The Wildcats had two months of limited summertime workouts. Another month of limited workouts once school started. Conditioning workouts. Weightlifting.
Then six weeks of full preseason practices. The Red-Blue Game. The Augustana exhibition. The Saint Mary's scrimmage. And other intrasquad scrimmages.
It's about time, isn't it?
Tonight's Arizona-Cal Poly game will not only tip off the season but also is the first of five games the Wildcats will play through Nov. 19. The game will be televised at 8 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks, with Matt McConnell and Matt Muehlebach.
-- Here's the official game notes from Arizona and Cal Poly.
-- We had a look at Cal Poly and coach Joe Callero (there's a scouting report and notebook included on the page).
-- The Tribune of San Luis Obispo says the Mustangs are in for a challenging schedule that is by design.
-- The Arizona Republic has an Aaron Gordon feature.
-- ICYMI, we also had a look at how UA is trying to adapt to the new officiating guidelines.
Four ESPN analysts pick Arizona to reach the Final Four: John Gasaway, Seth Greenberg, Jeff Goodman and Miles Simon. (ESPN Insider access required for the link).
Aaron Gordon was named the Pac-12 newcomer likely to make the biggest impact, in a Seattle Times survey of Pac-12 coaches.
Allen surveyed Pac-12 coaches on Pat Forde lists Aaron Gordon and Jahii Carson among the Top 25 most intriguing players in college basketball.
Cal Poly arrived Wednesday and took advantage of the extra time by working out inside the Richard Jefferson Gym.
Former UA recruiting target Payton Dastrup of Mesa has committed to Ohio State.
Oregon and Georgetown will wear camouflage uniforms for their game at South Korea (6 p.m. ESPN).
Has Tad Boyle has turned Colorado into a basketball school?
The new guys in L.A. tip off their seasons tonight, too.
It's hang-the-banners night at Michigan.
Things are a lot different for San Diego State coach Steve Fisher while the Aztecs face UC Riverside in a rematch of his first game at SDSU.
Colorado State needs Daniel Bejarano and other returnees to make a big jump in order to return to the NCAA tournament.
