On Wednesday, Olson filled out his staff with former Wildcat Reggie Geary, who had been head coach at Anaheim in the NBA’s Development League.

“This may be as strong a staff as we’ve ever had,” Olson said.

Olson’s coaches are set. But his roster remains unsettled.

This week, Arizona released signee Emmanuel Negedu from his national letter of intent to play for the Wildcats. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward from Nigeria cited uncertainty over the coaching situation.

Last year’s leading scorer, freshman guard Jerryd Bayless of Phoenix, has entered the draft and is a projected lottery pick.

Sophomore swingman Chase Budinger has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft but may return because he hasn’t signed with an agent.

Meanwhile, point guard Nic Wise is said to be thinking about transferring, although Olson said there’s “no question” Wise will be back.

And prize recruit Brandon Jennings has yet to qualify academically.

If Budinger, Wise and Jennings are in the fold, the Wildcats could contend for the conference title. If they aren’t, it could be another long season in Tucson.

Olson is optimistic.

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“It’s going to be one of the most exciting teams to watch that we’ve had here in a long time,” Olson said. “They’re going to be very, very young. But they’re going to be super quick.”

There’s been speculation that Olson is returning to the bench because he needs the money, or because he’s concerned about his legacy.

Olson says he came back because he wants to coach. He’s signed through the 2011 season but expects to coach two or three years beyond that.

“I love doing what I’m doing and I’ve never felt that I’ve had to go to work a day in my life since I started coaching,” he said. “I have a passion for it and still have the passion for it.”