mention of the game to be played that night, nor did it appear in the Radio/TV listings for the day (print edition). Somebody napping over there, guys?
Whatever happened to -- Dennis Latimore? The former Wildcat-turned-Irish (a nice mix, actually) has announced he will forego his final year of eligibility at Notre Dame and turn pro, most likely overseas. At the UA's Midnight Madness when Dennis and Isaiah Fox were freshmen I was most impressed with Latimore, and kept up with him whenever I could catch him on TV. If he had stayed here and worked on his game he would have been of great value these last 2 years. btw - DL will be earning his degree in English and African-American studies from ND in May.
"The highest rated member of a heralded recruiting class in 2001 that included Salim Stoudamire, Channing Frye and Will Bynum (who transferred to Georgia Tech and helped them to the 2004 NCAA final), Latimore never could get his career untracked at Arizona. He started only once in 57 games for Lute Olsen's Wildcats and averaged 11.4 minutes per game."
Read this before the next track meet
Now that the myth of basketball as a non-contact sport has been busted it should come as no surprise that track and field can also be damaging to your health. What are the odds of having one student impaled with a javelin and another hit in the head with a shotput at the same practice? Discus sandwich, anyone?
Thanks, FARK.
Thanks, FARK.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Hometown bias
The Vacaville Reporter ran this story on that city's prep stars and their respective college careers. Headlining the story - the Wildcats' own Jordan Brown. As JB says:
"Good things happen when you want to win."
"Good things happen when you want to win."
UA Asst. hoops coach gets head coaching job
Losing asst. coaches to the head coaching ranks is not new with UA hoops. This time it's the ladies turn, with Shimmy Gray getting the nod (and job) at St. Louis University. Her toughness and attitude should help the struggling Billiken program gain back some respect. Congrats to Shimmy!
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Stoops neutral on possible 12-game slate
From Azstarnet.com:
The Division I Management Council has approved legislation that would allow I-A and I-AA schools to add a 12th game starting with the 2006 season.
Shouldn't be a problem, then, to make it a National Championship Game, should it? Think "revenue."
The Division I Management Council has approved legislation that would allow I-A and I-AA schools to add a 12th game starting with the 2006 season.
Shouldn't be a problem, then, to make it a National Championship Game, should it? Think "revenue."
Uncle!
Woke up this morning to find that both UA ball clubs - baseball and softball - were both the victims of a cruel prank. Apparently, someone broke into the equipment rooms of both teams and stole all but the fungo bats, leaving both teams powerless against yesterday's opponents. Imagine Women's Softball getting mercy ruled by ucla and Men's Baseball suffering a 17-1 loss to osu on the same day. The only consolation is that fans only have to endure one forgettable day instead of two.
Rubber game of the series with the Beavers is today, with temperatures in the high 80's. Should be an excellent crowd, boys.
Rubber game of the series with the Beavers is today, with temperatures in the high 80's. Should be an excellent crowd, boys.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Wildcats are producing more than good guards
Conservative Blog Praises Gilbert Arenas
Power Line: More on the local sporting scene...................got to love Gilbert. He was always smiling when he played at the University of Arizona. Memories of Stanford gym and Gilbert trying to dance on the wrong foot as the crowd yelled "right, left, right, left" as he walked off the court............. Lute was upset, he didn't get Gilbert's sense of humor at that moment.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
'Moneyball' explains Arizona's success
Michael Schwartz of the Daily Wildcat does a great job explaining the "Moneyball" theory of evaluating players and talent for pro teams, and the stats help explain why the boom is back in Wildcat baseball:
"Even with an old-school manager, the Moneyball theory is at work in the Arizona lineup. With a team full of patient, productive hitters and a pitching staff striking batters out at a record pace, it's no wonder why the Wildcats have dominated conference play thus far. "
The Beavers are dammed this weekend.
"Even with an old-school manager, the Moneyball theory is at work in the Arizona lineup. With a team full of patient, productive hitters and a pitching staff striking batters out at a record pace, it's no wonder why the Wildcats have dominated conference play thus far. "
The Beavers are dammed this weekend.
Got the basketball jones?
The Pac-10 released their official recap of the 2004-05 basketball season today, which includes this somewhat overlooked fact:
Arizona reached the regional semifinals for the fourth time in five seasons.
Is it just me, or does our tag as "Choker" seem to linger even with such impressive showings? There's a certain little school to the north that would give their eye teeth to be able to lay such a claim, and plenty more around the country.
Arizona reached the regional semifinals for the fourth time in five seasons.
Is it just me, or does our tag as "Choker" seem to linger even with such impressive showings? There's a certain little school to the north that would give their eye teeth to be able to lay such a claim, and plenty more around the country.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Seattle standout selects Wildcats
The only thing different about this point guard from the northeast is that she'll play for the Women's team. Welcome, Malia O'Neal.
Who's next?
Not only has Nate Robinson (the little bugger) left the washington Huskies to take his act to the pros, now we learn that Chris Hernandez will test the money waters a la Jason Gardner - no agent. And Ike Diogu is doing the same. How many players do the pros need, anyway? In the words of Billy Dean, "Let them be little." And let the fans enjoy watching them play while they truly love the game.
