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)

Wild about the Cats

Hee's a blast from the past - Arizona Wildcats college basketball rap! I just wish I could find a way to save this video. Check out a younger Wilbur at the start of the video....I was a little thinner then.

Kindall's spot just a matter of time

Kindall's spot just a matter of time, but he didn't make the cut for the first class inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

Marcus Makes Us Happy

Arizona’s Marcus Williams returning for sophomore season, and you could hear the collective sigh of relief from AZ fans all the way to Academy Village. Free picture of FRANK Williams in this article. More here.

Tough to say goodbye to football's best play North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com - Californian.com

Maybe the refs needed to shake their heads because their eyes were stuck

Injuries, NBA draft alter trip plans

The combo of injuries and the upcoming NBA draft have doomed the UA's planned trip to Europe this spring. Eight players remain available for the trip, not enough for a competitive trip. A possible September foray into Vancouver BC could help to make it up to the kids.

Injuries, NBA draft alter trip plans

The combo of injuries and the upcoming NBA draft have doomed the UA's planned trip to Europe this spring. Eight players remain available for the trip, not enough for a competitive trip. A possible September foray into Vancouver BC could help to make it up to the kids.

Wilbur, wherefore art thou, Wilbur?

Just taking some time off to tend to matters around the Cat Den here. Wilma and KaceyKat have been putting in a lawn in the back yard, so the whole family is invited over to roll in the grass with us. That's gotta feel good. Much to catch up on in the Wildcat Nation, so here goes:

PAC10 Hoops race 2006-07 in a spin -- With so many players entering the NBA draft (with or without an agent), no clear cut favorite emerges. If Shakur and Williams leave Lute's lair, the Cats could drop back to the middle of the PAC again next season. Come on, freshmen....

Batcats take series -- not a sweep yet, but they did finish off Stanford today. Post-season hopes are still fading, though, as the Cats are below .500 for the season (17-20) and in league play (5-7). Nice new park, though.

Spring football over, now wait until fall -- From all indications we're in for a much better season in '06 than we've witnessed in quite awhile. Over 8000 showing up for yesterday's scrimmage? Amazing. Some other facts here. Stoops doesn't see the players enjoying their summer on the beach, either.

Former Wildcat wideout gains hero status -- "Angels of Death has a real-life hero, Jay Dobyns, a towering, former star receiver for the University of Arizona Wildcats, who joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in search of excitement." New book out about the Hell's Angels crime network stars one of our own.


Louis Holmes watch -- he's still talking like he'll suit up in the fall.

Fiesta Bowl Classic gets a makeover -- Memphis will be the only team to make it to McKale for the basketball classic. We've had enough of the lower seeded teams, anyway. There was no suspense who would play in the final, was there?

Greg Hansen has a good column again today -- Of interest is the news that Lou Campanelli is stepping down as supervisor of PAC10 hoops refs. (clap)(clap)

B-Dub.........always a character

Matt Othick played in 106 winning basketball games at Arizona from 1989 to 1992, a point guard and three-point shooter of note from Las Vegas who was part of three Pac-10 championship teams.
He has since become a successful investor in Las Vegas and Del Mar, Calif., and is now part of a Hollywood group that is developing a movie based on the life of the late Brian Williams, a UA and NBA power forward who played high school and college basketball with Othick.
Insomnia Entertainment, a firm headed by UA grad Trent Othick, Matt's brother, is working with ex-UA basketball manager Kevin Porter on the script. Porter was Williams' former manager and confidant. Matt Othick describes the project as something similar to "The Talented Mr. Ripley" or "Dead Calm."
More immediate, Trent Othick's first major film, "Standing Still," will be released nationally this week, beginning in Tucson theaters Friday. It is a "Big Chill" type film with a 21st century theme, and includes actress Mena Suvari.
"Standing Still" premiered last week in Hollywood. The Othick brothers attended, as did Othick's UA teammate Sean Rooks.
"I still see a lot of Steve Kerr, Jud Buechler and Kevin Flanagan every summer," said Othick, who remains close friends with his UA backcourt partner, Tucson attorney Matt Muehlebach.
"I had a wonderful time in Tucson," said Othick, whose mother lives here. "My only regret was our play during the NCAA tournament. We really should have won at least one national title while I was there." Opinion from Greg Hanson

Othick is developing film of Williams' life | www.azstarnet.com ®

Opinion by Greg Hansen < Here's a movie I might have to go see. B-Dub was certainly a character and should be remembered as a member of Lute's legions.

