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PAC-10 Preview

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 5:57:39 EST

Despite the prognostications that the PAC-10 would have down years, six teams have received NCAA Tournament bids in each of the past two seasons, including three Sweet-16 finishes and one Final Four.

But thanks to a mass exodus of talent (27 NBA draftees in three seasons) has the four-season streak of 60% of the conference in the NCAA Tournament in jeopardy, and appears that the pundits prognostications will prove that the third time truly is a charm.

The biggest reason why the PAC-10 could have a down year is because of their youth and lack of quality veteran players. The PAC-10 lost ten players to the NBA draft in 2009, seven of which were first-round picks. If that’s not bad enough, only two players (Patrick Christopher and Jerome Randle) from the All-Conference team will return for a 2010 encore. Don’t take a down-year for the PAC-10 to mean they won’t be competitive – after all, this isn’t C-USA.

A PAC-10 Look Ahead: Arizona Wildcats

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:18:38 EDT

Okay, so the season doesn't actually start for a little over four months from now and there is still the possibility that significant changes could still occur... but I doubt it. Last time I simply broke down the changes and roster movements for each of the teams. Now it's time for a bit more of a break down.

Arizona -

HC - Sean Miller

PG - Nic Wise. Bench: Lamont Jones - Wise is the key to this team, but it's nice to have a back-up and a guy to rest him this year.

PAC-10 Off-Season Changes

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:14:05 EDT

The deadline for draft declarations has now passed, and any underclassman not listed for their respective schools will be returning barring a decision to transfer - though I don't see that happening on any account unless their name happens to be D.J. Shumpert. Players who have declared for the draft now have until June 15th to withdraw and return to school. Many of the players who have declared have not hired an agent and are eligible to return (including Nic Wise, Patrick Christopher, Taj Gibson, and Jrue Holiday).

The recruiting is still changing and there are a lot of circumstances currently brewing that could significantly change the face of their respective teams. If I'm not mistaken, recruits have until May 30th to sign a Letter of Intent. After that date, players can still verbally commit to a school, but it will not be a binding commitment.

PAC-10 Pick 'Em: Final Standings

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 0:44:22 EDT

Roverfish: 68 (4) 6.18

StevePhoenix 67 (5) 6.09

The Wedge - 66 (4) 6.00

Duckbill30 66 (5) 6.0

PAC-10 Pick 'Em Standings: Week 10

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 1:06:46 EDT

Roverfish 64 (7) 6.4

The Wedge 62 (8) 6.2

StevePhoenix 62 (8) 6.2

Arizona 91 61 (7) 6.1

PAC-10 Pick 'Em Standings: Week 9

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 0:45:20 EST

Duckbill30 54 (5) 6

TheWedge 54 (4) 6

Arizona91 54 (5) 6

StevePhoenix 54 (6) 6

PAC-10 Pick 'Em Standings: Week 8

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 1:59:24 EST

Roverfish: 51 (5) 6.4

N8Dawg3333 50 (6) 6.3

TheWedge 50 (5) 6.3

Duckbill 30 49 (6) 6.1

PAC-10 Pick 'Em Standings: Week 7

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 2:11:20 EST

N8Dawg3333 44 (6) 6.2

mckusa 44 (7) 6.2

NaterB 43 (6) 6.1

Arizona91 43 (6) 6.1

PAC-10 Pick 'Em Standings: Week 6

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:24:12 EST

Roverfish 39 (7) 6.5

N8Dawg3333 38 (8) 6.3

NaterB 37 (7) 6.17

Duckbill30 37 (8) 6.17

PAC-10 Pick 'em Rankings: Week 5 (Revised)

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:20:01 EST

Roverfish: 32 (6) 6.4

naterb 30 (7) 6

The Wedge 30 (7) 6

mcpherzen 30 (6) 6

Old School All-Stars

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 0:31:13 EST

During Lute Olson's 25 years as the headcoach of the Arizona Wildcats he brought it and produced many All-Stars. The early years of Olson's work produced players like Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, Damon Stoudamire, and Brian Williams (aka Bison Dele). Ever since Olson's retirement I have been looking back at his historic career and came up with the idea to assemble and All-Star Team.

The criteria was simple.

Players had to have two years under Lute Olson

Players had to start for Olson (I was lenient on this one)

PAC-10: Contenders vs. Pretenders

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:01:07 EST

As PAC-10 play has drawn closer, I've been taking a good look at the different teams and haven't been too startled by what I saw. The only exception to that has been the success of Stanford and their undefeated record after losing the Lopez Twins to the NBA. They are even receiving votes in the AP and the Coaches polls! So I started kicking around the teams trying to sift through the soft OOC schedules, and misleading stats trying to figure out who will challenge for the PAC-10 crown this year.

