File Photo Senior forward Krista Warren and junior guard Amy Grzyb look to lead the Wildcats back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2000. Practice for Arizona starts in just over two weeks. The first game of the year is Nov. 22 against Louisiana State in Tucson. Conference play will get started with a Dec. 27 match-up against the California Golden Bears in Berkeley, Calif.

Women's basketball hopes to make NCAA tournament run for first time in 3 years

To say this team is hungry would be a gross understatement.

Though the first game is over a month away, the Arizona women's basketball team is itching to get back on the court. Practice starts in just over two weeks.

Looking to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 1999-2000 season öö something their male counterparts have no trouble doing öö this team is looking to create its own identity.

A national, intimidating identity.

Last season, Arizona won as many games as it lost.

As this season approaches, many coaches around the country are probably expecting the same type of finish for head coach Joan Bonvicini's team öö but they might be in for a rude awakening.

With a sharp- shooting Aussie, last years Pacific 10 Conference freshman of the year and two juniors at guard, a dominating center in the paint, senior leaders, and a bench as deep as Bonvicini can remember, the Wildcats appear to be on the verge of busting onto the national scene.

"We are anxious," senior forward Krista Warren said. "We want basketball to start more than the conditioning.

"We have something to prove," Bonvicini said. "Speaking for all the players, particularly for those that are returning, they want to go out and get to the NCAA tournament."

Why all of a sudden?

The answer is the team has been in place, just not playing.

Over the past two seasons, the Wildcats have been decimated by injuries that have kept the team from fulfilling its potential.

On paper and during practice, the team has plenty of experience together. On the court during games, only seven of 15 players on the roster have suited up for game time ÷ something that Bonvicini is aware of, but is far from worried about.

"We have a lot of new players," Bonvicini said. "Any time you have a lot of freshman in the mix, its great because they have a lot of energy. They are going to get some playing time."

The Wildcats are led by a pair of seniors that have had their share of agony.

Forward Krista Warren spent last season getting back into the swing of things following a torn ACL.

Senior guard Julie Brase suffered through similar frustration the season the year prior to Warren's injury, as she was forced from the lineup with a wrist injury.

"Leadership-wise it is obvious," Bonvicini said. "Their experience will play a big part."

Junior guards Candice Allen and Amy Grzyb have another year under their respective belts and will be counted on to provide a spark to the team öö especially from three-point range.

Last season, Grzyb, one of the few Wildcats to stay injury-free, tallied 10.8 points per game, and finished eighth in the Pac-10 in three-point percentage (.360).

Allen, who sat out seven games with a concussion, put up an even 10 points per game, and was fifth in the conference in steals.

The youth of this season's squad is headed up by last season's Pac-10 freshman of the year, Dee-Dee Wheeler.

Wheeler, who played far beyond her years, averaged 12.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest.

In the middle will be Shawntinice Polk.

The 6-foot-5 red-shirt freshman will provide an intimidating threat in the middle for Bonvicini's squad.

Bonvicini said that though Polk, Wheeler and red-shirt freshman guard Katrina Lindner are still learning the ropes of the Division I game, she is confident their talent will show through.

It will have to.

The Wildcats have stacked up one of the most difficult schedules in recent history.

"We're not duckin' anybody," Bonvicini said. "The biggest thing for us is that we will have our opportunity to prove ourselves. We have a tough schedule.

"LSU is a top 10 or top five team. It's important we come out from the get go ready to play."

Bonvicini said playing the tough teams can be good or bad, but sees it as an important challenge for her young team.

"We are going to be tested, but it is going to be a great opportunity," Bonvicini said. "We know we have a tough schedule."

Warren echoed her coach's sentiments, and said the tough schedule will test the team's mettle early and often.

"We have a really tough schedule," Warren said. "I see what the coach is trying to do. She wants to challenge us in the beginning so we can be ready for the tough Pac-10 season."