Dec. 9, 2003
Conference Previews: ACC | A-10 | Big East | Big Ten | Big 12 | C-USA | Pac-10 | SEC

As a new college-basketball season begins, I'm identifying three key questions for each of the eight major conferences. We're going in alphabetical order, and now it's time for the Pac-10...

	Lute Olson

Does Arizona have a shot at the Final Four?
You have to automatically respect coach Lute Olson's Wildcats because of his presence. He has a way of putting together a competitive squad.

Arizona's depth has been hindered, though. Imagine if the 'Cats had Ndudi Ebi, if he arrived on the Tucson campus instead of going to the NBA right out of high school. He will sit on the pine for the Minnesota Timberwolves most of this season instead of dominating in college.

Arizona has an outstanding nucleus to build around with junior center Channing Frye, junior guard Salim Stoudamire, sophomore forward Andre Iguodala and sophomore guard Hassan Adams. Then there's freshman guard Mustafa Shakur, one of the premier diaper dandies in America. The Wildcats will be dangerous.

They aren't as strong on paper as they've been in the past, but Olson has a way of putting his magic touch on things. As for the Final Four, Arizona has a shot.

Can Ben Howland bring UCLA back to prominence?
The Bruins will be better than people expect under new coach Ben Howland, who comes from his successful rebuilding job at Pittsburgh.

When you look at the nucleus of the team, junior guard Cedric Bozeman will be the key. He needs to respond big-time. Junior swingman Dijon Thompson can be a factor, and UCLA hopes to have senior forward T.J. Cummings back for the second semester.

Freshman forward Trevor Ariza is a diaper dandy who should contribute right away. I believe the Bruins can win 18-20 games this season, which would be a solid first year for Howland. I feel UCLA can make a run at the NCAA bid. That would rejuvenate the program!

Howland has already made inroads in recruiting and is on his way to rebuilding the UCLA program.

Will Stanford compete for the Pac-10 crown?
Stanford is a dangerous team, as has been the case for many years now.

The Cardinal are an experienced club, and with sophomore point guard Chris Hernandez healthy, watch out. Junior swingman Josh Childress has star potential. With coach Mike Montgomery's brilliant X-and-O ability, Stanford is capable of winning the Pac-10.

Montgomery gets the most out of his people, and Stanford will definitely compete. I see Arizona and Stanford battling it out for the league title.

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