Everyone makes mistakes, oh yes they do
J. Ryan Casey writes in the Arizona Daily Wildcat about the decision to give athletes with a checkered past a second chance by some coaches and schools. asu has been getting lots of bad press recently, and I hate to rub it in any more.....anyway. It would appear that Coach Stoops carefully weighs the positives and negatives of each recruit/team member, and he strikes as the kind of guy who's not going to be snowed by anyone, and if he is, he'll weed 'em out on the practice field. He is on a mission to build a solid program here, a contender year in and year out, and I'd hate to see the guy who gets in his way.
And, besides, we've got former gang members doing just fine kicking insurgent butt half a world away, so in some cases "rehabilitation" does work.
And, besides, we've got former gang members doing just fine kicking insurgent butt half a world away, so in some cases "rehabilitation" does work.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Cats preach non-violence
Off-the-field behavior is being addressed by coaches and staff at the UA as college sports seek to weed out the hoodlums and riff-raff. The return of the student-athlete as role-model is much needed. How about requiring the players to wear their letter jackets when they're out on the town? Some of them might think twice before picking a fight with anyone.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Dirk Koetter's situation regrettable, but preventable
So says the Idaho State Journal in this article about the former Boise State coach now at asu. Things don't seem to be getting any rosier for the team to the north,either, other than the recent vote of confidence given Rob Evans by the athletic director...assistant AD...whatever. All the rest of the PAC-10 must be pinching themselves on that one.
Batcat juggernaut coming home after 2nd road sweep in a row
Good things keep happening for the UA baseball team, the latest a come-from-behind 13-10 victory over Washington State today. Still looking for a consistent third starter, soph Mark Melancon threw some solid relief to close down the Cougars in the late innings.
"The series sweeping victory improved Arizona to 24-10 overall and 8-1 in the conference, the best start to a Pac-10 season for any UA team in school history. "
Oregon State drops in for a 3-game series this week - time to pack the house.
"The series sweeping victory improved Arizona to 24-10 overall and 8-1 in the conference, the best start to a Pac-10 season for any UA team in school history. "
Oregon State drops in for a 3-game series this week - time to pack the house.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Lute wants to take team in a new direction
Always on the lookout for new talent with the great skills, athleticism, and special flair needed for today's college game, Coach O is adding showmanship to that list. Here's a sneak peek at some new recruits. (Large file - be patient)
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Thursday update
Wildcats' big target -- no, not the one painted on the jerseys of our basketball team for the last 20 years. B.J.'s 10 TD catches last year equals the total of the entire Wildcat team.
Lute takes on FoxSports - and he's still not happy with the lack of national exposure. How can it be a "national" game if the nation isn't watching?
Softball beats asu - so what else is new? Eleven straight, 52 out of the last 54 against the Gun Devils.
"One last question" -- quotes from Lute's season-ending press conference.
Lute takes on FoxSports - and he's still not happy with the lack of national exposure. How can it be a "national" game if the nation isn't watching?
Softball beats asu - so what else is new? Eleven straight, 52 out of the last 54 against the Gun Devils.
"One last question" -- quotes from Lute's season-ending press conference.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Lute and Roy agree to home-and-home series
The Wildcats and Tar Heels will be playing each other starting next season, kicking the Cats' schedule up into the stratosphere. With non-conference games against Utah, Virginia and an appearance in the powerful Maui Classic, the Wildcats again will avoid noone to strengthen themselves and their game.
Too bad the dookies can't take a hint and not be so difficult to get on the schedule - they won't play on the road or without their refs for any meaningful regular season game. Prove me wrong.
Too bad the dookies can't take a hint and not be so difficult to get on the schedule - they won't play on the road or without their refs for any meaningful regular season game. Prove me wrong.
Hot Sauce needs more "seasoning"
While it appeared just last week that Hassan Adams would forego his senior season for a shot at the NBA, those reports now seem to be exaggerated. With most, if not all, NBA teams recommending one more year in college to fine tune his skills, it appears more likely that Sauce will return to finish his college career.
Oh, yeah!
Oh, yeah!
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
The Morning After
Dang it! Not only did I have to watch the National Championship game last night, a game the Wildcats would have been in if not for that squandered lead against lll., but to add insult to injury CBS's fan poll picked that very same comeback as the "Game Changing Performance" of the entire tourney. Carolina would have been a tough out for the Cats, though I would have loved to see that game. Is the Elite Eight Pre-season tourney still going on?
More pops for Salim -- his stock just keeps rising.
Where have all the women gone? -- if they go to the UA, they're probably in class (or have class). Playboy drew a much larger crowd of wannabe centerfolds when they visited asu than here at UA.
Feed the Studs -- Wildcat football team looking to get the ball to the big-play guys in the fall. Can't wait, and thanks to Pae for renewing our season tickets in the horseshoe end of Arizona Stadium.
Baseball team records series sweep -- newsworthy because it is the first series sweep by the Batcats since 1999. Our star is rising...
This star already shines -- Terry Francona, the Bosox manager who led them to promised land lst year and reversed the curse, recalls his roots at Sancet Field.
What's new with the Gundevils? -- the Loren Wade/Brandon Falkner incident is just the latest at Shoot-em-up U. The wild west still lives, at least it does 100 miles to the north of here.
