Nov. 9
SHOCK CITY LAST NIGHT as Arizona … yes, Arizona, unranked for the first time in 202 weeks…comes out and stuns third-ranked Maryland! The reason: the hustle and scrappy play of a bunch of Diaper Dandies and an outstanding performance by the veteran tandem of Jason Gardner and Luke Walton.

Young star of tomorrow in the coaching fraternity, Billy Donovan, against veteran and future Hall of Famer Lute Olsen should be a great matchup early in the season.

Gardner controlled the tempo and made big play after big play, none bigger than late in the game when he knocked down a big 3-pointer and was fouled for a four-point play to stop a Juan Dixon-sparked run by Maryland.

The big red head, Luke Walton, son of Bill Walton, played brilliantly and displayed his basketball instinct and savvy -- not only passing the ball but also with a double-double, 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Lute Olson's underrated 'Cats get another shot at a highly rated national club tonight when they match up against Florida, which set aside Temple to reach the final game. Watch for a superb matchup between Jason Gardner and Brett Nelson on the perimeter. Inside, Udonis Haslem and company should create problems for the young Arizona Cats. But Arizona's got Diaper Dandies Isaiah Fox, Channing Frye and Will Bynum who play very tenaciously.

Young star of tomorrow in the coaching fraternity, Billy Donovan, against veteran and future Hall of Famer Lute Olsen should be a great matchup early in the season.

The big question is: can Arizona sustain two brilliant performances against two highly rated teams within a 24-hour period? Can they control Haslem on the interior and Nelson on the perimeter? We shall see ….