College basketball season has just started to get under way, so it's time to preview the major conferences. First up is the Pac 10.
Conference Review
In 2009, the Pac 10 had a very down year. Traditional powers such as Arizona and UCLA struggles mightily, and the conference had just 1 NCAA Tournament bid (Washington). This year, however, the conference looks to be on the rise again.
Predictions
1. Washington (Last Year: 26-10, 11-7)
Washington is the clear favorite in the conference this year. They lost top scorer Quincy Pondexter to the draft, but return Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan-Amaning. Freshman Terrence Ross should provide a solid scoring option on the wing. Washington was a surprise Sweet 16 team last year, and could make it there again this year.
2. UCLA (14-18, 8-10)
Yes, UCLA was much worse than they usually are last year. However, this year, the team looks to have a solid chance at getting back into the NCAA tournament. G Malcolm Lee showcased his potential last year for the Bruins, F Tyler Honeycutt has been predicted by many to be a lottery pick and 1st Team All-Pac 10 member, and F Reeves Nelson is returning from a season in which he earned a starting job. Freshman C Josh Smith should give the Bruins a low post scorer that they sorely missed last season. The big question for the Bruins will be at PG. Junior Jerime Anderson has not lived up to the expectations, and after him they senior Mustafa Abdul-Hamid and JUCO transfer Lazeric Jones. If UCLA can solve the PG problems, watch out.
3. Arizona (16-15, 10-8)
Despite missing Nic Wise from last year's 4th place finishing team, Arizona has a very solid team that should compete in the Pac 10 this season. Sophomore Derrick Williams is coming off a freshman season in which he averaged 15.7 PPG and 7.1 RPG. Kyle Fogg also returns after scoring 11.1 PPG last year. Overall, Arizona has a pretty good team, and could be the 3rd Pac 10 team in the Big Dance.
4. USC (16-14, 8-10)
USC had a rough season last year after announcing self-imposed sanctions in the middle of the season, banning the team from postseason play. This year, the ban has been lifted, and the team is looking to get into the tournament. USC returns F Nikola Vucecic (predicted by many as a 1st Team All-Pac 10) and Alex Stephenson, who both should provide good scoring for USC. Overall, this is a team that might be on the bubble come March.
5. Arizona State (22-11, 12-6)
Arizona State finished 2nd in the conference last year, but lost their best big man Eric Boateng. Arizona State doesn't seem to have any replacements for Boateng, and their low post and rebounding play should suffer. Arizona State is an average team, and I don't think they will make the tournament this year.
6. Washington State (16-15, 6-12)
Washington State finished last in the conference last year, but returns three stellar scorers. Klay Thompson led the league in scoring last year, and they also return Reggie Moore and DeAngelo Castro. The Cougars probably won't do much in the national spotlight, but should improve this season.
7. California (24-11, 13-5)
Cal was one of the best teams in the conference last year, and won the regular season championship, but lost 4 of their top players. Jerome Randle, Patrick Christopher, Jamal Boykin, and Theo Robertson all graduated and have left Cal, and now this team is left with a team that probably won't compete this year.
8. Oregon State (14-18, 8-10)
Oregon State made some strides last year (they were winless in conference the year before) under Coach Craig Robinson, and should continue to get better this year, but won't be one of the top teams in the conference.
9. Stanford (14-18, 7-11)
Stanford will have one of the youngest teams in the Pac 10 this year, with 9 freshman on their roster, and 0 seniors. Stanford doesn't seem to have the talent to compete with the rest of the Pac 10.
10. Oregon (16-16, 7-11)
Oregon's basketball team is not doing as well as their football team is this season. This team lost multiple players from last year, and are also in the middle of an NCAA investigation over improper benefits received by former players. In general, the Ducks basketball program is a mess.
The Pac 10 should improve from last season, but still is one of the worse Big Six conferences.
