Many experts projected the Arizona Wildcats as the No. 1 team in preseason polls. In my magazine, I had them at No. 2 behind Duke. There were big-time expectations, but Lute Olson's team had a rough start.

	Loren Woods is making folks forget both his and Arizona's slow start to the season.

Obviously, there was so much early controversy. There were the suspensions of Loren Woods and Richard Jefferson. Woods also had disciplinary problems. Then there was the passing of Lute Olson's wife of 47 years, Bobbi.

That was a major setback to the entire program. Bobbi Olson was a mom away from home for many of the players. The Wildcats were 8-5 at one point, and many people were ready to label them a major disappointment.

Anyone who watched that talent and the coaching ability of Olson over the years knew the potential for a Final Four run was possible. It was only a matter of time until the Wildcats got into a rhythm and an effective basketball mode.

They went on a tear, winning 19 of 21 games. Arizona has done it with great balance, inside and outside. Jason Gardner and Gilbert Arenas have provided solid perimeter play. Arenas emerged as the season progressed. He was right up there with the best two-guards in America, including Joseph Forte of North Carolina, Michigan State's Charlie Bell, Stanford's Casey Jacobsen and company.

In the postseason, Loren Woods has developed into the player most anticipated he'd be. He has been aggressive, displaying a special desire to excel. Woods, at 7-foot-1, has been the anchor on the defensive end. Michael Wright is a solid low-post player. Richard Jefferson does it defensively, where he has improved immensely. And he is still an offensive threat, especially in transition. Luke Walton provides versatility off the bench.

This is a team that believes it can win. That's one key reason why they will share center stage in Minneapolis with three other Goliaths.

Olson is making his fifth trip to the Final Four (four with Arizona, one with Iowa). He has the credentials for the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to Olson and his Wildcats for overcoming adversity. Olson has done it with his poise and teaching ability. His players understand what the team concept is about. And that separates winners from losers.