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November 12, 2006
First "Big Game" of the Season?
It may not seem like it, but tonight's game between Arizona and Virginia could go a long way towards saying what the fate of these teams may be this season.
The Arizona Wildcats are coming off of one of their worst seasons under Lute Olson and despite a #10 ranking, have a lot to prove this year. They should be helped out by the recruitment of Chase Budinger, a 6-7 freshman who should give Arizona a major presence at small forward. Olson has called Budinger possibly the most talented recruit ever at Arizona which is saying a lot about the young wingman. Budinger was also the national high school volleyball player of the year last year, so you know that he can jump. He will be joining a strong line-up of Mustafa Shakur, Marcus Williams and Ivan Radenovic, to provide a high powered offense that may not have been seen in the desert since the 1997 championship.
The reason this is a big game though, is that they will be facing a Virginia team which could surprise this season. The Cavaliers return the top scoring backcourt in the country in Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds. The two alone could give defenses some headaches, but they also add some big time help inside which could make Virginia an all-around nightmare.
Chances are that Arizona will walk away with the victory tonight, but let's be honest. A big game from Virginia, possibly keeping it close or stealing a win, could say a lot about where the Cavaliers will end up in this year's ACC. They were picked pre-season to finish 8th, but that is by no means a given in the always tough twelve team league. They have enough talent to challenge not only for a top five finish but also a chance at a NCAA tournament bid for the first time in six years.
Keep an eye on Virginia tonight, and also look to see if Arizona is as good as everyone thinks they will be. Yes, this is a big game.
Posted by bmiraski at November 12, 2006 5:30 PM
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