Oct. 21 | Second of a two-part series on Arizona

The beat goes on and on at Arizona. Yes, I picked them as my preseason No. 1 team for 2002-03, but the program should keep rocking and rolling for years to come.

	Lute Olson has won nine Pac-10 titles and one national championship.

Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson did a super job of recruiting two years ago, bringing in Salim Stoudamire, Channing Frye, Will Bynum and company to help make the 2001-02 season very competitive.

Remember, the Wildcats lost Loren Woods, Richard Jefferson, Michael Wright and Gilbert Arenas from the 2001 national runner-up -- and still made it to the Sweet 16 last March. Arizona opened last season with wins over eventual national champion Maryland and Florida en route to a super campaign that surprised many.

This year, Olson has a super class of diaper dandies again, with 6-foot-4 Hassan Adams of Los Angeles leading the way. The Wildcats also have potential future stars in Chris Rodgers of Portland, Ore., 6-6 Andre Igoudala of Springfield, Ill., and 6-7 forward Chris Dunn of New Mexico. Let me tell you, Arizona has a roster of 12 players who can flat-out play.

Olson couldn't have a more fitting label than Hall of Famer. What he has done in college basketball is amazing, starting with his days at Long Beach State, then at Iowa and now at Arizona. He has built a potential dynasty in Tucson, a program that is the epitome of class. Olson's kids know about discipline, understand the team concept and understand the importance of going to school. His staff does a phenomenal job.

With all the brilliant talent already assembled, the future is also bright. Olson has assembled what should be a top recruiting class for next season. He has received verbal commitments from point guard Mustafa Shakur from the Philadelphia suburbs, forward Ndudi Ebi of Houston and 6-10, 210-pounder Kirk Walters, a solid defensive performer.

Some say Shakur is the best guard to come from the Philadelphia area since Pooh Richardson, who went to UCLA. Shakur said "yes" to the Wildcats over N.C. State and coach Herb Sendek. What a perfect replacement for senior point guard Jason Gardner -- the Wildcats won't miss a beat. According to all the experts, Shakur can create his own shot and make big plays with the rock. He's a dazzler.

Do you think people sought out Ebi? The 6-9 power forward was high on Duke's list, but Olson won out. Walters is just 210 pounds, and he could develop into another special player.

Olson's recruiting success isn't shocking. Having players like the multidimensional Luke Walton and Gardner helped the transition between veteran and newcomer last year. Olson will count on another transition, and the talent is in place for the future, baby!

The guy who strolls the sideline is one key reason why I've chosen Arizona as my No. 1 team. Just like fine wine, he gets better and better with time. He's 67 and he looks like he's 27. He also coaches like he's 25. The enthusiasm and energy is there, and it hasn't hurt in recruiting. Arizona just keeps loading up!