Bear Down!
More pops for Salim -- his stock just keeps rising.
Where have all the women gone? -- if they go to the UA, they're probably in class (or have class). Playboy drew a much larger crowd of wannabe centerfolds when they visited asu than here at UA.
Feed the Studs -- Wildcat football team looking to get the ball to the big-play guys in the fall. Can't wait, and thanks to Pae for renewing our season tickets in the horseshoe end of Arizona Stadium.
Baseball team records series sweep -- newsworthy because it is the first series sweep by the Batcats since 1999. Our star is rising...
This star already shines -- Terry Francona, the Bosox manager who led them to promised land lst year and reversed the curse, recalls his roots at Sancet Field.
What's new with the Gundevils? -- the Loren Wade/Brandon Falkner incident is just the latest at Shoot-em-up U. The wild west still lives, at least it does 100 miles to the north of here.
Bear Down!
Winner, winner, chicken dinner
Williams, UNC came long way in short time, and kudos to Mike Sweeney for seeing the light and picking them to win it all, ensuring himself of top prize in the bracket pool this year. With two points separating him from 2nd place (yours truly) it was the closest contest yet. Thanks to all participating in this year's brackets, and Mike, the check's in the mail.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Saturday Sports Stuff
It's the weekend of the Final Four, but since the Cats went down to the lllini my focus has shifted. Who can really listen to Billy Packer call anymore games, anyway, and my hopes of winning the bracket pool are shot, too.
Batcats win in LA -- got to hear Jordan Brown's grand slam on the radio as I drove home from work last night. This just might the year Wilma and I make it out to the ballpark. Remember the days of fans hanging over the railings at Hi Corbett just to catch a glimpse of the Cats?
Softball wins too! -- the women's softball team opened league play last night with a win over stanford, after an atypical shaky first inning for Alicia Hollowell.
Linebacker's injury puts comeback on hold -- Spencer Larsen's return to college football was postponed again (the first hiatus was for his 2-year Mormon mission). Good luck with the rehab, Spence!
Lute graduates another -- head coach, that is. Looks like Rodney Tention is set to be named Loyola-Marymount's new leader, with speculation already that Lute may seriously consider ex-Cat stars Reggie Geary or Miles Simon to fill RT's spot on the bench.
Recap 2004-05 -- Daily Wildcat does a nice job here of looking back at our Elite Eight season.
100 yards a game -- that's how much offense B.J. Vickers is expected to bring to the Cats offense this fall. Sounds like another Hassan Adams-type player with just the freak athleticism we haven't had at wideout before.
"I've never been to his house for dinner..." -- seems college basketball's two over-the-top announcers, Dick Vitale and Billy Packer, have nothing in common except making me gag and turn down the sound. For more on the baloney, check here.....
Salim's senior season -- "I just want to be remembered as a good guy."
Bear down.
Batcats win in LA -- got to hear Jordan Brown's grand slam on the radio as I drove home from work last night. This just might the year Wilma and I make it out to the ballpark. Remember the days of fans hanging over the railings at Hi Corbett just to catch a glimpse of the Cats?
Softball wins too! -- the women's softball team opened league play last night with a win over stanford, after an atypical shaky first inning for Alicia Hollowell.
Linebacker's injury puts comeback on hold -- Spencer Larsen's return to college football was postponed again (the first hiatus was for his 2-year Mormon mission). Good luck with the rehab, Spence!
Lute graduates another -- head coach, that is. Looks like Rodney Tention is set to be named Loyola-Marymount's new leader, with speculation already that Lute may seriously consider ex-Cat stars Reggie Geary or Miles Simon to fill RT's spot on the bench.
Recap 2004-05 -- Daily Wildcat does a nice job here of looking back at our Elite Eight season.
100 yards a game -- that's how much offense B.J. Vickers is expected to bring to the Cats offense this fall. Sounds like another Hassan Adams-type player with just the freak athleticism we haven't had at wideout before.
"I've never been to his house for dinner..." -- seems college basketball's two over-the-top announcers, Dick Vitale and Billy Packer, have nothing in common except making me gag and turn down the sound. For more on the baloney, check here.....
Salim's senior season -- "I just want to be remembered as a good guy."
Bear down.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
New D-line recruit has a past
Football: Arizona lands big lineman to play defense, and let's hope he doesn't bring too much baggage with him. Seems Ricky Parker was kicked off asu's team a couple of years ago for "team rules violations," which hopefull didn't include murder.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Future of the Cats team rest in the hands of a Prince
Six-foot seven-inch five-star point guard J.P Prince, that is. Read about Prince and other incoming-freshmen Marcus Williams and Fendi Onobun here.
Wildcat baseball team keeps raking in the honors
Brown third Arizona player to win Pac-10 Player of the Week ::: "Pacific 10 Conference officials should consider renaming their weekly baseball awards the Arizona player of the week awards.
For the third consecutive week, a different Arizona player earned a weekly award from the conference. "
Look for big things out of Sancet/Kindall field for some time to come.
For the third consecutive week, a different Arizona player earned a weekly award from the conference. "
Look for big things out of Sancet/Kindall field for some time to come.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Urban Legend Lebron James
Seen that Powerade commercial with Lebron dropping 80-90 foot shots like they were layups? It happens that those shots were digitally enhanced - Photoshopped! - and not actual events.....I feel so cheated.
