Basketball season is upon us. No, really, it is. I know that college football and the NFL season have barely begun, but it's time to get excited for Arizona Basketball.

I was fortunate enough to cover media day with the team on Friday. Selfies were taken, piggy-backs were given, and it become clear how close this team really is. That closeness is something that should become evident on the court. If the team chemistry is good off the court, then hopefully it will lead to even better on-court results.

After a tough loss in the Elite Eight last year, I know that I speak for a lot of Wildcat fans when I say I hope that this year, we can continue to be successful in the NCAA tournament (and beat Wisconsin).

Last year, Arizona was a clear favorite to win the PAC-12 and go far in the tournament. Of course that was the case, however, many think that this year the team may not be a clear favorite. Nationally, the team is still ranked high, but many people are sleeping on this team. We may not be the preseason pick to win it all, but it's okay, because everyone likes the underdog, right?

The team will have a new look this year. Although the team lost four starters, Stanley Johnson, T.J. McConnell, Brandon Ashley, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, it has seven newcomers that have the ability to bring something new for the team. These seven newcomers include four freshman that make up the number three recruiting class in the nation. Allonso Trier, Ray Smith, Justin Simon, and Chance Comanche are all ready to take the team to the top.

The Wildcats also have senior leadership that will help boost the team. Kaleb Tarczewski, Gabe York, transfer Mark Tollefsen, Ryan Anderson, who redshirted last year, and Jacob Hazzard make up the talented senior class.

Home court has always been an advantage in the McKale Center, and I am not expecting anything less this year. The Zona Zoo will continue to be rowdy and try to get teams to crack under pressure, and yeah, I'm talking about you, Gonzaga.

Let's not forget that Sean Miller is still the coach. When you have Miller on your side, what could go wrong? His knowledge about the game of basketball has brought Arizona to one Sweet Sixteen and three Elite Eights in his six years as head coach. Let's hope his seventh year is equally, if not more, successful.

Ryan Anderson said the team's new motto this year is"Just Us." It is expected that this new motto will bring posterizing Zeus dunks, clutch three-pointers from York, and new talent from Trier.

Get ready to Bear Down.