March 13

Arizona has done everything anticipated in the Pac-10 this season. The Wildcats dominated despite losses to LSU and Stanford.

Wildcats guard Jason Gardner headlines my All-Pac-10 team. His leadership and experience made a difference. Gardner is a shot-maker who has remained steady all season long.

	All-Pac-10 Team, Awards
	Julius Barnes -- Stanford Ike Diogu -- Arizona State Jason Gardner -- Arizona Luke Ridnour -- Oregon Joe Shipp -- California
	Player of Year Jason Gardner, Arizona Coach of Year Mike Montgomery, Stanford Diaper Dandy of Year Ike Diogu, Arizona State

Stanford has been a surprise this season, starting with a strong showing in the Preseason NIT. Guard Julius Barnes has been a big key on the perimeter as a scorer.

Oregon's Luke Ridnour rounds out my three-guard set. He can handle and dish the rock, penetrate and hit the long-range trifecta. He is an outstanding all-around player.

Up front, Arizona State's Ike Diogu has come in and put up big scoring and rebounding numbers. He has been one of the key reasons the Sun Devils are making a run for their first NCAA berth since 1995. Diogu, who gives ASU power on the interior, is also my Pac-10 Diaper Dandy of the Year.

Rounding out my top five is California forward Joe Shipp, another player who doesn't get enough national attention. He can put points on the board quickly.

Tabbing the league's Coach of the Year is difficult. You can argue for Rob Evans of Arizona State for getting the Sun Devils into contention for an NCAA berth, but I am giving the edge to a guy who deserves consideration for national coach of the year -- Stanford's Mike Montgomery.

The Cardinal was picked in the second division of the Pac-10 preseason poll after losing Casey Jacobsen and Curtis Borchardt to early entry into the NBA draft, yet Stanford was in contention all season long.

It has been a great year for the Cardinal, starting with Preseason NIT wins over Xavier and Florida. Montgomery is a brilliant tactician.

My choice for Pac-10 Player of the Year is Gardner. I don't care how many points he has scored, he is a winner and the catalyst on that team. Gardner makes things happen on a steady basis and is a star both offensively and defensively. I love winners, and he is clearly that.