Agent Zero for Hire

Gilbert Arenas, the human highlight reel, is looking for something more. Something more to go along with his game-winning shots and hot sound bites. He'd like some commercial endorsements.

Still, Arenas hasn't busted through to the upper tier of marketable
players in the NBA despite the dazzling performances, the MVP-caliber
numbers and the long-range buzzer-beaters that now are part of his
nightly routine.


Don't let the hibachi cool off just yet, Gilbert. Your time is coming.

Rivalry Night

Herb Sendak gets his first taste of the UA/ASSu rivalry tonight, and signs point to another lopsided loss for those hated Sun Dribbles. Wilma and I will be watching the "game" at Rookies, a sports bar here in Oceanside, celebrating our 37th anniversary in style. I was checking the odds earlier this morning and the Cats are anywhere from a 17-point favorite to a No Line, meaning no competition.

True love

Who wouldn't love a wife who would induce labor 3 days early so her husband could go to the Bears game today? Wilma is just like that, too.

R Jefferson to have surgery

Ex-Cat and current Net Richard Jefferson will have surgery on his right ankle tomorrow, sidelining him for an unknown length of time. Best wishes, RJ.

And The Slump goes on

Well, this is certainly strange.  The Wildcats haven't lost 3 straight conference games in 23 years - Olson's first year at the helm.  And losing 4 straight to UCLA?  Did anyone see that coming?  Things look a little brighter in the near future (if you don't look at that game against the Tar Heels next weekend), and hopefully a little home cookin' will help the Cats get back their shooting touch, teamwork, and chemistry.  I'm looking at it this way:  better to have a little slump now than when the PAC10 and national tourneys roll around.  I don't like this trend of losing, though.  Now I know what Farky feels like up north.

• The Slump - Coach O says we'll be OK.  I trust him.
• More on the above - I still don't understand why Greg Hansen stays in Tucson.  Sure, he can't be a homer all the time, but he still dredges up ghosts of Wildcats past (Larry Smith) any chance he gets.  Check out the last line of his article here.
• 2007 football schedule released - and it's full of surprises.  Only one non-conference road game (BYU), only 2 November games (one on a Thursday night), and a Dec. 1 matchup against, well, you-know-who.
• New O-line coach - coming from Texas Tech also, he should work very well with Dykes.
• How about a wide receivers coach? - this could be our guy.  Maybe he'll bring a few sweet recruits along, too.

Go Cats!  I'm still drivin' the bandwagon!

Waiting for the ax to fall

After going one and one at home last week against the Oregon schools, the Cats take their show on the road to LA for a very tough 2-game stretch with USC and UCLA.   After that, it's back home again for the Scum Dribbles and another "gimmee" on their non-conference - North Carolina. Such is life.

• The PAC 10 in review - what a conference. The tourney at Staples in March should be one helluva show.
• Softball team set to defend title - how can we expect the girls to practice in this cold weather??
• Shakur stepping it up - and getting some well-deserved national press.  Has this kid turned it around or what this year.
• Lute....Lute - UA's timeless wonder continues to crank out the winners.
• JP volunteers - as I said earlier, those reports of Prince going to Vanderbilt might be just a tad premature.  Sure enough, he winds up at UT.
• Agent Zero - Gilbert still lighting it up.  And remember - he wears the number the 0 because that's the chances some college recruiters gave him of making it to the big time.
• Peaked too early? - hardly.  Better to have a little slump now than later in March. 
  

Commitment to Excrement

Catchy, eh? My new slogan for asu fits perfectly. Nice job against the Beavs yesterday, too, Dribbles. I think I'm going to like Herb.

What's going on with the "fans" at McKale?

This from Greg Hansen in today's Star:

Oregon State basketball coach Jay John did not bring his wife, Lisa to last week's UA-OSU game at McKale Center, in part, because of what John termed were "problems with UA fans'' behind the Beavers' bench.

Those problems were manifest again last week when OSU's Kyle Jeffers had a post-game spat with several UA fans, which resulted in Jeffers being detained by police officers. No charges were filed.

A day later, John, a Salpointe Catholic High School and UA grad, told the Corvallis Gazette-Times that he will no longer permit his team to walk through the northeast entrance/exit to the McKale Center court.

The sad part is that John and his family are longtime Tucsonans; even though the Beavers haven't been competitive at McKale, isolated pockets of UA fans have treated them with no respect.

Is a little civility too much to ask in the sacred game of college hoops?

Or how about this UA fan who was kicked out of the game for standing up the entire game and refusing to sit? All this makes it hard for me to understand what the UA was thinking when they put the students so close to the floor for basketball games. I don't mind a little good-natured ribbing of opposing teams and players, but this mind-spirited stuff has got to stop. Say what you will about the gray-hairs who hold season tickets, at least they appreciate a good game and don't try to throw themselves into the mix.

Wilma and I can relate to the fans sitting (or trying to) behind the nut who refused to sit down. Our season tickets were behind a guy (much older than the student body) who popped up out of his chair for any little reason. When asked to sit down, he refused, insisting instead that everyone else rise in support. Just because the Lemonade Guy ("It's so lemon-y") is working his way up the aisle, that's no reason to bounce up....

Jay "Jaybird" Dobyns rides again

When Jay played for the UA in the '80s, his long blonde hair flowed from under his helmet. As an ATF agent, he shaved his head, tattooed and pierced his body, and became one scary dude. I had the opportunity to meet Jay a few months ago. I remembered his days as a wide out for the UA - and before that at Sahuaro HS here in town - and had kept up on his adventures working undercover for the ATF. He was pleased that I knew who he was (not from any earlier bust, mind you) and I spent a few minutes chatting with him. What an inspiration he is, and deserves all the respect and admiration he's garnished. I'm glad guys like Jay are on our side.

Cats and Beavs

After coming up short against Wazzu - a game which propelled WSU into the Top 25 - the Cats get ready to shake off the loss and start a new win streak going.

• Preview of tonight's game -- Coach Jay takes on his mentor.
• Update -- the PAC-10/Big 12 series.  The Wildcats and the Tree will play two games each in the inaugural season.  Here's the schedule for the first year.
  
