Wildcats, Minus Simon, Face Tar Heels

Arizona Coach Lute Olson knew he was going into the season with an untested team. He just didn’t expect it to be this inexperienced.

The No. 19 Wildcats open their season tonight at Springfield, Mass., against No. 7 North Carolina in the Hall of Fame Tipoff Classic and they will do it without their only returning starter.

Junior guard Miles Simon was declared academically ineligible by the school Wednesday and there was no indication how long he will be out.

“I can’t comment any further other than he’s not with us,” Olson said as the team left for the cross-country trip.

Simon packed his bags for the trip, only to take them home again after practicing with the team Wednesday.

“I’ve just got to keep my head up,” he said. “It’s disappointing if I can’t play, but I’ve got to keep a positive attitude and help the team any way I can.”

Without Simon the Wildcats will have two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior college transfer in their six-man rotation. North Carolina isn’t the ideal opening opponent for such a team.

“I think this group of young people won’t be in awe of anybody,” Olson said.