Oct. 17 | First of a two-part series on Arizona

TUCSON -- Hey baby, I can tell you firsthand that the Arizona Wildcats are loaded. I was in town for a speaking engagement for Bank One, at the beautiful La Paloma, and I went over to watch practice. I can see why this team is one of the premier squads in America. They are No. 1 with me, baby, and they did nothing to disappoint me when I watched them in action.

	Point guard Jason Gardner returns to guide Arizona's potent offense.

The depth is incredible, and the competition every day in practice is going to be intense. Arizona has two legitimate All-Americans: point guard Jason Gardner and forward Luke Walton. The diaper dandies are for real, too. Andre Iguodala, a 6-foot-6 newcomer from Springfield, Ill., is the real thing. He will come off the bench. Having seen him, I can assure you that he can flat-out play.

Hassan Adams, a 6-4 guard from Los Angeles (Westchester High School), is athletic and quick as can be. Looking at the perimeter game, Salim Stoudamire is better than ever. And wait until you see Will Bynum, baby!

Inside, the 'Cats have size galore. In practice, it's impressive to see the battles in the post between Channing Frye and Isaiah Fox. Add the experience of Rick Anderson, and you realize this club is loaded. I can tell you that Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson has a smile on his face -- and I can see why.

If a player ever takes a night off and doesn't play with the kind of intensity expected by Olson, that young man will have a seat on the pine. This Arizona squad will always have someone ready to play and hungry for the opportunity. The depth will also allow Olson to press and trap, putting great defensive pressure on the opposition with the fresh bodies available. That will help during a long season.

This team will challenge for another national championship. There is no doubt that the Wildcats are the cream of the crop in the Pac-10.

You can see it in their eyes during practice, as you watch their moves and observe their body language ... this has the makings of something special. The competition makes greatness when you have to go at it every day on a regular basis. With this kind of talent, it makes everyone better. In fact, the players you face in practice will often be better than the opponents you face.

Remember, last year Arizona wasn't expected to make much noise and then went out and impressed with wins over Maryland and Florida at Madison Square Garden in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. This year, the expectations are high, and should be.

The fans will be rocking and rolling at McKale Center, baby! That's what I expect to happen in Tucson -- a super season. All Wildcats followers should get ready for an awesome season with a capital A!