• OSU could get first conference win -- against asu.
• Cason to pass on NFL -- will instead defend the pass one more year at Arizona.  That's gotta be good news.
• Mustafa -- finally finds his game as a senior.  Is there anyone better??
• Eugene, you genius -- Edgerson takes his skills and his smile to the Globetrotters.  I still remember the TV coverage he got here reading to kids as a primary school teacher's aide.
• Top flight tight end signs -- and his older brother tries to make it as a walk-on for the UA baseball team.  Nice.

That's all for now....Go Cats!

PAC-10/Big 12 Basketball Series Announced

Starting December '07, the PAC-10 and the Big 12 will start a 4-year head to head battle. I guess the bottom 2 Big 12 teams are out of luck. (oh, wait - Kansas and Texas Tech drew the first byes) First up for UA this December - Texas A

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Gilbert's B'Day Bash

Nothing bashful about "The Hibachi," as you can read in this article about his 25th birthday party (middle of story).
What? Lute wasn't invited??

Duke Sucks

Duke ranked #5?? How did that happen? Here's another Dookie hater's take on it....



Getting ready to go to Santisi Brothers Pizzeria and Sports Grill to catch the UA/WSU hoops game. Yes, we'll all be wearing our finest Wildcat Gear in the heart of Scum Devil country.

Dawgs Pounded

Team chemistry and out-of-body shooting led the Cats over UDub last night in Seattle.  What a great showing by the Cats.

• Huskies defenseless against the Wildcats hot shooting --  With Shakur, J-Mac, and Noodles hitting clutch threes, all that the UW big men could do was gather the ball and throw it back inbounds.  The rebounds aren't happening, guys, when the other team shoots over 65%.
• For a good time, call -- so that's what the Dawg pack was chanting last night.
• Redemption -- Marcus Williams redeems himself after those 2 missed FTs last year.
• Longest streak since '98 -- keep it up, Cats.
• Not so fast -- rumor had it that JP Prince was transferring to Vanderbilt, but his Dad was quoted last as saying that JP hadn't made a final decision yet.  Good luck, JP.
  

Firing Up

Gilbert Arenas keeps up the swag and heats up the hibachi for the Wizards.

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Ex-Wildcats on Opposite Sides of Call

Was it a dirty hit or not?  When Bobby Wade (of the Tenn. Titans) laid a block on the NE Patriots' Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi was right in there, ready to take on the Titan's bench. 

The Dark Side of Recruiting

Here's a very interesting article about AAU basketball teams and the demands they place on college teams.  Seems like a cash donation is required to even talk to team players, with money coming in also from shoe company giants Nike, Reebok, and others.  No mention in the article about Josh Pastner's father's Houston team, but.....

Odds and Ends for the End of 2006

As 2006 draws to a close, here are a few Wildcat items that are worth mentioning:

• Cats win 11 straight -- the Lopez twins look to be force for Stanford, but Arizona's experience and speed do in the Cardinal.  Barry Tompkins and Dan Belluomini be damned - they are such homers for Cal and Stanford.
• Hug-a-Lute -- I did notice Lute give Shakur a hug when Staf came to the bench yesterday, but I didn't realize what a big deal it was at the time.
• Oh so close -- AZ's 14-point win failed to cover the spread by 1/2 point.  In the Memphis game the spread was met exactly.  What kind of crystal ball do those point-spread guys have, anyway?
• Gilbert Arenas still cracks me up --  Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who sometimes watches infomercials to pass the time in his hotel room: "The last thing I bought was this colon cleanser. I just got talked into it. I'm like, 'Man, he makes it sound so good.' "
• Mike Bell does us proud -- not bad for an undrafted free agent rookie.  And check out the photographer's name....
• It's the chemistry, man -- Less drama, better basketball.  And more wins.  I like it!
• Sneak preview of Air Raid -- With Sonny Dykes bringing his spread offense to UA from Texas Tech, it was of special interest to watch the Insight Bowl the other night.  Can he pull it off here?
• Nice wrap-up -- late Christmas presents to Wildcats.

Happy New Year, and Bear Down!

Cat Fight!

Cat fight in Tucson tonight, as the Houston Cougars venture into McKale to take on the Cats.  The obscene starting time of 8:00p locally, coupled with the Christmas break for students, could  mean a lower-than-normal turnout for the game.  Damn that contract with Fox Sports!  Anyway, there will still be more fans in attendance that at your typical Tempe Normal game.  Hey - maybe we'll get to see some bench play.

• Next up - Memphis.  One of the week's top games, at least in this guy's perspective.
• Iggy, Iggy - Interesting 1-on-1 with Andre.  Can he be the man for the 76er's now tha AI is riding the pine?
• Two brothers, one play - isn't it crazy how that blown call in the Oregon-Oklahoma game cost both the Cats and the Sooners?
• DE bookend - "Sandman II" commits to UA football.  Keep 'em coming, Mikey.
• A legend comes home - When Mike Bell returns to Glendale today as the Broncos play the Cards he'll be coming home to his roots.  Good job, Mike.

Bear Down.

Thanks, Sparky!

Great Hire for ASU !

It won't be long before ASU football will be on NCAA probation... half its football players in jail or court ..and their new coach in jail for a DUI.

More reaction here from some Idaho fans. This should be fun to watch, kitties.

'Zoning In

As the Cats prepare to take on the SDSU Aztecs tomorrow at Cox Arena, here's some light reading to hold you over until then:
Hometown Hero -- read all about Chase, a native of pretty Encinitas. Sweet.
Sonny Boy -- Sonny Dykes takes over the reigns of the football offense. Do we want it more offensive or less offensive than the 2006 version? Throw it long, Sonny.
He was there -- at the Jimmy V Classic, MSG. How was the popcorn?
Lute to retire? -- Nope. Not for some time, anyway.
Goins gone -- DB recruit reneges to head for Cheeseland. Adios.

