On Campus With 'Cinderella' Arizona

After winning two tournaments in the NCAA and advancing to the school's first Sweet 16 since 2005, Tucson is buzzing with excitement for a super-size-d Cinderella. We talked with the Arizona Daily Wildcat's associate sports editor Lance Madden about the entire experience (and their cool video of the run).


FanHouse: As a student and reporter, how surprised were you when it first hit you that, "Oh my goodness, the 2008-09 Arizona Wildcats are going to be in the Sweet 16?"

Madden: When talking with my colleague, Bryan Roy, I distinctly remember saying before the NCAA tournament began that the Wildcats had a great shot at winning their two games in Miami. I didn't look at the matchups, the venue or anything statistically measurable. I just felt like this has been such a wacky season, anything any everything could happen. The season has been almost story-book like, and as time goes on, more absurdities unfold. It would only make sense that they go onto the Sweet 16, if not farther.

Now, when the buzzer sounded and Jamelle Horne wrapped his long arms around Nic Wise's head and fans in AmericanAirlines Arena began chanting "Sweet 16, Sweet 16," I can honestly say I had goosebumps. After watching these players go through everything they have been through this season, it gave me a good feeling within, even as a reporter. It makes for a great story that isn't yet finished.

FanHouse: Of all the Wildcat teams you've seen come through Tucson, what is different about this squad? Do you see something that might have produced such a run in the NCAA tournament?

Madden: I was born and raised in Tucson, so I know some things about past UA teams. Arizona has seen plenty of talented players go through its program, but I don't know if there has ever been a team that has come together as a brotherhood quite like this one has. There certainly hasn't been a situation quite like this year's. Every single player -- I guarantee it -- questioned whether they should be playing for Arizona this season. And every player, with the exception of two, banded together and decided to give their very best for themselves, for coach Lute Olson, for Russ Pennell, for the city of Tucson and for the program's reputation. That mentality is simply irreplaceable.

FanHouse: What is the campus like? When I was a junior at U of A, we made the run with Salim Stoudamire to the Elite Eight where we lost to Illinois and the Standard (apartment complex) had stadium seating around the pool with big screens. Anything you heard of like that going on?

Madden: The community has been extremely supportive of the current Wildcat team. The most meaningful moves made by the members of Wildcat Nation have also been the most creative. T-shirts with Olson's face and the words "Thanks" have been distributed around campus. A 6-foot-tall cardboard cutout of the Silver Fox even made its way into McKale Center. The standard "Hi Coach!" chant toward Olson at the beginning of games from the UA pep band has been sometimes replaced with "Hi Russ!" The Zona Zoo has also done a tremendous job this season at keeping student fans interested in the program. Their "BELIEVE" signs were probably most affective.

The thing that probably speaks the most for itself is McKale Center attendance. At the beginning of the season, Tucson almost lost hope completely. The team, however, did not. In the final two home games of the season, the attendance was greater than any other game since Olson became the head coach of the Wildcats in 1983.

Also, the boom of technology has brought with it enhanced Wildcat support. Facebook statuses and wall comments have given players instant notification of their success this season. It's almost like Web-based fan mail.



FanHouse: Do you see anything different with the players before the tournament and now, after the two wins?

Madden: Smiles. This team is a happy team. Of course, every team loves to win, but it is how this team is winning. The players simply don't want the season to end. As Horne put it, they are on the road to redemption. America counted Arizona out at the beginning of the season and when it was 11-8. For the first time in 25 years the Wildcats almost didn't make it into the NCAA tournament. Now they are in and are making a run. They are the only one of six Pac-10 teams remaining. They're trying to show the nation that they belong.

FanHouse: What is the key to extending the run?

Madden: If you look at the stat sheet, you would think the Big Three -- Nic Wise, Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill need to get some rest. They are each playing upwards of 40 minutes per game. But that's not the key you asked for. Sure, there are only 11 roster players and a 7-to-8-man rotation. But Jim Krumpos, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, has done a phenomenal job with the players and keeping them game-ready.

But the key does have to do with the Big Three. Simply stated, each one needs to stay sharp. Arizona is a tripod, and Hill, Budinger and Wise make up each leg. When one collapses, the entire set collapses.

Budinger must stay fierce. If he isn't hitting his shots, he must drive to the bucket to score. Wise and Hill must stay out of foul trouble. Wise is the team's only true point guard. When he comes out, Budinger must play at the point, taking a scorer out of the equation.

On top of the Big Three being solid, the Wildcats need their role players to play their roles. Kyle Fogg has to be his usual defensive self. Zane Johnson and Brendon Lavender could also be useful on the defensive end. Fendi Onobun is the designated screener, but he can't play at the same time as Hill. So if Hill is out, Onobun is your replacement big man. Jamelle Horne has been the X-factor the entire season. When he plays well, the entire team plays well. His biggest issue is staying focused, which he has been able to do very well in the NCAA Tournament.

FanHouse: Any chance they take down Louisville?

Madden: Flip a coin. They've got a 50-50 chance. Nobody thought they had a chance to beat Houston when they were down by 10 points with less than a minute to go. They have already beaten two current Sweet 16 teams (Kansas and Gonzaga) and made it this far when many critics were trying to send them to the NIT. I wouldn't count Arizona out just yet.