Arizona Wildcats - NCAA Basketball Betting

Last season, the Arizona Wildcats won 20 games and went to the NCAA tournament for the 22nd consecutive season. They blew out Wisconsin in the first round and took a very good Villanova team to the brink before falling 82-78 in the second round. And, yet, the 2005-06 campaign was marked in large part by turbulence and headaches for head coach Lute Olson.

Coming into this season, the 'Cats were among the favorites to win the PAC 10. Arizona was considered to be very talented and deep, with a starting five few could match and six other returning lettermen.

Senior point-guard Mustafa Shakur, a three-year starter who improved his shot over the off-season and may be the best at his position in the PAC 10, runs an entertaining show that averages more than 80 points a game. Fellow senior Ivan Radenovic, a 6-10 forward, is very versatile and consistent, with a solid all-around offensive game, and can cause match-up difficulties.

Six-seven sophomore forward Marcus Williams emerged as the team's leading scorer. Freshman sensation Chase Budinger, who can play almost every position, lived up to very lofty expectations. An early-season 12-game winning streak, which included victories over Illinois, Louisville and Memphis, had Arizona sneaking up toward the Top 5. Then the stumbles began: a 2-6 stretch encompassing two losses to Washington State and an embarrassing 28-point home shellacking at the hands of North Carolina.

As the season went on, the 'Cats became more time-dependent on their starting five. Arizona can go up-and-down the court with almost anyone, but questions persist on defense, where the Wildcats allowed even more points, on average, than they did last season.

Still, this is a very talented team; one that can go big or go small as the situation necessitates. Following their up-and-down performance during the regular season, Arizona might creep into the Big Dance undetected.

They are certainly capable of making a run, but defense and depth would be the likely culprits if that doesn't come to be.

Mustafa Shakur – Three-year starter at point guard, has played well in previous NCAA tournaments.

Ivan Radenovic – Very good all-around game.

Chase Budinger – Heralded frosh living up to expectations.

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