What a difference a week makes

Last weekend, we were drowning our sorrows in a cup of decaf over the Cats loss to Tempe Normal in the final football game of the year. Bad enough that the Territorial Cup has to stay on that dingy campus for one more year, but now the Sparkettes are looking for a new head coach. Jeez, I was hoping their win would get him at least one more season in the Valley of the Runs.

Today, though, we celebrate Lute's Troops, fresh off a stirring victory over the Fighting Illini. More on that and even more Wildcat news here:

• Chase Budinger is getting quite a fan following, as he turns in one star performance after another. Hope he sticks around for more than one year.
• Shedding our "soft" reputation? Still remains to be seen, but the defense will need to step it up for the entire game if the Cats want to be taken seriously.
• Nice to have the shoe on the other foot this time, watching the Cats come back from a double-digit deficit and win one going away.
• Mike Bell loses bet to Jake the Snake, suffers the ultimate insult (last topic in article)
• With Stoops looking for an offensive coordinator, does he like Dykes? And don't forget Dirk...what a switcheroo that would be, eh?
• And finally, here's a recap of football recruits to date.

Vaya con Wilbur

Aftemath of the asu game

Not only did Tempe Normal fire their coach after beating the UA Saturday, the UA also lost one. Mike Canales resigned today as Offensive Coordinator after 3 years at the U. Could being 115th out of 119 teams in total offense have something to do with it?

Does the name Zendejas sound familiar?

Who doesn't remember what Max Z. did for the Cats, or hate Luis Z. for going to Territorial Normal. Kicking's in the blood. And the new blood will be wearing cardinal and navy for the next 4 years. Alex Zendejas - of Glendale Ironwood - will take over placekicking for the Cats next year, as we get yet another Pheonix(sic) star to see the light. Nice coup, Stoops.

Alex Zendejas arguably comes from the most famous family of kickers in football history. He has three relatives who have kicked in the NFL, an uncle who was a famous Wildcat in Max Zendejas and an uncle who was a famous Sun Devil in Luis Zendejas. On Wednesday, he was given an offer to follow in the footsteps of Max and he accepted.

Yep, it's really there, Sparky

Normal school gridders could rub their eyes all they wanted, but it still wouldn't go away. There it was, right on their field. "Bear Down" and the AZ "A" were painted on their turf. A red "A" was also painted on their beloved A Mountain.



Let the games begin.

Comparing the Sophomore QB's

I'll take Willie over ruddy anyday. Like comparing apples to rotten oranges.

No Excuses, please, Sparky

Reading through this article it sounds like Tempe is making excuses already, and the game hasn't even been played. Sure, they've suffered through some injuries, but isn't that football? Where's the depth, Dirk? Some of it went north to Nebraska, leaving just crybabies in the Valley of the Scum. I don't remember Stoops with a hanky out when Willie went down for a few games. Or Steptoe. Suck it up, girls.

Speaking of girls:

"I think this was a real talented team at the beginning of the season," ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter said. "But who are our most talented guys? They haven't been playing. They've been hurt or they've had things happen. I'm not making excuses but that is the truth."

Suppose this hammerhead will take the next bus out with Koetter?

Remembering Lee Franklin

Former Wildcat baseball player Lee Franklin battle leukemia for 9 years, but passed away this week in the Bay Area. Here's a touching story about Lee, his struggles and triumphs, and the type of man that he was. The Wildcat family mourns his passing.

Cats Bully the Bulldogs

The Wildcat basketball team is starting to put it all together - witness last night's drubbing of the Samford Bulldogs. Playing a slowdown team for the first time this season, AZ had little trouble, leading by 28 at the half. Lute even managed to play some of the bench guys, too. Except JP Prince, who was nowhere to be found. I'll wager he's looking for another school right now, someone who will "appreciate" him for the great player that he is.

Cats Adopt Nothing-to-Lose Attitude

And it's working. Take a new-found running game, add Dana Dimmel as a co-ofensive coordinator, fire up the defense, and see what it gets you? Some positive national press, immensely grateful fans, and maybe the head of Sparky's football coach on a platter.

Fork you, Devils.

Cancer claims two former Wildcats

From the Tucson Citizen:

Two former University of Arizona athletes known for their big, bright smiles and inspiration as much as their achievements in competition have died.
Former football player Zaharius Johnson died Tuesday after a battle with colon cancer and former second baseman Lee Franklin lost his fight with leukemia on Monday.

The Wildcat Nation feels their loss and grieves for their families.

Rest In Peace, Z and Lee.

Cancer claims two former Wildcats

From the Tucson Citizen:

Two former University of Arizona athletes known for their big, bright smiles and inspiration as much as their achievements in competition have died.
Former football player Zaharius Johnson died Tuesday after a battle with colon cancer and former second baseman Lee Franklin lost his fight with leukemia on Monday.

The Wildcat Nation feels their loss and grieves for their families.

Rest In Peace, Z and Lee.

Koetter to be Cut??

Is Koetter era over at Arizona State? Everybody wants to know, but nobody's talking. As a die-hard Cat fan, I'd like nothing more than for aswho to honor the contract extension he was granted earlier in the season (when the Sparkettes were winning) and enjoy smacking him around a few more years. Bring back Rob Evans, too.

How sweet it is

Can anyone remember when the outcome of the UA/Tempe game would determine the fate of the head coach from that other school? Loos like the honeymoon is really over in Tempe.

Get the Duck Out of Here

Arizona rolled into Autzen Stadium with the fog yesterday, and by the time the skies had cleared the Cats had rolled to their third straight victory over a ranked opponent. Did anybody see this coming? After league losses to UDub, the Beavs, and UCLA, you would have been declared crazy and demented to even think the Cats would make themselves almost bowl-eligible by the time the Sparkettes showed up at AZ Stadium. With development of the O-Line, and the promotion of Dana Dimmel to co-offensive coordinator, the running game has kicked it up a notch or more. After 7 straight losses to the Ducks, and 20 years of frustration in Eugene, the Cats put their best game on the field and dominated from the get-go. The keys to the game were 1) win the turnover battle 2) win time of possession and 3) get the running game going, and the Cats did it all. And shut out the vaunted Oregon offense in the second half. My, oh my.

