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- Arizona -

Keep An Eye On:   December brings a gauntlet of high-level games, starting on Dec. 5 when the Cats visit Texas A&M. Arizona takes on West Coast Conference powerhouse Gonzaga in Phoenix on Dec. 14, then returns home Dec. 23 to face Kansas.

Strengths:   At least the Wildcats know what hand they’ve been dealt for the rest of this season. It’s not much in the way of stability, but it beats the constant uncertainty that has dogged the program for more than a year. Even with Pennell at the helm, expect Arizona to return to its fast-paced ways, and look for Budinger to break out with a big season in a system more to his liking. Jordan Hill will be one of the Pac-10’s top post players and Nic Wise is a more-than-competent point guard.

Weaknesses:   The Wildcats have limited depth and still haven’t regained the overall talent level that was their trademark during Olson’s best days in the 1980s and ’90s. For better or worse, this team does not have McDonald’s All-America players crowding the bench. A particular concern is the lack of a proven shooting guard. Zane Johnson, a 6-5 sophomore who was yanked out of a planned red-shirt year late last season, will get the chance to show what he can do. Otherwise, the job will go to a freshman or might prompt position changes.

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- Texas A&M -

Keep An Eye On:   A seat on the bench can often provide motivation, even when it’s not entirely deserved. To counter a smaller lineup, Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon took F Chinemulu Elonu out of his initial rotation. While the move was not meant to send a message to Elonu, the 6-10 sophomore responded anyway by posting 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in a Nov. 26 victory against UNC Wilmington. “I was happy for him. He needed a breakout game,” Turgeon said.

Strengths:   Texas A&M has the ingredients to be a sound team, though the returnees have not yet provided big numbers. G Josh Carter was the Aggies’ leading scorer last season, but averaged just 12.2 points and his 3-point accuracy dipped. F Bryan Davis was a pleasant surprise last season when he added bulk inside at 6-9, 250, while averaging 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. Each of these players must take on more responsibilities, though the Aggies also can turn to other veterans such as C Chinemelu Elonu, G Derrick Roland and G Donald Sloan.

Weaknesses:   Inconsistency was a huge deterrent last season when Texas A&M was blown out in some of its games and in jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament. The Aggies qualified, then reached the second round and fell 51-49 to UCLA in a controversial finish. Still, second-year Mark Turgeon must do everything he can to keep the Aggies out of lethargic funks. Depth could be the key if newcomers such as F David Loubeau and PG Dashan Harris meet expectations.