Something about the air in Globe
Looks like Mike Sweeney's going to walk away with the pool this year, after Diane did the same last year. This is the way the prize fund breaks down this year:
1st - $150
2nd - $50
3rd - $20
Last - Refund of entry fee ($10)
What's going on up there, Sweeney?
1st - $150
2nd - $50
3rd - $20
Last - Refund of entry fee ($10)
What's going on up there, Sweeney?
More spring football
I'm starting to think -- that Stoops doesn't like his team getting pushed around so much. Also good to see that Sheldon Watts is back praticing with the team after recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest during his redshirt season last fall.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Optimistic Stoops set for spring drills
With fifteen starters and three specialists returning next season, Coach Stoops opens Spring ball tomorrow with a few questions, like, "Who's going to QB the team?" Richard Kovalcheck, the starter for most of last season, is out after back surgery, leaving former walk-on Adam (are you shaggin' me?) Austin to call the signals. Look for big improvements on both sides of the line if you attend one of the spring Saturday scrimmages.
Cats Nipped in Regional Final
The Wildcats' run to the Final Four ended with a heartbreaker to Illinois, sending Arizona home after squandering a 15 point lead in just 4 minutes. It was a difficult loss to take, especially for seniors Frye and Stoudamire, the first Wildcat seniors to not make it to a Final Four since 1993. The lllini did not quit, and deserve their number 1 seed and national ranking. What an amazing game to watch, and the team with the most Final Four-titude won it.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Like a fine wine
Still going strong...20 minutes to go. I'm not as nervous as usual, And Salim hasn't made a basket
Game 1 just started
Want to know why Lute's a Hall of Fame coach? Check out this gem to Salim on the Wildcat guard's frowns and scowls during games:
"I told him, 'Ninety-nine percent of the people who watch you will never meet you,'" Olson said. "'You're too good a person to let yourself project that image.'"
Salim on free throws:
"I look at free throws," he said, "as the only time I get an open shot."
"I told him, 'Ninety-nine percent of the people who watch you will never meet you,'" Olson said. "'You're too good a person to let yourself project that image.'"
Salim on free throws:
"I look at free throws," he said, "as the only time I get an open shot."
Salim 2005
Let's hope Salim's in God mode -- "'That dude's like a video game,' (Ill guard Dee) Brown said. 'He shoots from anywhere, any place.'"
Where am I in the pool?
Track it with the Bracket Manager. Looks like Mike's going to run away and hide real soon.
March to the Arch
In these hours leading up to today's game vs. the lllini, seems the smart money is on the home team. All the talk is on lllinois, and for this very reason the edge goes to Arizona. Even though our game is being touted as the best of the Regional Finals the Wildcats are still flying under the national radar, with a laser beam locked on St. Louis.
No surprise here -- Greg Hansen and Corky Simpson both take the Cats in an upset today.
Break it down -- Yoni Cohen does a nice job of analzing today's matchup, along with another game being played today.
More on Salim's 180 -- Cats are peaking, and they need to be in sync to beat the lllini.
More Salim -- I'd have thought you were crazy if you'd told me the Sullen One would be getting this much ink at the beginning of the season. His development has been more of a "blast" than a "blossom."
Whatever happened to -- Kenny Lofton? He's in Chicago today, cheering on his Cats!
Adios, Chicago. Bienvenidos St. Louis!
No surprise here -- Greg Hansen and Corky Simpson both take the Cats in an upset today.
Break it down -- Yoni Cohen does a nice job of analzing today's matchup, along with another game being played today.
More on Salim's 180 -- Cats are peaking, and they need to be in sync to beat the lllini.
More Salim -- I'd have thought you were crazy if you'd told me the Sullen One would be getting this much ink at the beginning of the season. His development has been more of a "blast" than a "blossom."
Whatever happened to -- Kenny Lofton? He's in Chicago today, cheering on his Cats!
Adios, Chicago. Bienvenidos St. Louis!
Friday, March 25, 2005
Duke needs a hug
Duke loses to Michigan State and the cheers can be heard from Tallahassee to Tucson. Now maybe Vitale and American Express can drop all reference to Coach K for the rest of the tournament.
Adios, Dookies.
Where's Dickie?
Adios, Dookies.
Where's Dickie?
Today's Sign of the Apocalypse
Bill, Mike, and Chris are 1-2-3 in today's bracket rankings? Will hell freeze over next?
Cats to Elite Eight
I had no idea -- this will be UA's third trip to the Elite Eight since 2000. Where did they get that reputation of being chokers?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Pre-Game Jitters?
Frye'd up -- look for Channing to bring his A game with him to Chicago and feast in the paint. His progress and development as a player in the past four years has been a sheer pleasure to witness. Get 'R Done, big guy! More on Frye here.
Battle of the Boompas -- Two old friends in Lute Olson and Eddie Sutton meet for the first time in NCAA Tournament play, pretty amazing considering the success of both coaches. Can you spell "Classic?"
I beg your pardon? -- I just hate when this happens; read the article and see what I mean.