Life After Basketball

Now that the Final Four is fading, and all monies have been paid out to the bracket winnders, our thoughts turn to other news in and around the UA. Spring football is underway, baseball and softball are in full swing, and Wilbur has some tidbits he's found along the way.

Football penalty reduced -- Good news bad news for Stoops troops. Scholarships will be reduced by 3, not 4, but the penalty is extended. I bet we barely notice.
Something we will notice -- a rise in ticket prices after exemptions end. Those of us in the south endzone seem safe, though. Unless they start charging us for the footballs we toss out of Arizona Stadium onto 6th Street.
Second scrimmage -- the second spring scrimmage is today. Too bad Wilbur's on call or he'd be there!
Budingermania hits town -- long before Chase himself arrives. Let the kid at least find a place to stay....
Mike Bibby -- takes a look at what might have been. I just wish we could have kept him for more than 2 years.
Baseball -- loses.
Softball -- wins. Hollowell is back.
Stepping out of the Twilight Zone -- that's how Roz views the attitude towards next season.
J.P. Prince headed to Europe -- with the rest of the team for their tour. He's not planning a transfer.
Preseason #12?? -- that's where some folks put Lute's team next year. That would be something.

Bear Down.

After the Final Flop

Better late than never, but the Final Four was anything but a hit. After 2 weeks of OT's, buzzer-beaters, and upsets, this past weekend was a sorry shadow of the first rounds. Not only that, but the bRuins cost me $110 in the family bracket challenge. And to think I was actually rooting for them.

Tempe gets a "dream hire" for hoops coach -- if you listen to this guy. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Tucson's take on Sendek? -- Dullsville.
The Central California Connection -- with UA football.
Free Willie -- Willie T goes to QB school during the off-season. First test is Sept. 2 vs. BYU.
Lute explains remarks -- when he dissed UDub for their easy non-conference (and HOME) schedule, he just was assuring everyone that by talking about future schedules he's not going anywhere soon.
Batcats drub Devils -- chase those little boogers all over Chase Field.
High wire act? -- that's how to describe the hoops team if Darrell Arthur joins Chase Budinger in next year's class.

I would have used my Mr. Chip Up

Bobcat attacks golfer, is beaten to death with 7-irons

Poor golf etiquette

Remind me not to play 18 when this guy is on the same course. Warning: slow play ahead.

Final Four weekend

Arizona's not in Indy, but either are any of the #1 seeds in this year's tourney. How about that? There's still plenty of things to catch up on, though.

• Mike Bibby recalls the glory days along with other NBA stars.
• Wildcat grid squad might have found a punter.  Kyle McQuown comes via Salpointe HS and Idaho State.
• Chase Budinger, one of Lute's recruits, makes the Parade All-American team.
• Willie Tuitama makes the list of Rising Stars in Sporting News.
• Tempe Normal not looking at a big-time coach to take over the _Oops program.  Rick Majerus couldn't find a hotel room he liked.  Yeah, you can feel the Huskies and Wildcats shakin' in their high-tops, can't ya?

Big Dance to get bigger?

College coaches are working on a plan to make the field of 65 into a field of 70 or more. That'll make sitting on the proverbial Bubble a little easier, eh? A better solution would be for those marginal teams to try a little harder instead of watering down the field.

Fake Chicago University scored Final Four Tickets

One way to get tickets to the Final Four is to start a fake university and ask the NCAA for your allotment of tickets to the Big Dance.  Now accepting applications to Wilbur U.

East Coast Bias lives on

Thanks to the refs in the UW/UConn game last night, we see that the West Coast still gets little respect. Congratulations to Romar and his team for handling the loss with class.

And you thought your coach was tough....

This from Texas:

A Conroe school district coach is on leave while officials investigate
claims that he forced a student athlete to defecate into a bag and
urinate into a cup, KPRC Local 2 reported.

That was one long bus ride for everyone.

