Bramlett, Terry poised to lead UA

Ian Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat UA senior guard Miles Simon cuts down the net following the Stanford upset giving Arizona the Pac-10 Conference Champion title.

You can tell them Bennett Davison, Michael Dickerson, Miles Simon and Mike Bibby are gone, that's fine. Do not accuse them of losing a step.

"We're going to be a lot better than people think," senior-to-be A.J. Bramlett said.

It is an attitude that permeates the team and one that will serve the Wildcats well when they meet a Stanford team with Final Four experience and all five starters returning.

The Wildcats return just one true starter - Bramlett - though head coach Lute Olson said senior-to-be Jason Terry - viewed as the nation's best sixth man - was like a starter.

Also returning after gaining significant minutes during the Wildcats' Elite Eight and Pacific 10 Conference Championship run are junior-to-be Eugene Edgerson and sophomore-to-be Quynn Tebbs.

The Wildcats' other senior-to-be, Donnell Harris, could combine with Bramlett to form a formidable twin-towers combo at certain times on the floor. He continues to recover from a midseason gall bladder surgery that limited his effectiveness most of the season.

No talk of the 1998-99 season is complete without the recruits.Six incoming freshmen will provide good depth for the Wildcats and as many as three could start. Ruben Douglas, Michael Wright, Richard Jefferson, Ricky Anderson, Traves Wilson and Luke Walton provide the kind of up-tempo focus the Wildcats are famous for.

The projected first teamers when the Wildcats take the court for practice in October should go something like this:

G - Terry. He will most certainly become the all-time school leader in assists next season but will be counted on for offense more than ever. Expect career averages to jump big time.

G - Tebbs or Douglas. Tebbs doesn't have big-time minutes under his belt but he has played at this level. Each player can shoot the nets out but can Douglas play defense?

C - Bramlett. A two-year starter gives the Wildcats stability in the middle. He doesn't have Todd MacCullough's numbers or Tim Young's strength, but the Wildcat coaching staff wouldn't trade Bramlett for anybody. And for good reason - he is the best all-around post man in the conference.

F - Jefferson. The kid is big time. He helped lead Phoenix Moon Valley to the Arizona state title last season and participated in the McDonald's All-America game. His speed and shooting ability will help keep defenses honest and off Bramlett.

F - Edgerson, Wright or Harris. The most hotly-contested of the five starting spots, each brings something to the table. Edgerson is the workhorse, Harris is the best shooter of the big men and Wright is a tenacious rebounder with a refined offensive game.