Orlin Wagner / AP

Guard Sherron Collins and Kansas are the preseason consensus No. 1 pick.

Is Arizona’s streak going to end?
The Wildcats have played in 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, the longest active streak around. But Arizona will settle for the NIT this season. Sean Miller was a great hire as coach, but some things take time. Miller needs players.

Could West Virginia really win the Big East?
Coach Bob Huggins wants to position his program to think that way every season. West Virginia joins UConn, Pittsburgh and Marquette as the only four teams with winning records in league play the past four seasons. Villanova was the No. 1 choice of the coaches at Big East media day, but many of the coaches seemed as if they wanted to re-think their decision. That’s not a knock against ’Nova. It’s just a lot of respect for West Virginia’s scary frontcourt of Devin Ebanks and Da’Sean Butler.

Is Rick Barnes serious about a 14-man rotation?
He certainly seems to be. Look at that roster, with Damion James, Gary Johnson, Dexter Pittman and Varez Ward back. Then add in the fresh faces of Avery Bradley, J’Covan Brown, Jai Lucas, Jordan Hamilton and Shawn Williams. That’s just the start.

“If we have to play 14 guys, we’ll play 14 guys,” Barnes said. “There’s no doubt we’re going to be shuffling people in and out of games because we really do want to maintain an attitude of attacking, both offensively and defensively.”

Get a good look at Bradley early in the season. The combo guard is going to be something special, a la T.J. Ford.

The coach who figures to get the most scrutiny (other than Cal) will be ...
Isiah Thomas at Florida International. Even though his president introduced him as “Isiah Thompson,” there’s a pretty good chance college basketball fans will recognize Thomas as he tries to shake up the Sun Belt. ESPN will carry his debut Nov. 9 — against defending champion North Carolina. A made-for-TV event.

Who is headed to Indianapolis for the Final Four?
Kansas, Texas, Michigan State, and Purdue. Big 12 vs. Big Ten. Good stuff.

More news

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Ex-Bruin reacted to article right way

CBT: Drew Gordon is taking a different approach than Reeves Nelson, one much more likely to result in hearing his name called come draft day.

C. Mich. transfer Zeigler cleared to play at Pitt

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Former Central Michigan guard Trey Zeigler has been cleared by the NCAA to play at Pitt next season.

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