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UA men's basketball team expects tougher competition against California All-Stars

The UA men's basketball team closes out its exhibition season on Sunday, but expects the opposition to be a lot tougher than usual.

In its final tune-up before the season starts next week, the Wildcats host the California All-Stars on Sunday at 3 p.m. at McKale Center. It will be the All-Stars' 11th game in 14 days.

Just how good are the California All-Stars?

They beat No. 15 Utah in Salt Lake City 70-68 Wednesday night, and feature two players who were well-honored during their collegiate careers - Charles O'Bannon (UCLA) and Bo Kimble (Loyola Marymount).

"We're going to face a team that is much different from the Lithuania team," UA head coach Lute Olson said. "They are different in two ways - it's a team that's been in the states and played a number of games in similar situations like what they will face here in McKale."

Unlike Alytus Alita, who were pounded by 52 points in last Sunday's exhibition at McKale Center, the California All-Stars will be able to match the Wildcats' athleticism and strength.

"They are a very good team and an experienced team," Olson said. "They're athletic, and they have played quite a bit together."

Though Arizona was able to cruise past Alita and get everybody minutes, Olson said he didn't learn much about the team in the blowout win. Though he respects the California All-Stars, Olson said the preparation this week has been focused on Kansas State, Tuesday's opponent in the first round of the Pre-season NIT.

One problem that was ironed out was the status of sophomore guard Ruben Douglas, who sat out the Alita game to keep his options open. Apparently unhappy and wanting more playing time, Douglas considered transferring, but after a heart-to-heart talk with Olson, he returned to practice on Monday.

"My teammates, I get along with them, we all get along, but to a certain extent, you have to look out for what you feel, and what you think is right," Douglas said. "There were some things on my mind that I needed to get a response, and that's what happened."

Olson refused to comment last Sunday on why Douglas was kept out.

"I told Ruben that it'd be good for both of us to evaluate what was said on both ends," Olson said. "For me to make a statement (after last Sunday's game), that would have been unfair, especially unfair to Ruben.

"The whole point is he needed, and I needed, to think about things. I think we're on the same page in terms of where we can go from here."

The team also decided on the two co-captains - senior guard Josh Pastner and junior center Loren Woods.

"It's awesome, a tremendous, tremendous honor," Pastner said. "Just to be a captain at this kind of program is awesome."