5 Questions to Preview the Upcoming Pac-10 Hoops Season
As the Sun Devils prepare to embark on their journey through the Pac-10 schedule, we tackle five questions on the state of the conference—and ask for your assessment of Arizona State’s chances.
Conf. Overall Stanford 0-0 9-0 Arizona St. 0-0 10-1 California 0-0 11-2 UCLA 0-0 10-2 USC 0-0 9-3 Washington 0-0 8-3 Arizona 0-0 8-3 Washington St. 0-0 8-4 Oregon 0-0 5-6 Oregon St. 0-0 4-5
5. Could Oregon State go winless again?
The tenure of head coach Craig Robinson, the brother-in-law of Barack Obama, did not get off to a strong start when Oregon State was upset 47-45 by Howard. The Beavers have since regrouped and notched wins over Nebraska and Fresno State. They went winless in one of the best conferences in the nation last year. With the Pac-10 less competitive this year, Oregon State should win a game or two, right?
4. Are Cal and Stanford supposed to be this good?
Cal is going through a coaching change. Stanford lost the Lopez twins early to the NBA. So why are the Bay Area schools sporting a combined record of 20-2? Well, Cal’s coaching change concluded with former Stanford and NBA coach Mike Montgomery at the helm. And many forget that the Cardinal returned three starters from last year’s squad. We’ll get an early look at both squads early as ASU visits the Bay Area this weekend.
3. What’s the deal with Arizona?
The soap opera only began when Lute Olson abruptly retired prior to the season. Now the program is hemorrhaging future and current players to transfer and is inexplicably losing games to the likes of UAB. Still, with Jordan Hill, Chase Budinger and Nic Wise on the roster, the Wildcats have a chance to cause damage in the Pac-10. Look no further than recent wins over Kansas and Gonzaga for proof.
3. Who’s James Harden’s player of the year competition?
James Harden is leading the Pac-10 in scoring by more than four points per game, but he’s no lock for conference player of the year. UCLA point guard Darren Collison will be tough to overcome if the Bruins win the conference. Big men Jon Brockman of Washington, Jordan Hill of Arizona and Taj Gibson of Cal are forces down low but will need their teams to surprise people. Want a darkhorse? How about mighty mite Jerome Randle, who’s averaging 19.5 points and 4.8 assists for Cal.
1. Is UCLA having a down year?
UCLA has won three straight conference championships—often in dominating fashion. But without Kevin Love in the post, the Bruins have lost to Michigan and Texas and count their best win at home against Miami of Ohio. They’re still strong on the perimeter with veterans Darren Collison and Josh Shipp and top freshman Jrue Holiday, but the door seems open for a team like Arizona State—even though it’s only open a crack.
What’s Your Take, Sun Devils?
How do you see the conference race playing out? Who will be the conference player of the year? Let us know in the comments below!
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If James Harden plays like James Harden then he easily wins the PoY competition. ASU’s success, however, is dependent on other players stepping up. Pendergraph needs to be much more consistent and the entire team needs to do a better job of keeping him involved in the offense. I’d also like to see him get a bit meaner (and I don’t mean committing more fouls). I’ve given up on Boateng – how was this guy every a McDonald’s HS AA?
ASU should finish around 12-6 in the conference this year, which includes two losses to UCLA and at least one loss to UA. I see them getting past the first round of the Pac-10 tournament, and I see them winning a first round game in the NCAA tournament but that is as far as they go.
Many people will be very disappointed with the above but all of the above is significantly better than anything ASU has done in quite a while. Unfortunately, post Harden and Pendergraph the cupboard is, in my opinion, a bit bare. ASU will struggle to finish 9-9 in the Pac-10 in 2009-2010.
David, there is no way ASU is losing to uofa this year. The zone ASU plays shuts down in inside game, hence Hill, and Wise is not a good enough pg to get through the zone, so ASU is 2-0 vs Mexico this season again. Also, i do see ASU upseting UCLA in Tempe in February, since it will be the 2nd time they play them, and it will be at home. Other then that, probably a few upsets on the road, so probably 3-4 losses in the pac10, and 1st cuz UCLA is having a down year. And dont worry, Abbott and Kuksiks will hit 3s during the season, which will make Harden and Pendergraph better, yes i said better.
And did you not see the recruits we have coming in next year, not to mention Abbott, Kuksiks, and Glasser returning next year. A 7 footer from Russia who is considered a steal in the recruiting class, and the “next” lebron james. probably wont be the next, but he is still pretty good. ASU will probably finish 2nd next year
@David, I think I share everyone’s concerns about playing sans Harden sans Pendergraph next year. But I’m focused on enjoying this season for now. I’ll worry about next season in April.
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