Wildcats report: Getting inside
The most topsy-turvy Arizona basketball season in recent memory ended with a thud.
The Wildcats, who lost seven of their final 10 games before the NCAA tournament, were ousted on Day 1, losing 75-65 to West Virginia at Washington D.C.
Afterward, no one was sure who will be coming or going before next season.
Interim coach Kevin O'Neill, pegged several months ago as Lute Olson's eventual permanent successor, is gone.
"There's been an air of uncertainty about me for the last 25 years," O'Neill said.
But O'Neill's loss seems minor as stacked against other defections.
Freshman guard Jerryd Bayless, projected as an NBA lottery pick, opted for the pro game. But Chase Budinger delayed his arrival at the pro show for one year and Nic Wise, a junior next season, are likely to make up for that loss.
There is another potential subtraction that wouldn't easily be covered up -- freshman guard Brandon Jennings has said he'll consider playing in Europe in 2008-09 even if his SAT score qualifies him at UA. Jennings was expected to offset the early loss of Bayless. Already signed recruit Emmanuel Negedu, citing staff upheaval, asked out of his letter of intent.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
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