• Chris Henry up for week twelve Cingular  All-America Player of the Week.  And why not, after his 3 TDs and 200+ total yards?  Now he is the beast of a back we thought he could be.
• First fumbled punt was the beginning of the end.  There was still plenty of time for the Cats to gather in 5 more turnovers, though.  And they scored 24 points off those 6 turnovers.  Talk about the Pillsbury Doughboy!
• The Sparkettes are going South next weekend, along with their season.  Do I hear a life-time option for Coach K(oetter)?
• Cats win the coin flip for the first time in 12 games.  What are the odds?
• Cool irony fact.  After Ohio State beat Michigan 42-39, the Pick 4 game of the Ohio lottery drew - you guessed it - 4-2-3-9.  Good for 5 grand if you picked 'em.

Go Cats!  Fork the Devils!

Cats do what the Scum Devils couldn't

Yep. They beat NAU. So they're a mid-major, so what? The 'jacks are a good mid-major team, the kind of team that can give the Cats fits come tournament time. We'll take it....and we're keeping Chase.

Cats Have Full Attention of the Ducks

Arizona won't be sneaking up on Oregon this weekend. After two straight victories over ranked teams (including #8 Cal) the Quackers are aware of what's in store.

"They've got a lot of swagger and they have every right to after beating teams like (WSU and Cal). Great wins. We have to come into this game and have total focus, especially coming in off a loss, because we know they will," Ducks quarterback Dennis Dixon said.

Can't wait to tee it up.

Ouch

Well, the Wildcats weren't the party-poopers last night against Virginia.  In the Grand Opening of John Paul Jones Arena, the Cats rolled belly-up in the second half, letting UVA come back from 19 points down and losing by three.  Worst yet, that hated word "soft" was heard from a few Hoos.  Nice to see that Mustafa was fired up for the game...wait, he forgot to show up.  The loss cost the Cats 5 places in the latest polls, dropping them to #15.

Hey, at least Arnie Spanier is back.

Un-Freakin'-Believable

As Wilma and I watched the Homecoming fans pour out onto the field following the Wildcats' 24-20 victory over #8 Cal, I realized this might be - finally - the beginning of the Stoops era at Arizona.  The game was loaded with bizarre plays, freakish moments, and a replay-it-to-death mentality by the officials.  Still, the Cats managed to pull this one out, outscoring the Bears 21-3 in the second half.  So now we're 5-5, with Oregon and Tempe Normal left.  Do I dare even think it?  I'm not even thinking the B word for fear of a jinx.

• Just like last week, when we beat Wazzu, Cal is talking about "not showing up" or "not our best effort."  Hey!  Give us some props, man.
• The football program needed that.  So did the school.  So did the fans.  Amen, Corky.
• "The whole game was like plays going their way," (Cal) cornerback Daymeion Hughes said. "I was like, 'Man, this can't be real.' "  Believe it.
• Even the SF Follicle noticed the rousing cheer for Nick Folk's first-quarter field goal.  Those were the first points AZ had scored against Cal in 2 years.  And they were just the beginning.
• Cats Bear Down on the Bears, overcome big plays, and win one for the Gimper.  (That's for you, Wilma)
• Arizona ruins Bears' BCS title dreams.  Get over it, California.  Or have you already forgotten what Tennessee did you?  You don't have the guts, desire, or class to even think BCS.  Bears Couldn't Score when it needed to.

Go Cats! 

A look ahead to Sunday

When the Cats travel to Virginia this weekend to take on the Cavs, it will mark the opening of John Paul Jones Arena.  (Did you know that was not his real name?)  After getting by UVA two years ago back there, let's hope this version of the Wildcats is ready to show up and play.

College basketball welcomes back the big man

A rebuttal to my previous post:

By JAKE CURTIS

November 9, 2006

College basketball is thinking big again.

The past few years, teams were turning to three-guard and four-guard
lineups in response to the dwindling number of dominating centers at
the college level. The small but quick ball-handlers and playmakers had
become the stars and the focus of the game, as the intimidating giants
in low post typically bypassed the college game and went directly to
the NBA.

But suddenly, the NBA's new minimum-age rule and a few coincidences
have altered the evolution of the game, and the big man is back.

Greg Oden, a 7-foot-1 dominator, would have been the No. 1
pick in the June NBA draft, but instead he's at Ohio State, and Arizona
coach Lute Olson says he's the best big man to come out of high school
in a long time.

"He has a chance to be a (Bill) Walton or a (Kareem) Abdul-Jabbar, someone of that caliber," Olson said.

In fact, the current crop of giants is reminiscent of the days
when Patrick Ewing, Ralph Sampson, Walton and Abdul-Jabbar (Lew
Alcindor, then) and Tim Duncan ruled the college landscape.

The 7-foot Lopez twins (Brook and Robin) at Stanford and 6-11
Spencer Hawes at Washington could have been lottery picks two years
ago, but they are college freshmen instead. Connecticut's 7-3 freshman
Hasheem Thabeet is swatting shots away at an alarming rate, and he
could challenge Oden as the best freshman big man this year, at least
until Oden returns from his wrist injury. Duke's 7-1 Brian Zoubek and
Kansas State's 7-2 Jason Bennett should make immediate impacts as
freshmen.

They join a strong group of returning big men. Florida's 6-11
Joakim Noah was expected to be the NBA's No. 1 overall pick last June,
but having a father (Yannick Noah) who was a champion tennis player
eliminated the financial necessity to turn pro, so he's back.

Aaron Gray, a 7-footer at Pittsburgh, came back, too as did
Kentucky's 7-foot center Randolph Morris and Georgetown's 7-3 Roy
Hibbert, who had improved by leaps and bounds and is ready to emerge as
a star.

Gonzaga's 6-11 Josh Heytvelt might replace Adam Morrison as
the Zags' main man, while Alabama's 6-10 Jermareo Davidson is a
challenge for Noah in the Southeastern Conference.

