Big 12 and Pac 10

It's a rite of fall that Pac-10 basketball coaches declare their conference, from top to bottom, is better than it has been in years.

This year, they might actually be right.

Unlike the past three seasons, when there was an obvious favorite or two, the Pac-10 is a harder call at the top, with Arizona, Stanford and UCLA all getting first-place votes in the preseason media poll, and Washington, California and Oregon also able to make a legitimate case for contenderhood.

And while there are some obvious bottom-feeders, all but Arizona State appear to be on the upswing, making for a conference that should feature few easy nights and lots of intrigue.

Here's a quick look at each team entering the season.

Arizona

THE MISSION: As always, the Wildcats are a contender for the Pac-10 title and a deep NCAA tournament run, despite the loss of all-conference players Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire. Every other significant player returns, led by senior swingman Hassan Adams.

THE STAR: Adams is one of the flashiest players in the country and after resisting the lure of the NBA, seems set to have his best season. How versatile is Adams? Last year he led Arizona in steals and was second in rebounding and assists.

THE NEWCOMER: The Huskies couldn't keep all of last year's marvelous Seattle high school class at home and one who got away, Marcus Williams of Roosevelt, should make an impact immediate as a swingman for the Wildcats.

THE QUESTION MARK: Can mercurial junior point guard Mustafa Shakur finally play to his potential? Word is he's ready for a breakout year now that the domineering presence of Stoudamire beside him is gone.