Stouda"mired" no more - Salim's recent awakening will serve him well in the Windy City as you can bet there will be more than a few scouts in the crowd.
Lute...Lute... -- a touching look at another side of the NCAA's, and at the true meaning of teammates.
Mustafa musthava goodgame -- time for the kid from Philly to remind the folks that he brings a sweet little touch with him whenever he touches the ball, too.
Cats try "Low Profile" approach -- doubt it will work, though. The team coming out of this bracket deserves to be in St. Louis.
Battle of the Boompas -- Two old friends in Lute Olson and Eddie Sutton meet for the first time in NCAA Tournament play, pretty amazing considering the success of both coaches. Can you spell "Classic?"
I beg your pardon? -- I just hate when this happens; read the article and see what I mean.
Stouda"mired" no more - Salim's recent awakening will serve him well in the Windy City as you can bet there will be more than a few scouts in the crowd.
Lute...Lute... -- a touching look at another side of the NCAA's, and at the true meaning of teammates.
Mustafa musthava goodgame -- time for the kid from Philly to remind the folks that he brings a sweet little touch with him whenever he touches the ball, too.
Cats try "Low Profile" approach -- doubt it will work, though. The team coming out of this bracket deserves to be in St. Louis.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
East coast media blitz for Salim
The New York Times give us some great insight into Salim and his sweet shot. And how does he rate his UA career so far?
"'My freshman year was good, sophomore year bad, junior year worse and now it's good again,' Stoudamire said."
His form may not "be by the book," but he's my first choice for getting the ball in the clutch.
"'My freshman year was good, sophomore year bad, junior year worse and now it's good again,' Stoudamire said."
His form may not "be by the book," but he's my first choice for getting the ball in the clutch.
Jessie Evans update
Jessie Evans takes the USF Dons to post-season action in the NIT in his first season as head coach. I'm not sure he should have let it out that he was known as "The Jumping Jack from Pontiac," though. hehe
All Americans!
A couple of Wildcats got some well-deserved recognition as All-Americans, as Salim makes the second team along with asu's Ike and Channing pulls down an Honorable Mention. Well done guys!
Is it Thursday yet?
It was an inside job -- consensus is that the key to UA's matchup with OSU in the Sweet 16 will be the play of the big fellas inside. I'll take Channing against OSU's inconsistent Joey Graham as the Cats march on.
Ladycats close out their season -- Congratulations to Coach B.'s team on a winning season again, but their season ends in an ugly loss to LSU.
Spring means - football! -- a quick look at Stoop's Troops as they lace up for spring football practice. Could WR BJ Vickers really add 100 yards of offense per game? A few reps with Richard Kovalchek would help, but the QB is recovering from back surgery and won't take part in Spring drills.
Salim supplies the fire -- and let's hope he doesn't cool off (or get a haircut) for a couple more weeks. Read more here.
Paying homage to Lute -- The Illini's 3-guard lineup has its roots traced back to UA teams of the 90's, and credit Lute with making the lineup work.
The Sweet 16 from A-Z -- "L" is for LUTE.
UA's odd couple -- Jawann McClellan is passed the mantle of "The Golden Child," and helps keep the team (and Lute) loose and laughing.
And don't forget to check your brackets if you're in our NCAA tourney pool......looks like Mike Sweeney's got the best shot at winning it all.
Ladycats close out their season -- Congratulations to Coach B.'s team on a winning season again, but their season ends in an ugly loss to LSU.
Spring means - football! -- a quick look at Stoop's Troops as they lace up for spring football practice. Could WR BJ Vickers really add 100 yards of offense per game? A few reps with Richard Kovalchek would help, but the QB is recovering from back surgery and won't take part in Spring drills.
Salim supplies the fire -- and let's hope he doesn't cool off (or get a haircut) for a couple more weeks. Read more here.
Paying homage to Lute -- The Illini's 3-guard lineup has its roots traced back to UA teams of the 90's, and credit Lute with making the lineup work.
The Sweet 16 from A-Z -- "L" is for LUTE.
UA's odd couple -- Jawann McClellan is passed the mantle of "The Golden Child," and helps keep the team (and Lute) loose and laughing.
And don't forget to check your brackets if you're in our NCAA tourney pool......looks like Mike Sweeney's got the best shot at winning it all.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Ladycats are winners
Hats off to the Ladycats after their first-round victory over Oklahoma - and to the five PAC-10 women's teams, all winning and advancing to the second round.
NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket Manager
Oh....my....gawd. Bill and Dave top the current standings in the bracket pool. Can this last?
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Huh?
From an AP story we get this profound quote from a Blazer:
"'If our shots would have been falling, I think the score would have been even and we would have been able to give them a better fight down the stretch,' UAB's Carldell Johnson said."
Hmmm - math major?
"'If our shots would have been falling, I think the score would have been even and we would have been able to give them a better fight down the stretch,' UAB's Carldell Johnson said."
Hmmm - math major?
Oh Boise, it's on to Chicago!
What's wrong with this story? Nice wrapup of the UA/UAB game but something slipped by the editor.
Corky Simpson praises Lute for his coaching job this season: "Looking back over the season, a long and improbable adventure in which many fans and observers bailed out on them at one time or another, only one person continued to believe in these Wildcats: Their coach."
