TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) -- Attempting to rebound from last
year's trying season, No. 11 Arizona will look for improved team
play when it opens up its 2004-05 campaign with a Preseason NIT
first-round matchup at home vs. San Diego.
With selfish play and a lack of senior leadership, the highly
talented Wildcats faded down the stretch in the Pac-10 to finish
third and dropped a first-round contest to Seton Hall in the
NCAA Tournament.
With center Channing Frye, forward Hassan Adams and guard Salim
Stoudamire all a year older, Arizona once again has the
personnel to be the best team in the conference and a Final Four
contender.
"I think the chemistry is going to continue to build and be a
strong point with us," Arizona coach Lute Olson said Monday.
"They are very personable guys. I think they enjoy and have fun
playing. If you can play hard and have fun playing I think that
is the best combination."
The Wildcats will have to wait for the return of power forward
Isaiah Fox, who missed all but one game last season with a knee
injury. Back in the best shape of his life, the 6-9,
269-pounder will help establish an inside presence along with
Frye that Arizona lacked numerous times last year.
"Well I hope we play Thursday," Olson said. "If the team plays
Thursday, I think Isaiah will play. He has done a really nice
job. He has been working very hard in practice. He hasn't let
this affect him in the least."
Another team looking to forget last season's struggles, San
Diego will attempt to return to its 2002-03 form where it
received a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Last year, the Toreros
lost 18 of their final 19 games to finish 4-26.
Center Brice Vounang returns for his senior season with San
Diego. One of the few bright spots last season, the 6-8,
250-pounder ranked second in scoring (16.9) and fourth in
rebounding (6.8) in the West Coast Conference.