I’m going to be dropping in some college basketball conference previews over the next few weeks, as the start of the season is remarkably just around the corner. I ran through my MWC picks a few days back, today it’s a rundown on the PAC-12.
1. Arizona… Losing players like Aaron Gordon and Nick Johnson might normally be considered a huge blow, but not here. Arizona is loaded, and if they don’t win this league, it’s a monster upset. There are four potential first-round NBA draft picks on this team. I see Arizona playing on the final weekend of March Madness, so this is a pretty easy choice.
2. Colorado… Tad Boyle has done a really nice job with this program. Everyone is back except for Spencer Dinwiddie, and the Buffs learned to live without him when he got hurt last season. Asia Booker is a star, even if he shoots a little too much and Josh Scott can dominate in the paint.
3. Utah…Welcome to the Delon Wright Show. It’s amazing how quickly Larry Krystkowiak has rebuilt the Utes, and I think they’re going to make the Big Dance this season.
4. Washington… My guess is I’ve got the Huskies higher than almost anyone. Lorenzo Romar’s teams are always a little erratic, but I really like this team’s backcourt. The situation with the bigs is far more uncertain, but if massive Robert Upshaw taps his potential, the Huskies could be a major surprise team.
5. Stanford… Three starters are back from a team that got it together at tournament time and rolled to the Sweet 16. But Dwight Powell and Josh Huestis will be missed. Chosen Randle and Anthony Brown are outstanding, Stefan Nastic has a chance to improve and they have some interesting newcomers. I’m still not a big Dawkins guy, though, and my sense is that late last season was a fluke.
6. UCLA… The freshman class is loaded and the Bruins could be live late in the season. But they’re going to be vulnerable early with Jonah Bolden ineligible and Jon Octeus not getting admitted. Steve Alford has to replace three NBA first round picks as well. Lots of talent still on hand, but I don’t see this as a banner season in Westwood.
7. California… Adios, Mike Montgomery and welcome aboard, Cuonzo Martin. I thought the Bears underachieved last season and should improve somewhat this year. The energy level sure figures to be higher, but they lost two key guys and the roster is no better than mid-pack.
8. Arizona State… No more Jordan Bachynski, no more Jermaine Marshall, no more Jahii Carson. Veteran coach Herb Sendek says he likes his team’s versatility and perhaps minus the overly aggressive Carson they can create more balance. But I just don’t see the talent being that good.
9. Oregon… Joseph Young is a stud and Dana Altman can still coach. But off the court issues did a number on this team and they’re now unexpectedly stuck in rebuild mode.
10. USC… Andy Enfield has a very young team that’s sorely lacking in experience. It’s all about how quickly the freshmen adapt to big time college basketball. My bet is that this team is at least one year away from making a move.
11. Washington State… The Cougars should be more fun to watch with Ernie Kent back in the coaching box, and they’ve still got DaVonte Lacy. But they don’t have much else. A long season in Pullman seems certain.
12. Oregon State… Deadsville. Craig Robinson left new coach Wayne Tinkle with next to nothing. The Beavers could well be the underdog in every conference game they play, and with corresponding results.
TALK TO ME: Reply and let me know which of these picks you most agree or disagree with ...
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