Why he will make news: Budinger has a look about him that will draw attention. He has the curly hair -- tightly cropped now but with the potential to mushroom out -- a goatee (at least early in the season) and a game that is all over the court.
Budinger could be one of the top freshmen ever to play at Arizona. He is being talked about as one of the "special" recruits for Lute Olson. He's a scorer and will get plenty of chances on a roster that is youthful and wants to get up and down. He's not Adam Morrison, but he'll certainly draw the attention of folks who want to watch a player who is so active on the court.
How he will make an impact: Budinger will be a major factor on a potential Final Four team. He can score on a team that will need a small forward who can be a mismatch for opposing teams. Budinger, paired with Jawann McClellan, Ivan Radenovic and Mustafa Shakur, gives the Wildcats a potential go-to player. He won't be the first option, but he could easily have nights where he is the featured hot hand. His defense will come around, but he's on the floor to score and make plays on the offensive end.
Headline games: This is Arizona, remember? Olson doesn't shy away from putting his players on a national stage. Budinger and the rest of his mates go to Virginia to open the Cavs' new building, and games against New Mexico State, UNLV, Illinois in Phoenix, Louisville in the Jimmy V Classic in New York, at San Diego State, Houston, Memphis and North Carolina, let alone Pac-10 games against UCLA and Washington, should give Budinger plenty of opportunities to make headlines.
Doug Gottlieb's take: While many saw Adam Morrison as the next Larry Bird, let's be honest: Bird had several inches and a bit more game than Ammo. Nonetheless, if those comparisons can stick with a player his entire career, then here is one: Budinger is the next Tom Chambers. With high-flying springs from his volleyball background and an innate basketball IQ, there are many in Tucson who believe Lute Olson may hang around awhile to see if Budinger can lead his Cats back to the Final Four.