This Washington Post article gives some great insights into Salim, including this: "I was a little antsy to start the game," he said. "But then I began to get into the flow." Guess so.
Lute calls UA fans spoiled, and he might have a point. Did you know the UA was given 550 tickets to sell to these games in Boise and returned 200 of them, unsold? Maybe we're just holding our breath, hoping it's not another flame-out.
Of course, here are the current standings for the BBall Pool.
Corky Simpson praises Lute for his coaching job this season: "Looking back over the season, a long and improbable adventure in which many fans and observers bailed out on them at one time or another, only one person continued to believe in these Wildcats: Their coach."
This Washington Post article gives some great insights into Salim, including this: "I was a little antsy to start the game," he said. "But then I began to get into the flow." Guess so.
Lute calls UA fans spoiled, and he might have a point. Did you know the UA was given 550 tickets to sell to these games in Boise and returned 200 of them, unsold? Maybe we're just holding our breath, hoping it's not another flame-out.
Of course, here are the current standings for the BBall Pool.
I thought we were Wildcat fans
According to our brackets, Josh and Kevin were the only 2 to take AZ all the way. What a switch from our first tourney pool.
Fizzle? Fashizzle!
Who'll be the next to fall? Much to my relief, AZ is still in the tourney, with a good-looking shot at the Sweet 16 against a talented UAB team that dispatched LSU (who we never really play very well against, anyway). That said, I'd like to introduce the following teams to their own Bracket Bastards:
Hawk Shock - Kansas loses its first round game for the first time in 27 years
Catawhat? - Vermont squeezes Syracuse. Vermont coach Tom Brennan has to postpone his retirement
Crimson Tired - 'Bama gets sobered up by Wisconsin/Milwaukee's finest
LSU Declawed - UAB mocks seeding, on a mission
All will be duly recognized on the List of First Round Fizzles.
Check our league standing here. #488
Hawk Shock - Kansas loses its first round game for the first time in 27 years
Catawhat? - Vermont squeezes Syracuse. Vermont coach Tom Brennan has to postpone his retirement
Crimson Tired - 'Bama gets sobered up by Wisconsin/Milwaukee's finest
LSU Declawed - UAB mocks seeding, on a mission
All will be duly recognized on the List of First Round Fizzles.
Check our league standing here. #488
Friday, March 18, 2005
And speaking of mascots...........
The Greater Bucky Open........what's a game without a little excitement!!
Feel....the....Madness
Bracket standings can be found here - we're league #488. Looks like we're in for a Wildcat ride again.
I'll bet Bill's kicking himself for not having entered before!
I'll bet Bill's kicking himself for not having entered before!
NCAAs - day 2
-- The Cats dispatched Utah State back to Logan, but not before the obligatory scare.
-- Steve Rivera also writes that AZ basketball is "Over the Hurdle." Hope we decide to sprint out one of these games.
-- The Republic plays the race card. Howard Cosell's rolling over in his grave.
-- Steve Rivera also writes that AZ basketball is "Over the Hurdle." Hope we decide to sprint out one of these games.
-- The Republic plays the race card. Howard Cosell's rolling over in his grave.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
We shouldn't forget Utah State guard's violent crime
I didn't hear anything about Pak in our paper or on the radio or tv.............I don't know how I feel about a rapist being allowed to play..........because it is such a violent crime. But, I guess he served his time and has been a stand-up guy since. What say you??
What I meant was...
"Arizona State University has reassigned a spokesman for statements he made about why campus police shocked football fans with Tasers after the Fiesta Bowl. "
At least he and his family didn't have a crime ring working inside the stadium.
At least he and his family didn't have a crime ring working inside the stadium.
The 'Cats Are Sharpening Their Claws
This from the Washington Post (of all places):
Do not mistake this Arizona team for last year's, which lost to Seton Hall in the opening round of the tournament....the team is playing a different brand of basketball.
Sounds like a Cat Fan in the Beltway!
Do not mistake this Arizona team for last year's, which lost to Seton Hall in the opening round of the tournament....the team is playing a different brand of basketball.
Sounds like a Cat Fan in the Beltway!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
"POP"
This from Jay Hinton:
"Arizona's legendary coach is 42-25 in 25 tournament appearances (five at the University of Iowa).
Olson, however, has lost 13 games to lower seeds, second only to Texas Tech's Bobby Knight, who has 14."
Thanks for reminding us.....
"Arizona's legendary coach is 42-25 in 25 tournament appearances (five at the University of Iowa).
Olson, however, has lost 13 games to lower seeds, second only to Texas Tech's Bobby Knight, who has 14."
Thanks for reminding us.....
Up here, coach
Utah State head coach Stew Morrill sums up what it's like going up against larger-than-life Arizona:
"I've seen them (Stoudamire and Frye) a ton on tape and on TV through the year. To see them up close and personal, I'm not sure how excited I am about that,' Utah State coach Stew Morrill said."