Who's your daddy....the Pac 10

from the News Observer

Lute not taking it easy on next year's schedule

Even though Washington scheduled 10 of its first 11 games at home (losing number 11 to AZ, btw) and got a higher seed than the Wildcats, Lute is still sticking to his time-proven plan of scheduling tough pre-season opponents. Heck, he doesn't even care if they're on the road. He is second-guessing the committee on their seedings, though, and wondering if maybe he shouldn't schedule Our Sisters of the Prickly Pear and Budweiser State to inflate the record come tourney time. Nahhhhh....

But Olson's core philosophy in scheduling remains, so the Wildcats will host North Carolina, Memphis, Houston, UNLV and possibly Iona at McKale, while facing Illinois in Phoenix next season, according to UA administrative aide Jack Murphy. On the road, Murphy said, Arizona will face Virginia, San Diego State and possibly Villanova.

One thing's for sure. Ticket sales shouldn't drop off. And don't forget that team bonding trip to Europe planned for late May.

• O is for Over, which is the condition of Florida's streak of failures.
  The Gators, entering this tournament, had lost on the opening weekend
  to lower-seeded teams for five straight years. That is a record of
  futility they now share with Illinois (1986-90) and Arizona (1989-93). Welcome to the club, Donovan.
• Shakur, Williams might evaluate draft status. Think Jason Gardner....Jason Terry.....Chris Rodgers...(well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad)
• Just watched that cat that fell 80 feet and got right up again. Gives hope for next season.
  

Cats Save Their Finest for Philly

In the end, it came down to 3-pointers. Arizona matched Nova basket for basket (28), freethrow for freethrow (17), but Villanova made 4 more 3-point shots. Just enough to give the Nova Cats a win over the Zona Cats. We did get a glimpse of the potential of what should have been this year, and got hope for next season. And we did beat the spread, which was 6-1/2 points going in. I hope Lute's got a shooter in next year's class.

• Perennial powers Kentucky and Arizona exit this year's tourney.
• But so do North Carolina, Ohio State (goodbye "Big" 10), and Pittsburgh.
• On Fire: Arizona. The Wildcats lost, but you won't find many fans upset with coach Lute Olson or his talented team.
• A look at parity in college ball.  I'm a believer now.
• We kicked their butts in the stats.  Except those 3-pointers.

Well done, Cats. 

More stories

1. Brett Brielmaier living the dream.
2. Hot Sauce fires up after a week off.
3. Arizona avoids meltdown.
4. Homeboy Shakur.
5. Must-see TV. Highest rated tourney since 1997.
6. Go PAC10! UCLA and Washington advance to Sweet 16.
   

Cancel the autopsy. Arizona isn't dead yet.

Cats find right mix

UA puts together complete game vs. Wisconsin

I just keep finding great articles about The Cats' rise from the ashes, Pheonix(sic) style

When Wildcats show up, they can beat anyone

Some folks have noticed that the Cats have turned the corner......or a corner, anyway.

Come out, come out wherever you are. Arizona fans can finally be proud
of this year's edition of the Wildcats and once again show their faces
in public.

Git R Done!

Cats get ready for Nova Cats

The Cats (the Arizona Wildcats, that is) look forward to tomorrow's matchup against the #1 seed Villanova. Maybe this team just hates being a favorite and loves being the underdog. We'll see.

• Did you make your picks based on mascots?  Here's the inside scoop....
• Stoops (remember football?) loses 4 scholarships for next season.  Now that's a difficult choice.
• Wildcat Women win in NCAA Women's tourney....whaaat??
• Shakur proves you can go home again.
• These Cats are dogs.  I think he means that it a nice way.
• Tourney notebook.
  

Philadelphia Kid

Mustafa Shakur went from playground rat to Point Guard U. Read the story here.

No March Sadness for Cats

Who the heck were those guys with the UA jerseys on today? This was the type of game we've been starved for all year. Smiling, laughing, and running away from the Badgers, the Wildcats finally started enjoying the game and playing like there IS a tomorrow. Even Billy Packer had good things to say about Zona as they hit the ground running and never looked back, leaving the Cheeseheads in their dust.  Ahhh - Philadelphia freedom at last.

