Finally Penders has the mix of players that he has been seeking during his first 3 seasons at UH .... and although he still is in pursuit of even more talent for the future .... he likes this year's team.

Guard Lanny Smith ...is back healthy this year .... and he says the past ten days have been busy. The Coogs haven't played a game since January 2nd ( a loss at UMass)
but they've been going through some gruling workouts. Says Smith, "We've been getting up at 4:30 in morning and working out 3 times a day. Coach Penders doesn't like losing much." Penders says,"My mom used to say ....When Tommy's not busy .... Tommy's in trouble .(chuckling) ..........so yes, the players and coaches have had an opportunity to get to know each other." (They've been able to practice so much because UH is still in semester break.)

The last time the Coogs hosted a game that appeared on national TV .... they beat Kentucky. The atmosphere was great .....with the game being sold out .....but this matchup with #24 Arizona on Saturday is something totally different. Kentucky has a rich, basketball history ....but that program is down. Arizona on the other hand competes in the super tough Pac-10 conference. Penders believes 9 teams from the Pac-10 will make the NCAA post-season tournament.

A win for UH would be huge. The Coogs are 11 & 2 thus far ....and fighting for respectability nationwide and from the NCAA selection commitee.