LSU's 6-9 Glen Davis, Duke's 6-10 Josh McRoberts, North
Carolina's 6-9 Tyler Hansbrough, and Nevada's 6-11 Nick Fazekas are not
really centers, but they play like big men, and they all could be in
the NBA right now. Instead they are stars on ranked teams, and most of
the preseason top 25 schools have a big man as their star.

Even the Pac-10, the cradle of point guards, will be heavy
with dominant big men. The conference's tradition of passing point
guards to the pros - Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Jason Terry, Damon
Stoudamire, Mike Bibby, Luke Ridnour, Brevin Knight and Gilbert Arenas
are all NBA starters at the moment - could change, because this season
the Pac-10 is short on point guards and long on centers.

Cal 's top NBA prospect is 6-11 DeVon Hardin, a likely
first-round pick, and the best low-post player in the conference could
be Arizona State's 6-9 Jeff Pendergraph.

Predictions: North Carolina added three McDonald All-Americans
to aid Hansbrough; Kansas, led by Brandon Rush, is loaded with talent,
and Ohio State brought in several top freshmen besides Oden. The
pressure of repeating usually gets the better of teams, so preseason
No. 1 Florida might struggle.

We are picking North Carolina, which will be a lot better in
March than in November, to win the NCAA title, but keep an eye on
Alabama, which has the nation's best point guard (Ronald Steele), and
Georgetown, which might regain dominance under John Thompson III.

Unranked bliss: Two of the past four national champions -
Florida in 2006 and Syracuse in 2003 - were unranked in the preseason
poll. Maybe a team such as Louisville can pull off a similar surprise.

Return engagement: Florida is the first team since Arizona in
1998 to return all five starters from a national championship team. The
'98 Wildcats were clearly better than their 1997 version, finishing
first in the Pac-10 rather than fifth as the '97 Wildcats did, but the
'98 Arizona team lost in the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

The 1995 Arkansas Razorbacks returned the top eight players
from their 1994 national championship squad. They struggled more than
expected in 1995 but got to the NCAA championship game before losing to
UCLA.

The 1968 UCLA squad appears to be the only team to win a
national championship after returning all five starters from the
previous season's national championship team. However, Kenny Heitz, a
starter in 1967, came off the bench in '68, when the Bruins started
Alcindor, Mike Lynn, Lucius Allen, Mike Warren and Lynn Shackelford.

Coaching changes: Sixty-one Division I teams have new head
coaches, with the most significant being Kelvin Sampson at Indiana,
Sidney Lowe at North Carolina State, Jeff Capel at Oklahoma, Sean
Sutton at Oklahoma State, Herb Sendek at Arizona State, Fran Dunphy at
Temple, Bobby Gonzalez at Seton Hall, Mike Anderson at Missouri and Bob
Huggins at Kansas State.

Huggins is already bringing in big-time talent to K-State.
Besides Bennett, he recently added Bill Walker, one of the nation's top
players, for this season, and signed Michael Beasley, rated as the
nation's No. 1 high school senior prospect by several recruiting
services, for next year.

The coach: Texas Tech's Bob Knight needs 10 wins to tie Dean Smith's record of 879 career coaching wins.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.)

Copyright 2006, Knoxville News

Where have all the towers gone?

Have you noticed the lack of big men in college basketball these days? Some of them used to go straight into the NBA, but these days it just ain't cool to play with your back to the basketball. Check it out.

Blame part of the lack of low-post talent on poor coaching, from the youth to the college ranks, that analysts say fails to develop players with consistent games around the basket. But also blame the "Arizona effect," which turned some college programs away from building around a big guy.

Led by stellar guards Mike Bibby, Miles Simon and Jason Terry, the Wildcats won the 1997 national title. Big men Bennett Davison and A.J. Bramlett, though talented, provided little more than enough players to field a team.

But more than enough to win the title!

Cats Win! Cats Win!

What a day. Not only did the Basketcats win big in their exhibition game today, but the Footballers got their second Pac-10 road win as well. And neither game was on TV - imagine that. Of course Wilma and I, true fans that we are, listened to both games on the radio, six glorious hours of Wildcat highlights. We live for this.

• WSU let any momentum get away from them when they tried a fake punt in the 3rd quarter.  And the Cats took it from there.   Willie T put his new concussion helmet to good use, and lasted the entire game.
• Have the Wildcats finally turned the corner, or is that just the blinker I see?  So much for being 16+ point underdogs.
• Bud-N-Wise-R lead Cats to Victory over Team Georgia.  The two freshman put on quite the show today in McKale.  Nice game for a couple of rookies.  And don't forget Jordan Hill.
  
• Guess who has the #4 2006 Fall recruiting class?  Sorry, Sparky - Lute ain't retiring.

Coming up - Cal is here for Homecoming.  And we're welcoming Jeff, Zenna, and Christopher in for the weekend.  Yeah!

Caution: Wilbur at Work

I've been a little lax in posting here recently. New responsibilities OTJ have kept me pretty busy. And what do I come back to? Midnight Madness has come and gone, the starting QB for Stoops' troops is an old face from a few years ago, and much much more. Here goes:

Who's that QB -- luckily, Kris Heavner came back from Baylor just in time to put the pads on and learn the offense. We're going to need him. With Willie T. out with 2 count'em 2 concussions, and Adam Austin powerless with a bum knee, Heav's the man. And winning's the plan. Let's keep Tyler Lyon in a redshirt, okay? At least we knocked Stanford's QB out for the year...

What kind of bark are they chewing? -- I read here that the Beavs are favored by 2 this weekend. Yeah, right...

Road trip -- interesting account of one man's trip to Palo Alto last weekend. Bonus - he saw the Cats win! Here's what the Cardinal fan saw.

Hint hint -- gift idea, Wilma.

Softball keeps loading up -- with another one here and here...

A last look -- at the game against Stanford.

Keeping it in the family

Lute Olson announced today that he's hired Matt Brase - his grandson - to a position on the Wildcat basketball team. Matt will help fill the slot left empty when Reggie Geary left for the NBADL. Whadaya bet that coaching runs in Matt's genes?