"I've seen them (Stoudamire and Frye) a ton on tape and on TV through the year. To see them up close and personal, I'm not sure how excited I am about that,' Utah State coach Stew Morrill said."
washington's Conroy reaches out to Salim
Someone forgot to tell that Husky that Salim's not all that much of a talker. This from scout.com
"Disconnected: Conroy called Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire Tuesday in a show of conference support and solidarity, but Salim wasn't answering the phone and didn't return Will's call. 'I guess he's still angry at us,' said Conroy. Both Conroy, Romar and Nate Robinson talked about how they will unabashedly support the Wildcats while they are in Boise. UA plays Utah State Thursday evening. 'I asked coach if we got our business done if we could watch them (Arizona) play,' added Conroy. 'I'm a U-Dub fan and a Pac-10 fan 'til the day I die,' added Robinson. 'I'm rooting for the Pac-10 hands down.'"
"Disconnected: Conroy called Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire Tuesday in a show of conference support and solidarity, but Salim wasn't answering the phone and didn't return Will's call. 'I guess he's still angry at us,' said Conroy. Both Conroy, Romar and Nate Robinson talked about how they will unabashedly support the Wildcats while they are in Boise. UA plays Utah State Thursday evening. 'I asked coach if we got our business done if we could watch them (Arizona) play,' added Conroy. 'I'm a U-Dub fan and a Pac-10 fan 'til the day I die,' added Robinson. 'I'm rooting for the Pac-10 hands down.'"
It's almost here!
One day left to finalize your picks in the office pool and all other brackets.
-- A Yale prof. has come up with odds of getting all your picks correct - 9.22 quintillion. It boggles the mind.
-- This year's tourney from A to Z.
-- Today's "Fox Guarding the Henhouse" story brought to you by McKale's Parking and Transportation Administer - and his whole family.
-- FYI - the venue for this weekend's First Round games in Boise are being played at Taco Bell Arena. Yo quiero Wildcat wins.
-- "Kings of the first-day fizzle?" So says Kevin Hench of Foxsports when talking about AZ in his column about stunning first-round upsets. It doesn't help that the Wildcats pulled down numbers 10 and 2 on his all-time list of upsets.
-- Stoops talks with some old troops - the Oklahoma Sooners are in Tucson for the first round games at McKale.
-- Matt Doherty picks the Cats to win the Illinois bracket, with good reason.
-- Corky Simpson sheds some light on Lute - the myth and the man.
-- Utah State just happy to be there? Don't get caught up in that thinking, or it's a quick flight back home.
-- A Yale prof. has come up with odds of getting all your picks correct - 9.22 quintillion. It boggles the mind.
-- This year's tourney from A to Z.
-- Today's "Fox Guarding the Henhouse" story brought to you by McKale's Parking and Transportation Administer - and his whole family.
-- FYI - the venue for this weekend's First Round games in Boise are being played at Taco Bell Arena. Yo quiero Wildcat wins.
-- "Kings of the first-day fizzle?" So says Kevin Hench of Foxsports when talking about AZ in his column about stunning first-round upsets. It doesn't help that the Wildcats pulled down numbers 10 and 2 on his all-time list of upsets.
-- Stoops talks with some old troops - the Oklahoma Sooners are in Tucson for the first round games at McKale.
-- Matt Doherty picks the Cats to win the Illinois bracket, with good reason.
-- Corky Simpson sheds some light on Lute - the myth and the man.
-- Utah State just happy to be there? Don't get caught up in that thinking, or it's a quick flight back home.
NCAA Bracket Tourney here
It's not too late to get your picks into our Tourney Bracket Pool - just go to the Quark Bracket Manager, select your picks, and enter your bracket into League #488, password Emma. I'll post updates here on Wilbur's Home Page. Once again, the top 3 winners will be paid, along with a total refund of the $10 fee for the last-place entry.
Good Luck, everyone - and if you have any problems getting your picks in, let us know.
Good Luck, everyone - and if you have any problems getting your picks in, let us know.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Pre-tourney warmup
--Greg Hansen says beating UA would make the Aggies season....at the very least.
--According to Ivan Radenovic, the Cats will need to play their 6 best games of the year now.
--If you haven't picked your brackets yet, Anthony Gimino offers you a little help here.
--"Hot Sauce" needs to pour it on if the Cats hope to advance deep into the tourney. His disappearing act in the PAC10 finals against washington rivals Copperfield.
--Coach Jay John addresses the Beaver Nation. Nuff said.
--Utah State's deliberate style of play, which has bamboozled the Cats more than once this year (see wsu/stanford), will give AZ a test right away.
--It's Kruger vs. Kruger in asu's first-round NIT game against UNLV in Vegas. Do you care?
--$3.5 billion bet on the NCAA tourney? Greatgooglymoogly.
--According to Ivan Radenovic, the Cats will need to play their 6 best games of the year now.
--If you haven't picked your brackets yet, Anthony Gimino offers you a little help here.
--"Hot Sauce" needs to pour it on if the Cats hope to advance deep into the tourney. His disappearing act in the PAC10 finals against washington rivals Copperfield.
--Coach Jay John addresses the Beaver Nation. Nuff said.
--Utah State's deliberate style of play, which has bamboozled the Cats more than once this year (see wsu/stanford), will give AZ a test right away.
--It's Kruger vs. Kruger in asu's first-round NIT game against UNLV in Vegas. Do you care?
--$3.5 billion bet on the NCAA tourney? Greatgooglymoogly.