• "Our fans came here with expectations," `Nova forward Will Sheridan said. "Their fans came here with hope. It's a lot more fun when you're just hoping your team does well."  Yep, and underdog fans throughout the brackets are feeling the love this tourney.  Great match-ups, NCAA, no matter what Nance and Packer have to say.
• "(Shakur) reached back for those first moments on the playground at 10th and Olney and pulled out the spin move that so many of his friends remember him by."  Classic move, classy guy that Staph.  I'll bet he knows a good cheesesteak when he sees one, too.
• "The thing we didn't want to happen happened," UW coach Bo Ryan said. "You can't play from behind. It's very difficult. . . . That was our worst nightmare."  As a Cat fan, it was a dream!
• "Don't tell Nova it was an ugly win."  Okay....we'll let them in our little secret on Sunday.  But how many of us picked the  AZCats to advance to the Sweet 16, or even into the Round of 32?
• "At long last, talented Arizona plays up to its potential."  And gives Lute yet another 20-win season.
• Check it out.....Wilbur made it to the big time world of blogshares and trading.  Stock is rising, IPO to be announced soon.
• Standings after first round games in the Family Bracket Pool:
• Wilbur and Swister Meeney tied for first
• Three ringers from Wilbur's workplace take next 3 spots
• Sparky running a strong 6th.
• 'Nova fails to cover spread (20 points?  Get real) and loses fans against Monmouth.  Monmouth?

What  A  Tourney!!!

Day 1 and Done

And what a day it was. 4 underdogs pulled off the first-round upsets, with 12-seed Montana and Texas A&M leading the way. Some fantastic comebacks by the big boys (Tennessee, Gonzaga, BC) had Wilma pacing around the pad here all day. She'll need her sleep to make it through today.
OOh! Wilbur and Mike's bracket picks lead the way after the first day of play. And, no, I didn't revise any picks as the games went on. Just dumb luck carried me through the day.

• Follow Bob Barker's Bracket here, along with some other celebs here.
  
• News from the Cheeseheads.  Some Philly first-round tidbits, including Lute not getting his car.
• Shedding labels and Hassan Adams.

Good luck, everyone.

I'd trade two Kirk's and an Isiah for one Butch

From the Madison The Capital Times

More unusual tourney stats here

Breaking down March Madness into numbers I can understand, including how many times Bill Raftery will say "...and the kiss."

Top ten first round upsets in the past ten years. AZ nowhere to be found in this list.

Are you part of the problem?

The problem is the $3.8 billion lost in American worker productivity during March Madness.. Hey. It doesn't feel non-productive, man.....plus I got a few bucks riding on it.

Ready or not....

...here we go!  Picks are made, pools are filled, now we can just sit back and watch non-stop college b'ball for awhile.  Wilma is in heaven.

• Cats expecting fewer calls to be made in the "let 'em play" tourney.
  

• Best and worst case scenarios for tourney teams.  Check out Villanova's: "Scud-shooting Villanova is booted before it ever gets to leave Philadelphia by season-long underachiever Arizona. Home crowd does what it does best, booing 'Nova off the floor."

• Badgers?  We don't need to steenking Badgers!  UA and the cheeseheads stumble into the tourney, almost mirror images of each other.  Tony Bennett chimes in here.
  
• Ouch!  This guy really knows how to hurt someone. (1/2 way down page - Minn. bracket)

• Now this guy thinks we can make some noise.  If we show up, that is.  "Another traditional power that has struggled this year, Lute Olson's bunch is seeded eighth in Minneapolis.  While there's been little to indicate Arizona can put together a sustained run, the return to action of wing Hassan Adams -- who was suspended for the Pac-10 tournament -- gives the Wildcats a chance to push Villanova in the second round; that is, if Arizona manages to get by the more local Wisconsin Badgers in Round One."

• Cats accused of living in the past.  Make that 1997, please.

Let's get busy.

Sampson's past will keep him away from Tempe

Violations likely to keep Sampson away from ASU, like they thought they had a chance. Silly Sun Devils.

Can't make up your mind who to pick?

Here's a random bracket generator. This way you can blame it on someone else when your team goes down in flames!

Another bracket contest

The Official NBA Dance Team Bracket. Vote early and often.
Isn't this a fun year?

Cal-Berkley hoopster pranked by UCLA students.

Gabe Pruitt thought he had a hot date lined up last weekend at the PAC10 tourney. See, he'd been chatting online with a UCLA co-ed, Victoria. Turns out, though, that "she" was really a large section of the UCLA student body who had intercepted his messages and set him up.
Priceless.