"Lights Out" Willie

As in 2 (confirmed) concussions so far this year. So, Willie T will probably not suit up for this weekend's game at Stanford. I'm not about to call the Cardinal an inept team, not after watching the UA these past 3 weeks. The defense has done a yeoman's job, and even with that lost 2nd quarter against UDub 2 weeks ago they're light years ahead of the offense. Willie just isn't as inspiring as last year. Maybe it's just a sophomore slump....we can only hope.

Black Eye for West Coast Football

Wilma and I watched the Oregon/Oklahoma football game this past weekend. You know, the game where the PAC10 showed the country the high level of officiating that is rampant though this league. Sure, the refs blew a couple of calls at the end - especially the onsides kick - but is that really a surprise? Hell no. Not to us. Not to anyone who's watched those blind zebras place themselves on a pedestal higher than the game itself. What did you expect, Sooners? You gave up over 500 yards in offense to the Yucks, but you still had a chance to win the game. Three times you got down inside the Oregon 20 yard line and settled for field goals. Sure, the game was taken away from you in the last minute and a half, but you had already given it away. Hopefully, that officiating team - suspended for one game - is the one that was going to be assigned to the AZ/SC game this weekend and we'll get some real refs. I seriously doubt it, though. But I'll wait for the replay.

Look who's back

B.J. Dennard returns to the Wildcat football team after taking care of some personal business. Welcome back to him, as our receivers could use some help.

Cats go Stone Cold

Against Stephen F. Austin, AZ did just enough to win the game. Could this be the end of Stoops' vanilla offense? Will we get to see what he's really got against SC this weekend? I doubt it. Chris Jennings did a fine job filling in for Chris Henry in the backfield, running for over 200 yards. As Stoops said in his post-game interview, though, "It game against a Div 1AA team." That's okay - we'll take it. I did feel like bashing a few cans a la Stone Cold a few times, though. We're not very good -- we're not so bad -- oh, heck...

Bye Bye B.J.

Receiver leaves UA football team
- With Dennard leaving the super-freshmen receivers we've been hearing about will have a chance to step it up. Best of luck, BJ. We've already forgiven you for fumbling that kickoff return last week against LSU.

Bad Sports!

It's mind boggling what some people will do to keep someone else out of a game. First we have this punter for Northern Colorado who stabbed the starting punter in the leg, presumably to get more playing time. Even worse, how about this T-ball coach who PAID a kid to keep a disabled player out of a championship game. T-Ball! Unfreakinbelievable.

Road Warrior Animal Jr. new Buckeye hero

Wilbur can't help but notice when wrestling meets, well, anything. Here we have Road Warrior Animal's son stepping out of the squared circle and onto the gridiron with some impressive results for Ohio State. And how cool is it to get calls and messages from Stone Cold, the Undertaker, and the Hulkster himself?

Willie T knocked for a loop

As if Saturday's loss to LSU wasn't bad enough, now it appears that Willie T suffered a concussion on the Wildcats' first play. It was a vicious hit, one of many put on Willie that day, but it was the only one that was penalized. I saw a few more helmet-to-helmet hits that were ignored by the refs. We should be so lucky to hit so hard and not get flagged.

UGH-ly Early

LSU covers the spread in the first quarter - Wilma finds it hard to watch this one. Who put these guys on the schedule??

Stoops-kabob

Well, not exactly. As Stoops says about the 93000 fans that will attend tomorrow's game at LSU:

"I mean, what can they do to you? They can't eat you, can they?"

Let's hope not. The Cats will have to play one helluva game to keep their momentum going. Still, LSU by 18 seems like an overly optimistic spread to me. Cats will keep it much closer. And it is a game they can win.

The Texas Connection

When the Cats and LSU suit up for tomorrow's game, over 40 players will be from the Houston area. AZ has 29 of them, with nine starters from Houston. Stoops' experience at OU must have taught him something.

Also - Cat Linebackers get respect from the Bayou press.

Canada Dry

Here's what Canada is saying about last weekend's visit by the Basketcats. Again - "college hoop legend Lute Olson" makes the article.

Wildcats Finally Get a Folk Hero

The Zona faithful got their wish last Saturday. Arizona won a close one, after going 1-10 in games decided by three points or less in the last 8 years. Nick Folk got the fans back up on their feet with one second left in the game when he kicked the game-winning field goal that seemed to be willed through the uprights by the Wildcat Nation.
The crowd was fired up and ready for this one, an amazing sight for those of us who got seats to the game (and over 58,00 of us did). After a fumble on BYU's first play from scrimmage was recovered by the Cats, the crowd was at a fever pitch. Unfortunately, we didn't have much else to cheer for (save Chris Henry's bruising 54-yd. run) until Folk connected at the game's end.
Part of the blame for the drop in intensity from the crowd can be placed on the game itself. Virtually no offense from the Cats, Willie T's lack of touch on many passes, and a defense that shut down the Cougars' running game but gave up almost 300 yards in the air. I blame the band and cheerleaders, though, for not seizing on a fantastic opportunity and keeping the fans whipped up. The band again disappeared into the crowd after their pre-game and halftime routines and don't seem to understand how important they are to the homefield advantage. It was a pleasant change to not see the section leaders parade around the track during the 3rd quarter, but it would have been nice to hear "Bear Down" and "Fight Wildcats" more than one or two times during the game. Come on, band - pick up those freakin' instruments! If you truly are "The Best Band in the History of the World" we need to hear more of you. And if all the halftime shows are going to be based on "Radiohead" music - yikes!
And Wilma is right - the crowd needs to get more involved in the game. It's our job to pump up the team, not vice versa. One good thing about a close game like Saturday's - everyone stays til the end.
Maybe we can see what a real football crowd looks like in Baton Rouge this weekend - LSU has got it going on.

What are the Cougars thinking?

This article from a BYU perspective gives us some insight into the Cougar mind. Interesting that they are mentioning "upset" and "win" in the same breath. Aren't we the team coming off of back-to-back 3-8 seasons?
Another interesting article here that lists both UA and BYU as "Sleeper" teams this season. Let's see who wakes up first on Saturday.

