The most topsy-turvy Arizona basketball season in recent memory ended with a thud, and the offseason brought an extra helping of chaos.

The Wildcats, who lost seven of their final 10 games before the NCAA tournament, were ousted on Day 1, losing 75-65 to West Virginia at Washington D.C.

Afterward, no one was sure who was coming or going before next season.

Interim coach Kevin O'Neill, pegged several months ago as Lute Olson's eventual permanent successor, is gone.

"There's been an air of uncertainty about me for the last 25 years," O'Neill said.

But O'Neill's loss seems minor as stacked against other defections.

Freshman guard Jerryd Bayless, an NBA lottery pick, opted for the pro game. But Chase Budinger delayed his arrival at the pro show for one year and Nic Wise, a junior next season, are likely to make up for that loss.

But on the downside, heralded guard Brandon Jennings, considered a readymade plug-in replacement for Bayless, didn't meet minimal eligibility requirements and announced on July 8 through his attorney that he plans to play in Europe in 2008-09. NBA rules disallow players less than one year out of high school to enter the league.

Jennings was expected to offset the early loss of Bayless. Already signed recruit Emmanuel Negedu, citing staff upheaval, asked out of his letter of intent.

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