Check out these bRACKets

If looking at the field of 64 is blurring your vision, rest your eyes by filling out these bRACKets. Additional research encouraged.

On to the Tourney

Well, the Cats managed to keep their nation's longest string of 22 straight tourney appearances intact.  Hassan Adams just might be enough to take them to the second round, probably against Nova.  And Lute's schedule mastery likely paid off, at least for this year.  Who really likes quality losses, anyway?

• Sour grapes from the Northwest.  Get over it, Ducks and Beavs.  Enjoy the NIT.
• Comparing apples to apples, Wildcats to Badgers.
• Philly is hometown to Mustafa Shakur and Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan.  Cheesesteak, anyone?
• Did anybody else catch Billy Packer's slip-of-the-tongue Sunday when he mentioned the AZ/Wisconsin game one bracket too early?
• Tips for winning the pool.  If you need them, that is.
• Cats earn #8 seed the hard way.  They backed into it.
  

NCAA Bracketology

Here's your first cheat sheet for the NCAA tourney. Read it. Learn it. Live it. Send in your money.

Now we'll have to worry about other issues than the spread or whether we can sneak in our peanuts and red vines

FBI warns of possible NCAA tourney threat

Cats cowtow to bRuins

A lack of physicalability (bangability, bruiseability, toughability) caused the Cats to come up short against Ucla last night. It just took too long to adjust to the style of play - "letting them play," as the refs say - and the absence of Hot Sauce spelled doom from the start. Still, we did manage to cut the deficit to 12 by game's end. Little consolation, and look for the Cats to be wearing the road reds in all tourney games. Did I say all?? How far do YOU have them going in your brackets?

• Batcats visit Mississippi State, play grateful guests.
• "And there's also the excitement of disrobing old ghosts like Arizona." Let them gloat while they can.
• Bobby Knight finishes under .500 for the first time in 35 years. Sounds like a perfect fit for Tempe.
• Lute keeps his cool during game, heard muttering "Good Grief!" "My Word!" Still no match for Ryan Radke's "For crying in the middle of the night!"
  
• Fisher-Matlock Final Four Tourney invitations going out soon. Watch out for Sweeney - he's been laid up after his RCT surgery and thinks he has a lock on all the teams.
  

It's Been Real, It's Been Fun...

...and it's been Real Fun. But the days of UA beating up on Rob Evans and his stellar Scum Devil teams have come to an end. Face it - Lute got him fired because his advertising revenues dropped off after Bill Fritter left. Who's next?? Who cares.
Oh, please pick Steve Lavin. Pleeease....

Stanford chopped down, bRuins next on the block

The AZ Wildcat basketball team found a way to beat Stanford yesterday, despite having to leave Hassan Adams at home. Other players picked up his slack (but not his bar tab), and put the game away by shooting 80% from the freethrow line. 23 of 28 in the second half alone?? We could have beat Washington with percentages like that. Tonight, settle in to watch the Cats go for their first win of the year over Ucla, and keep their nation-leading streak of 20-win seasons alive, too. This would make 19 seasons with 20 wins or more. How spoiled are we?
Git R Done, Cats!

• Hot Sauce maxes out his cellphone calling plan in order to amp the Cats up. Can they hear him today?
• Walk-on steps it up, logging 25 crucial minutes in yesterday's game. Thanks, Bret...er, Brent...er, Brett, .....er,...Rudy.
• Ducks beat Dawgs, so Cats will miss possible grudge match against UDub. Pity.
• Stanford bows out gracefully, heads back to the Bay.
  

It's PAC10 Tourney time, it's PAC10 Tourney time (Name that tune)

The Cats limp into the league tourney minus their leading scorer (Hassan Adams - DUI) and missing that swagger we all know and love. It's gotten so bad that Stanford is getting most of the press for our game against the Cardinal on Thursday. Game time is 1:30pm, so plan on taking a late lunch.

