When Arizona rolls out an army of five-star talent in its home opener Tuesday, it won’t be anything Cal State Bakersfield coach Rod Barnes hasn’t seen before.
After all, the last time Barnes coached a team against the Wildcats, soon-to-be wealthy NBA players named Richard Jefferson, Gilbert Arenas, Loren Woods and Luke Walton popped up. As did Michael Wright and Jason Gardner, who enjoyed successful overseas pro careers.
Then those Wildcats, after trailing 24-23 at halftime of a 2001 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game because of Ole Miss’ rugged defensive efforts, rose up to end the Rebels’ season with a 66-56 win.