Mike Bell giving Broncos boost

Hooray for Mike Bell! After being overlooked in this year's NFL draft, Mike has put himself in position to be the Broncos' starting running back. Hard work and toughness pay off.

Vegas Bets on the Cats

FinHeaven - Gambling Corner 2006: "ARIZONA -6.5 over BYU
The Wildcats are sneaky good. This is a sleeper team for 2006, with Mike Stoops in charge. He is a very good head coach. Arizona is young while BYU has some experience, but BYU did suspend their starting DB for this game and something about Arizona just intrigues me. I think Arizona at home will win here and make a splash."

BasketCats Ready to Tip it Off

The Wildcats head to the Great White North on a preseason swing that should foster much togetherness for the guys. Though some players will be left behind (Ivan didn't get his visa in time, while Fendi and Jawann nurse some nagging injuries) the games should be quite competitive. Unique idea - divide the squad into 2 - 5-man teams and let them play 5 minute rotations.

But heck, we do have the Great White Hope, if this blurb from a Canadian "eh?" paper is to be believed:

The big game, however, will see the University of Arizona Wildcats, with legendary coach Lute Olsen, take on the Clan at 7 p.m., Sunday.

Cats a Team to Watch

We've known that for a long time, but now some writers on the national scene are noticing, too. But really, Willie T. will take us to more than 2 bowl games in his next three years. Bet on it.

3 Days to Figure it Out

Only three more days 'til the Cats kick off the 2006 football season, and it can't happen soon enough. With rumors that the UA is ready to open up the offense more this season, the fans could be in for a big bang for their sports buck. Winning will be the yardstick by which this team is measured. As nice as loyal Wildcat fans are, we are desperate for a drink from the winners' fountain.
When it comes to beating BYU, stopping the run could be the key to victory. (Along with a solid performance from the special teams) Forcing John Beck to pass into our awesome secondary would be a dream come true. Heck, we'll be picking off passes like it's Jeff Van Raphorst tossing them. Of course, BYU has some defensive questions of their own. How about starting two freshman on the D-Line? Brilliant!
Talk about depth -- Stoops has 5 Star JC recruit Louis Holmes on the pine to start the season. Look for him to be rotated in quickly, though.

Go Cats!

Basket Cats to the Great White North

The men's basketball team has started practice for its trip to Canada next week. This should be a great "getting to know you" session for the team, and will let Chase and Nic get a taste of basketball Wildcat-style. No word yet if the games will be on TV.

Top Golfer Signs with UA

Coach Greg Allen reloads with yet another top-ranked (3rd nationally) lady golfer. And he snuck Esther Choe right out of Scottsdale! Notice that Tempe Normal didn't even make her final list.

Always Something University in QB Quandry

Tempe Normal is having an identity crisis at the quarterback position, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I mean, come on, just a week away from opening kickoff (against NAU - hehe)...how sweet is that? If Jerk Koetter changes his mind one more time I hope he decides to replace the whole starting lineup with Moon Valley players. Sam Keller will be better off in Nebraska, thermal underwear or not.

BYU has work to do

Ups and downs apparent at Scrimmage, says this story about the Cougs scrimmage last Saturday. Interesting note - whereas the Cats opened their final full scrimmage to all fans and the press. BYU only allowed their elite Booster Club to attend. See if you can see any fans in this picture.

Ode to Tomey

Here's a nice article about ex-Cat coach Dick Tomey, now trying to rebuild the program at San Jose State. Do you think if he had gotten us to the Rose Bowl at least once that he'd still be here??

Hang time no hang-up

One of those Tucson connections, walk-on punter Kyle McQuown, is making his bid for first-string punter. Could it be that our kicking game will be an asset this year??

Home Boys

I can recall a few Tucson prepsters who played for the Cats, and played well. Jim Krohn, Vance Johnson, David Adams come to mind. Never, though, do I remember seven local players on the roster at the same time. That's what we have now. And not a token Rudy among them.

Wow!!

UCS College Football picks the Cats 8th in the nation - and first in the PAC10. 10-2 overall? I'll take it!

Sorry, Sparky. You come in at number 40.

Two TDs for Tuitama in UA's first scrimmage of camp

The Cats held their first full scrimmage game last night, in front of 1500 football-starved fans. Highlights for both the offense and defense, with lots of new faces contributing.

20 more days.....BYU.

Bad Sparky

Well, there won't be any problem trying to tell the Kru(e)gers apart this season for Tempe Normal. After Kevin Kruger transferred to UNLV to play for daddy, Bryson Krueger went one-up (and more) on Hassan Adams and got himself 86'd from the team. Ecstacy, Xanax, cocaine, and an illegal handgun will do that to you, buddy.

Situation - Normal in Tempe.

Bye bye Reggie

It's been fun, Reggie, but it's time to move on. And up, into the pro ranks. Congratulations on the move, Mr. Geary, and thanks for all the memories.

Walk-On U

Just like undrafted Mike Bell is making an impact at the Denver Broncos training camp, the Wildcats could fill his shoes with ..... a walkon. Chris Jennings could turn out to be a real star. That just doesn't happen in college football, folks.

More Hometown Connections

Let's not forget the two former Sabino Sabrecats, Glyndon Bolasky and Brooks Reed. Both turned down offers from ASwho, a testament to their intelligence and good taste.
Is it kickoff time yet? This should be the start of a crazy wild ride.

Borg to be Wild

The O-Line is full of such unsung heroes that I nearly forgot we have a local prepster ready to step up and protect the Big Willie. Daniel Borg was a star at Ironwood Hills and should continue to thrive for Stoops.

Wildcats a tough sell

At least that's what the New Mexico Lobos think as they try to bolster their football and basketball schedules.

The Wildcats remain a tough sell thanks to coach Lute Olsen's disdain for Lobos fans following a series of Pit games during the Dave Bliss era when Olsen was convinced referees swallowed their whistles in Albuquerque.

Besides, we left the WAC years ago.