Go Beavers
Congrats to Jay John and the job he's doing at oregon state. Now comes word that the Beav will host CalStateFullerton in a first-round NIT game. The value and experience of playing in this post season bodes well for JJ and his beavs
Monday, March 14, 2005
The Little Dance
Maryland, Notre Dame settle for NIT - and the Sun Devils get to go to the Jr. Prom, too - facing off against UNLV in a first-round game in Vegas. (Why did I suddenly flash on Hedake Smith?) Expect the Devils to have lots of change in their pockets when the get to the airport - hey, somebody's got hit the jackpot, right?
Here is the scoop from Logan Utah
.......from The Herald Journal They beat up on Utah during the preseason.....................
Sunday, March 13, 2005
2004 NCAA Basketball Men's Viewable Brackets
Here are your brackets for March Madness 2005. Lots of interesting matchups, including a matchup here in Tucson between a couple Arizona's old WAC foes, Utah and UTEP. Toss in Bobby Knight vs. ucla and you've got a nice afternoon of bball.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
PAC10 Tourney - Cats 'n' Dawgs
I always was a Cat person
Hats off to Yoni Cohen for his "Bubble Watch" column at FoxSportsNet. Check out Yoni's College Basketball Blog for all the latest news.
Corky Simpson had a some nice things to say about AZ's newest rising star, Jawaan McClellan. With more playing time next year, JMac will introduce himself formally to the league, and remind them why he should have at least gotten one vote for the All-Freshman team this year.
Hats off to Yoni Cohen for his "Bubble Watch" column at FoxSportsNet. Check out Yoni's College Basketball Blog for all the latest news.
Corky Simpson had a some nice things to say about AZ's newest rising star, Jawaan McClellan. With more playing time next year, JMac will introduce himself formally to the league, and remind them why he should have at least gotten one vote for the All-Freshman team this year.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Arizona Continues Pursuit of No. 1 Seed
"LOS ANGELES - Arizona practically owns the Pac-10 tournament. This year, the No. 8 Wildcats want to take away more than a trophy...,"
says this wire report, and I'm guessing some washington Huskies are reading this, too. If the Cats can take care of osu tonight and uw gets past stanford, it sets up one helluva rubber game.
says this wire report, and I'm guessing some washington Huskies are reading this, too. If the Cats can take care of osu tonight and uw gets past stanford, it sets up one helluva rubber game.
The Year of the Cat
Nice way to kick off the post-season, whomping up on Cal yesterday. It was particularly nice to see Lute get the whole bench into the game, with quality minutes for Jesus Verdejo, Jawann McClellan, and Kirk Walters. The deeper this team goes into the NCAA tourney the more it's going to need the bench to step up just like it did yesterday. Next up today - osu, after they knocked off the "hometeam" bruins.
More articles: San Francisco Chronicle LA Times more LA Times
btw - I'm firing up the Bracket Challenge, so any reader with $10 and the winning brackets just let me know and I'll get you in the running.
More articles: San Francisco Chronicle LA Times more LA Times
btw - I'm firing up the Bracket Challenge, so any reader with $10 and the winning brackets just let me know and I'll get you in the running.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Congrats to Ike
Lute managed to bite his tongue when the all-league teams were announced, or at least he was more diplomatic than he has been in the past. Hey....Salim got Player of the Week this week.
Neuheisel's New Hustle
HeraldNet: Neuheisel leaves with $4.5 million after settling his wrongful termination suit against the NCAA and the u of washington. Just like toast, he lands butter-side up again.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Monday morning point guard
Basket is half-empty or half-full for Cats, reports the AZ Daily Star today, kind of an odd headline I thought about a team that just won the PAC10 regular season title outright just 2 days ago. Sure, Saturday's game against asu was close, but it was played in Tempe with Rob Evans' job on the line - again. I'm telling you, it was the switch to the red road jerseys that sparked these guys on.
More hoops here....here.....here......here....
And how happy are we that the Cats didn't play on Sunday this past week, what with all the upsets happening on that day.
More hoops here....here.....here......here....
And how happy are we that the Cats didn't play on Sunday this past week, what with all the upsets happening on that day.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
The Mirage in the Desert
That's how Bill Fritter describes the asu basketball program in this article, painting a not-so-rosy picture for attracting a top-level coach, should Evans get das boot this season.
The UA/asu game is on the radio now, and it was just announced that there are plenty of empty seats - in the student section. Guess the kids have cast their vote.
The UA/asu game is on the radio now, and it was just announced that there are plenty of empty seats - in the student section. Guess the kids have cast their vote.
You tell 'um Bill
Evans' status more uncertain than ever............a mirage in the desert....from The Arizona Republic
Friday, March 04, 2005
Angry Olson stirs the PAC10 pot again
An angry Lute Olson took the Pac-10 office to task again this week, this time for not naming Channing Frey the Player of the Week. Maybe it's because we lost to uw, Lute.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Cats/Devils Deux
The UA/asu basketball game this weekend has much importance to asu than to UA, esp. if the Devils are entertaining any hopes of the NCAA tourney later this month. A loss this weekend and a poor showing in the PC10 tourney next weekend spells doom (N-I-T) for the boys up the road. I'm actually more interested in the side show this weekend - the asu student section vs. Lute. Give 'em heck, coach.
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