NCAA Basketball Phoenix

This news that Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings might elect to play in Europe for a year is interesting on so many levels and will be quite the test case for future high school players.

In Jennings' case, he may not be able to qualify to get into 'Zona. Back in the day, that was either a sign that the kid would go into the NBA or head to a JUCO for two years, get his grades up, then head to a Division I program.

The problem now is that the NBA won't let high schoolers enter the draft and the NCAA is cracking down (a bit) on JUCO schools and grade point averages. This could be the best deal for a guy that can't get into an elite college program to show off his wares.

But is it really? Jennings is the anti-point guard in Europe. They like guys who facilitate a team, work the ball, play good defense and not be a scorer. While Jennings is an awesome passer, he is flashier than they tend to like and he's that scoring-type of lead guard.

Also, European teams aren't as down with playing youth that much. The Charlotte Bobcats just drafted Alexis Ajinca with the 20th pick in the draft a few nights ago ... and he doesn't get much playing time with his French team. NBA teams could be scared off by his lack of development and he plummets down the 2009 Draft.

With all the goings on on Monday ... a.k.a. "deadline day" for guys wishing to take their name out of the NBA Draft ... there was one major surprise.

Chase Budinger will return to Arizona. Wow!

"Over the last several weeks I have experienced the NBA draft process, attended several workouts with a variety of NBA clubs and received much positive feedback from those teams," Budinger said in a statement released by the Arizona athletic department. "However, it is my decision to return to the University of Arizona."

"I don't disagree with him doing that," Arizona coach Lute Olson told FOXSports.com. "Some guys can really benefit from the experience and gather a better understanding of what they need to do and I think that'll be the case."

"I think he could be a high lottery pick in next year's draft," Olson added. "The way we're going to play, it could happen."

Ucla over WASHINGTON - Like the Huskies can win back-to-back games...

Arizona over STANFORD - Arizona has way more athleticism, but height of Tree could cause problems for the 'Cats.

Lute was looking all GQ in the first half -- nice suit, tie and that trademark silvery hair. But just because Coach looked good, didn't mean the team did. Arizona trailed by 10 at halftime, but that red tie came off and the Wildcats overcame a late 8-0 Oregon run to steal a win at Mac Court, 77-74.

U of A went on a late run of its own, to take its first lead of the second half with 3:17 to go. The 'Cats stretched that to a seven point lead down, but Oregon's 8-0 run, capped by a Tajuan Porter three with 22 seconds gave the Ducks a one-point advantage.

Then Arizona big-man Ivan Radenovic got the ball in the post and hit a shot with six seconds left to get the lead. Sub-zero Brooks, who had his second straight bad game (six points on 2-14 shooting), was called for a charge on the ensuing possession. Freshman stud Chase Budinger, who had 30 points, hit two free throws for the final margin.

Whew! Still with me?

Arizona, which started hearing those whispers of "bubble" after getting bent over by North Carolina are now playing much better, having won three straight. The 'Cats are 17-7 overall, 8-5 in the Pac-10 and have a strong RPI. Oregon, meanwhile, is struggling having lost three of four. Once in first place in the standings, the Ducks are 20-5 overall, 8-5 in the conference and tied for fifth place with 'Zona. (The teams have now split the season series).

There are going to be some very interesting games come Pac-10 Tourney time, and probably some damn good games before then too. But you already knew that...

Oregon State 59, Arizona State 55 - This one stings more than usual for the Sun Devils and coach Herb Sendek, pictured giving his best "just shoot me" pose. The loss, ASU's fourteenth straight, makes the 'Devils 0-13 in the Pac-10 and could very likely go 0-18 in the league, which hasn't happened since Sendek had a full head of hair. Arizona State's best chance to get that elusive first win is March 3 at Cal, the last game of the regular season.

Sasa Cuic had 22 points, a guy named Wesley Washington added 13 for the Beav, and for the Sun Devils, well, we don't need to go there. I'd imagine I'll be hearing the cliche "soul searching" coming out of Tempe these next few days.

No. 14 Washington State 59, Cal 46 - Daven Harmeling had 26 points and the Cougs continue to roll. I'm telling you, Wazzu has Final Four written all over them. Man, they're tough.

Cal shot 34 percent from the field and the Bears have now lost six straight. I imagine coach Ben Braun is rocking a similar hand-to-forehead look that Sendek is.