Ex-Cat Bell gets starting position

Just like we thought. Mike Bell scales the depth chart of the Denver Broncos and will start at tailback (for now). Not bad for a walk-on. Catch him against the Cardinals Aug. 31.

Say What?

Here are some Quotes from UA football Media Day, just to wet your whistle.

Is it game time yet?

Basketcats to take on the Clan

The UA gets some nice press from our northern neighbor (Canada, not Tempe) as the Northwest tour takes shape. And tickets are only ten bucks for this game!

Holmes, sweet Holmes

Louis Holmes has cleared all his academic hurdles and reported to the Wildcats training camp yesterday. To hear him talk, it wasn't news to him.

"I knew it was coming. I had been working pretty hard."

Six foot six, two-seventy. Sounds like one whole side of the line to me.

Quick...get your tickets now. 28 days 'til kick-off.

The Return of the King!

Of course I'm talking about the Wildcat football program and it's emotional and passionate leader Coach Stoops. No longer can we be called a "basketball school with a football problem," and don't you just love it that Tempe Normal is marking time with their Idaho coach? Sparky does truly suck.

Mike Bell a hit with the Broncos

He might have gone undrafted, but he's not going unnoticed at the Denver Broncos training camp. Mike Bell is being given a chance to show why he's the Wildcat's fourth all-time leading rusher and he's making the most of it. Nice little video, too.

Fight, Wildcats, Fight!

The pulse quickens

Yes, it's finally time. Time to get pumped for Opening Night, Sept. 2, vs. BYU. Stoops and the troops have arrived and are getting fitted for their pads and helmets. I was thinking back to the Meet the Team scrimmage last year, remembering how big those guys were then, and I hope they ordered up enough Wildcat-size unis for this team!

In case you're wondering, here's the practice schedule. Please - no cameras.

Is there are Rudy in the house? Or maybe another Chuck Cecil?

What about Holmes and Long? Let's concentrate on the guys that did show up.

Scum Devils worry about the Cats. Keep Dirk!

It's just beginning, fans...

Don't Call Me Iggy

Andre Iguodala was back in town for the Elite skills camp, reminding us toCall Me a Superstar. We only wish we could have seen him for 2 more years alongside Hot Sauce.

Laval rocks

More on the Wildcats' latest recruit- Powers' Lucas-Perry accepts offer to play basketball with Arizona

Pointing the Way

Point Guard U just picked up another one - guard Laval Lucas-Perry of Flint, Mich. gave a verbal commitment today to UA. And a GPA of 3.2 to boot!
Jerryd who?

All Willie, All the Time

Wildcat football is on the map again, and the nation's press is taking notice. I pity the fool who hasn't gotten his tickets yet.

Even In July The Cats have a Must Win Game

The season-opener against BYU looms on the horizon less than two months away and many are calling it a make-or-break game. I'm not so sure about that, but I will be there, rooting the team on and checking out the trombone section with the binocs.

Recruits making the grade

According to this Pac-10 Recruiting Report, Stoops is doing a bang-up job on the recruiting trail. And it looks like the 5Star JC recruits are cutting it in class, too. If you didn't happen to catch the "In My Own Words" special on FSN last night, you missed some terrific insight into the mind and mindset of coach Stoops. Helluva show.

Tough as Nails

That's what they're calling AZ Wildcat Ivan Radenovic as he suits up for the Serbia-Montenegro team in the FIBA World Championships.

"That's my character. I put my head where many wouldn't put their leg. That is how I want to play for our national team. I'll give my heart for 'Blues', I'll do my best."

You got that right.

Mr. Renege

Greg Hansen's got it right on this one - Some recruits have honor, some don't. What a waste of energy and resources to recruit what will probably be a "single-season" college player.
Shame on you, Jerryd Bayless. You've missed out on Lute's first lesson of life - honor yourself and be true to your word.

Congratulations, Champions

The UA Women's Softball team finally overcame themselves and their psyches and took the trophy last night in OK City. With Alicia Hollowell taking home MVP honors and fast-as-lightning speed on the bases, the Cats completed an amazing turnaround at the end of the season and silenced all critics.

Way to go, Cats!

Northwestern Widlcats that is

Wildcats muddle up their big chance

Cats and Vols for the Finals

The Wildcat softball team is locked in a battle with Tennessee for a berth in the WS Finals against surprising Northwestern. UA lost the first game earlier today, but is currently leading 5-zip in the loser-goes-home game on right now. Just 8 outs to go.....

Candrea changes his approach -- and manages to spark the Wildcats on this amazing run.
Corky takes on the NCAA -- and the way it turns a deaf ear and blind eye at the problems facing college baseball these days. Who can blame the kids for going for the $$$?
Kovalcheck heads to Vanderbilt -- Ex-Arizona quarterback Richard Kovalcheck is transferring to Vanderbilt and will be eligible to play immediately. Whether he will or not is a different story.
Go Cats! Final - 6-zip.

Football Schedule Revisions

Here's a head's up for all you Cat Backers -

UA-ASU football date now Saturday
Staff and wire reports
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.03.2006

Arizona's home football game against Arizona State this fall will be played on a Saturday for the first time since 1999.
The UA announced Friday that the Nov. 25 game would be nationally televised by Fox Sports Net with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. In the last six years, the rivalry game has been played Friday afternoon, the day after Thanksgiving.
The UA also announced Friday that the season opener against Brigham Young on Sept. 2 in Tucson would be nationally televised by TBS with a 7:15 p.m. start.
The new 12-game schedule and the Pac-10 full round-robin, in which all league teams play all others every year, was part of the move for the ASU game, the UA said.

More AZ on YouTube....and More

Earlier I showed you the 1988 "Wild About the Cats" video. I guess it doesn't stop there. Check out these other videos on YouTube, Cat-style:

Wildcat Dunks
1988 "Time of My Life" video
2004 Football Highlights
1997 NCAA Hoops Highlights

Beautiful, Man....

A New Windmiller

Wilbur and family would like to welcome into this world baby Ace Shane Daigle, born to Jennie Finch and Casey Diagle. Jennie didn't look half-bad pregnant, either. (OWW - sorry, Wilma)