• Cats aren't the only bluebloods that have no-showed this year. It really is the Year of the Dog.
• First tip for the Matlock Final Four Pool, brought to you by Wilbur - a little history about seed-by-seed matchups in the past. And speaking of March Madness, watch your e-mail for your invite for the Pool. If you want to be included, and don't happen to be related to a Matlock, leave a comment and we'll be glad to take your money, too.
• Cats RPI drops to 24th, 41st in Sagarin. Still feeling good about getting in? Tempe comes in at 145 in the Sagarin poll, six spots behind those mighty Lumberjacks of NAU. Bye, Rob. Oh - add Rick Majerus to the list of Sundevil coach wannabes. Better stock the First Aid station on the floor level.
• Hey. The softball team continues to win and is ranked #1. Wonder if they can shoot 3-pointers as well as no-hitters?
  
• Don't forget Wildcat golf. And isn't it time for another Matlock Match Play event?

Bear down - and bear with us.

Hot Sauce Hammered - then Nailed

Hassan Adams, leading scorer for the Cats and an All-PAC10 pick, has been suspended for the PAC10 tourney following his DUI last weekend. Hey, I was a little upset after we blew another lead and lost to Washington, but I didn't feel the urge to party then think I could drive. He escaped any disciplinary action last December when he was arrested for disorderly conduct, but this was just a little too much for Lute to let slip by. Anyone who couldn't see this coming, raise your hand. I didn't think so.

Hot sauce HITS the sauce

Things are getting hotter than a habanero after Hassan Adams gets arrested for DUI Saturday night. Sit him down for the PAC10 tourney, coach. This is his second arrest in the past 4 months.

Cats miss the 2-minute warning

For 38 minutes, AZ looked like world-beaters against #14 Washington.  Leads of up to 13 points.  Steals and hustle everywhere.  Stingy ball-handling.  The Huskies never even got a chance to take the lead - until the end.  Two Wildcat turnovers were the undoing when holding onto the ball mattered the most.  So we get to watch another close loss, another "one that got away."  Very puzzling, though, why Adams took control of the ball and the last shot (which fell a good 3 feet short), especially with his bum wing.  Lute should have suited up the kid that won the car at halftime by sinking one from halfcourt. 

• Wait until next year?  I never thought I'd hear that again in reference to our basketball team.  Like I never thought I'd hear "Wait until football season."
  
• Baseball's 5-game win streak ends to Nebraska in DQ Classic.  Peanut Buster Parfaits for everyone, win or lose.
• Completing the trifecta, women get slapped around by Stanford.  Their season mercifully closes.
  
• North Carolina loses seven players from championship team, can still beat Duke in Durham.  I always get some satisfaction when the Dookies lose - at home, on their Senior Day.  Duke goes 0'fer the week.  hehe.
• Cats get Cardinal in PAC10 tourney opener.  Lucky us.
• Hometown press can be cruel.  Especially if you're a Seattle prep star who signed with the Cats.

Saturday - Finally!

Wilbur hopes the rest of you had a better week than he did, but the sun came up today, our son (I hesitate to call him Wilbur Jr.) is flying in for a surprise visit, and the Cats wrap up their regular season with a Red Out Senior Day game against the Huskies. Yeah - it's the weekend.

• Wildcat women break out of slump -- and break into the PAC10 tourney with a win over those angry Beavs. Beaverettes? Is anything PC when their nickname is the Beavers?
• Huskies find their groove -- but they'll be another notch in Wilbur's belt after today!
• The Red Coats are coming -- at least Lute's newly ordered one is for today's game. Put on those shades, folks, this could be tough on the eyes.
• Hot Sauce got chicken winged -- but the sore shoulder won't keep him out of his final home game as a Wildcat. Look for a Basket 'O' Buckets from Sauce.
• DQ Classic features Minnesota meltdown -- Batcats win first game of my new favorite tourney. So how come the local paper doesn't even mention the name of the tourney?

Get yer Red On!

I didn't even know there was a Dairy Queen Classic

The Wildcat baseball team is set to play in the 22nd Dairy Queen Classic in Minneapolis this weekend. This should be real Dilly!

Tempo Busters

Washington State comes in tonight, bringing their slow-down style of play and lameduck coach with them. The Cats managed to put up 70 points earlier this season against the Cougs, but let's not have a repeat of last year's home loss to these snoozers.

Greg Hansen plays "what if?" -- fun to play, but leaves that empty feeling.

How long 'til football? -- Well, the season opener is just 6 months away.

More coffee.....Bear Down....