DICK'S TIDBITS | Dec. 19

I'm looking forward to calling the Arizona-LSU game Saturday night (ESPN2, 8 p.m.). I can't wait to see America's top-ranked team in person! But Arizona won't have an easy time winning on the road in Baton Rouge. Coach Lute Olson has had some tough games down there.

	Expect Lute Olson and Arizona to get a No. 1 seed.

Think about 1990, when then-LSU center Shaquille O'Neal had 29 points and 14 boards as the 18th-ranked Tigers stunned No. 2 Arizona with Sean Rooks and Chris Mills. The 'Cats came back the next year and held O'Neal to just 10 points.

Arizona also struggled at Baton Rouge in 2000, to the tune of an 86-60 loss. LSU star Stromile Swift scored 29 points and grabbed nine boards. At the time, that was the worst loss for Olson as Arizona's head coach.

Coach John Brady's Tigers will be up for the challenge. When you're No. 1, you get everyone's best shot.

Olson is in the Hall of Fame because he knows how to get his kids ready for this kind of environment. Oh, and former LSU coach Dale Brown is slated to be at the game.

Arizona's Luke Walton won't be there due to an ankle injury, but he will be celebrating. Walton will be getting his degree for family studies. The son of Bill Walton is part of a family that has always put education in its proper perspective as a top priority. Congratulations to Luke.

Arizona needs Mr. Walton's unselfishness and winning experience in the lineup.

ILLINOIS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
How is Illinois this good this early? Remember, the Illini lost the backcourt of Frank Williams and Cory Bradford as well as inside factor Robert Archibald. I'll tell you why: freshmen Dee Brown, who brings lots of energy and talent, and Deron Williams have stepped up in the backcourt.

But the most important reason is senior forward Brian Cook, who must have his "A" game ready at Missouri on Saturday (ESPN, 5:30 p.m. ET). For years Cook was labeled Mr. Potential, and this season he has been consistent. If he keeps playing this well, watch out for the Illini.

UNBEATEN HOOSIERS FACE KENTUCKY
Kentucky and Indiana are two states where there's an amazing love and passion for college basketball. You can't go to a bar, steakhouse, you name it, without talking hoops, baby!

That's why this weekend is special -- the Hoosiers and Wildcats meet Saturday in Louisville, Ky. Watch out, because coach Tubby Smith's 'Cats can be dangerous after a loss. Kentucky will be hungry after the defeat at the hands of Big Ten foe Michigan State!

Kentucky needs Gerald Fitch to come through on the perimeter. Keith Bogans is playing with a high basketball IQ instead of trying to please NBA scouts. Bogans is taking the ball strong to the basket and taking the 3-pointer when it's available within the offense.

Something tells me Kentucky will be an angry team Saturday. Indiana must play with intensity or it could be loss No. 1 for the Hoosiers.

GATORS HOPE DREJER DEBUTS SOON
At Florida, the Gators open SEC action on the road in Starkville against recharged Mississippi State (on Tuesday, Jan. 7 -- ESPN, 9 p.m. ET). The Bulldogs have found a spark with big man Mario Austin's return. Austin gives them size, scoring ability and basketball savvy.

Florida is looking forward to the debut of freshman Christian Drejer, who has had all sorts of ankle problems. It's been a nightmare so far for Drejer, last season's Danish League player of the year.

The Gators can't wait to have him available because he's a special player with all-around ability. Drejer could be practicing again in a week or so, and Donovan is targeting the Mississippi State game for his return, according to a report in Wednesday's Gainesville (Fla.) Sun.

Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy told me Drejer is capable of playing at the next level. That kind of ability will be a plus for the Gators, because coach Billy Donovan's team will need help at Mississippi State.

PITT SENDS MESSAGE
For all of those ripping Pittsburgh's early-season schedule, saying it's Cupcake City, look at what the Panthers did to Ohio State on Wednesday (a 69-49 Panther romp at home). Senior point guard Brandin Knight and company sent a message: Bring 'em all on, baby!

Knight took command of the game early. I can't wait for Jan. 6, when I go to Pittsburgh for the first time in many years, to the new Petersen Events Center. Coach Ben Howland's Panthers meet Notre Dame that night (on Monday, Jan. 6 -- ESPN, 7 p.m. ET). It should be special!