Pac-10 predictions

[Lefty]

With basketball starting up, how do you see the Pac-10 this year? I think the league will not be as strong as last year, so there could be a lot of teams fighting for the top half.

Here is my prediction:
1)UCLA
2)ASU
3)USC
4)Washington-they could be the surprise team and could finish as high as 2nd.
5)UofA
6)Cal
7)Oregon
8)Washington State
9)Stanford
10)Oregon State

 

[Russ Smith]

Having seen UCLA's first 2 games (ESPNU streamed on the web!) I can confidently say if UCLA is the best team in the Pac 10 now, everyone else is not very good.

I think SC is the best team now, best combination of talent and experience. They still don't know if Stepheson is cleared now I'm reading it could be 7-10 more days before they know because they filed his waiver claim late(Sept) and now it's dragging.

UCLA will be pretty good later in the year but right now they have no frontcourt scoring and they're still integrating Jrue into the offense. Right now I'm not sure they're a final 4 contender the front court may be too weak for that. But they made a final 4 starting hollins and Luc(as a freshman) so anything is possible. Right now Collison and harden look to be front runners for POY.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

1. UCLA
2. USC
3. ASU
4. Washington
5. Arizona
6. Wazzu
7. Oregon
8. Cal
9. Stanford
10. Oregon State

 

[Gaddabout]

It's going to be a down year in the Pac-10. Expect surprises.

 

[Russ Smith]

I may have to revise my view of USC, it appears their guards are not nearly as good as expected. Hackett and Lewis are good but Donte Smith so far has not been good and Simmons is just a defender. Derozan is struggling in their halfcourt sets and they don't really have the PG that's quick enough to push it so they can take advantage of their overall athleticism.

They're still good because their frontline is good, especially if Stepheson is cleared to play, but that backcourt could be a problem.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Speaking of Stevenson...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3713408

Alex Stepheson's appeal to play immediately at USC after transferring from North Carolina was denied Wednesday by the NCAA.

Stepheson, who didn't travel with the Trojans to San Juan for the Puerto Rico Tip-Off on Tuesday, will redshirt this season and have two seasons of eligibility remaining. USC assistant Rob Cantu said the Trojans were informed of the decision Wednesday morning.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

So far Wazzu has been the second best team in the Pac-10 behind UCLA and they're probably the only school in the conference playing up to their potential. Tony Bennett is going to get paid this offseason if he wants to leave Pullman.

 

[Russ Smith]

Speaking of Stevenson...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3713408

Yeah that surprised me I assumed when they asked UNC to review paperwork that meant they were intending to clear him.

Bad day for USC, Alex loses his waiver request, and Moser picks UCLA.

 

[Russ Smith]

So far Wazzu has been the second best team in the Pac-10 behind UCLA and they're probably the only school in the conference playing up to their potential. Tony Bennett is going to get paid this offseason if he wants to leave Pullman.

Yeah I haven't seen them yet but I admit I'm surprised at their start.

I figured losing their 3 starters like Low, Cowgill and Weaver would be too much for them to overcome but they're off to a great start.

 

[Gaddabout]

You can always count on any Bennet-coached team to play good defense on the perimeter. That's always a good barometer for a team to over-achieve.

 

[Lefty]

UCLA loses to Michigan tonight. The Bruins don't look that great on the offensive side of the ball. Looks like there is no clear favorite to win the Pac-10 this year.

 

[Lefty]

USC blows a lead to Seton Hall and loses.

 

[TJ]

Funny observation:

ASU was ranked #15 nationally and #2 in the Pac -10 in football this year, exactly what their b-ball rankings are now. Look what happened there.

Perhaps there is a trend going on here?

 

[DWKB]

Washington sure didn't look like the second best team in the Pac 10 last night.

If they don't learn to beat a simple zone then they are in serious trouble. No outside shooting, Thomas can only drive to his left, Brockman doesn't have the energy to carry this team.

Seems to me that the Pac 10 is UCLA, ASU and supporting cast. That certainly might help UofA keep their tournament appearance streak alive.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Washington State has looked better than ASU, maybe even better than UCLA. The reality is that it's going to be a very down year for the conference, every team has some pretty glaring flaws including Wazzu who is young and has athleticism issues.

UCLA should improve as the season goes on as they do every year but outside of them I don't think there's anyone in the conference with enough talent and depth to make a serious run in March. Even UCLA has shown the scoring droughts that has plagued past Howland teams.

The second best team in the conference is probably ASU but when you look at their roster they have really only one big man that is Pac-10 caliber and almost no bench. Harden is one of the top 5 players in the country and will be on stage with David Stern next April, but until Pendergraph learns how to stay out of foul trouble (and considering it's his senior year I'm not sure he will ever learn) ASU won't get far in March.

Arizona has too many WCC-caliber players on the roster to make up for their top three. Whether guys like Judkins (a nice late steal by Lute) and Horne step up their games will determine this team goes to the Tourney or not. Jordan Hill's foul issues are also a concern.

As far as Washington goes, Romar just isn't a very good coach. The only success he has had there was with Bob Bender's players. Have fun in Seattle Gaddy, just like Lute the guy you committed to probably won't be there throughout your college tenure.

USC has just looked horrid, Demar Derozan has not made a good debut for being a top 5 player out of high school. Their bench is weak too, but I'd guess they improve as he season goes on and have an impact come coinference season.

I think Oregon could be a player when all is said and done. They have a guy who can carry a team at any time in Tajuan Porter and Dunigan is going to be a player. Probably a year away though.

Cal/Stanford/OSU don't have the manpower to compete.