The obvious choice is going to be UCLA. Sure, they're down from the past two or three years, but they're still a potent team with stifling perimeter defense and the best backcourt in the conference. But I didn't want to just stick with "UCLA wins it... again," I wanted to really dig into the conference. So pretend that UCLA is out of the equation - they lose Collison to a knee injury or for whatever reason the team implodes costing them 5 or 6 games and effectively the conference title.

PAC-10 Power Rankings (Pre-Conference)

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:39:08 EST

There are still a few non-conference games remaining for the PAC-10 before the conference action begins this weekend. But most of the games are quite insignificant, and likely won't have much bearing on my rankings anyhow. Without furture ado, here are my PAC-10 Power Rankings heading into conference play.

UCLA: Despite early struggles, they are a solid team with Collison at the helm. That three-guard lineup of Collison, Shipp, and Holiday is the best in the conference and enough to give any team fits.

Arizona : They have a few ugly losses, but they have the best win in the conference (over Gonzaga). The Big Three are carrying a lot of the load and they have been getting help from unexpected talent. The youth is a concern.

Pac-10 Pick 'Em Rules ('08-'09)

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 1:20:11 EST

Some of the rules from last year have been abolished thanks to a few people who volunteered to help me track the week's picks. Since that reduced the scope of posters that I have to track, it makes everything that much easier.

Each week on Sunday night or Monday morning I will post the week's conference games. Non-conference games are not included in the Pick 'Em, though you can still list them at the end of your list for the sake of discussion. Remember, this is just for fun and bragging rights - so there is no need to be disrespectful. Feel free to discuss each others picks, and get better understanding to the conference as a whole, just keep in mind this is for fun.

Submit your picks in the same order the games are posted. The games that are out of order will not be counted.

Arizona vs. Weber State Preview

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 2:11:45 EST

Arizona vs. Weber State

There have been a lot of teams with a frontcourt filled with squat thick bodies, but not many with the defensive or offensive capabilities to challeng Hill in Arizona's OOC schedule. Weber State is no exception to this rule. The tallest listed player for Weber State is 6-9 and tallies in at a whoppin 240 pounds.

Weber State is yet another guard-heavy team that looks to spread the floor with three-point shooting. Damian Lillard, Nick Hansen, Kyle Bullinger, Kellen McCoy, and Davilin Davis are all capable three-point shooters. Their offense will look to get the three-ball going as they are averaging over 17 attempts per game. Their hope is that they will be able to stretch the floor and get more isolated situations for their leading scorer Steve Panos.

Arizona's Greatest Non-Conference Rivalry

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:09:59 EST

Wildcats vs. Jayhawks

So after folding in Vegas, Arizona turns past a rivalry that's trying to be rejuvinated - especially by a few moronic UNLV fans - to one of College Basketball's greatest non-conference rivalries. Both Arizona and Kansas have two days to prepare for the 2008 rendition of this PAC-10/Big-12 rivalry.

Arizona and Kansas have met up 8 times in the past 12 years, and four times the loser's season has ended when the final horn blew. In 1997 the fourth-seeded Wildcats upset the first-seeded Jayhawks 85-82. Two years later, Kansas returned the favor by bouncing the high-hoped 'Cats 78-75.

Currently Kansas holds a 5 game to 3 game edge over the 'Cats even though Kansas averages 80 points per contest, while Arizona averages 81. That one point differential is far more indicative as to the calibur of these games. There have been multiple games where the victor has come from behind 20+ points. Kansas' largest victory in this span has been 8, while Arizona's largest is 17. Kansas won the matchup last season 76-72 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Week Preview: Gonzaga & UNLV

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:43:16 EST

Okay, so I screwed up and didn't do a preview for Gonzaga on my blog. My bad. Check out the Arizona - Gonzaga thread that AZCATSFAN started, and the post game thread that was started for my thoughts on that game. Sorry 'bout not getting it on here before the game.

After upsetting the fourth-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs in Phoenix, the Wildcats now travel to Las Vegas to face off against UNLV. I for one, am worried about an emotional let down leading to the 'Cats getting upset by the Rebels. Arizona has to remain focused and intent upon their game plan because while UNLV isn't a great team, or as good as they have been in previous years, they are still a proud team with a strong home-court advantage. The Rebels are currently 8-2 with both losses (CAL & Cincy) coming at home.

Week Preview: San Diego State

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:46:13 EST

Arizona performed as expected this past week with a decisive win over Loyola-Marymount at home followed by a close loss on the road to a good Texas A&M team. The 'Cats have to feel a little stung after their one-point loss to the Aggies after controlling 39:40 seconds of the game. Arizona is showing that they are putting the pieces together and are getting some hard lessons for the freshmen early and often. Despite the progress there are still quite a few holes to patch up. The two biggest holes, turnovers and perimeter defense, will get a tough test this Wednesday against San Diego State in Arizona's lone game for the week. Arizona vs. San Diego State

The Aztecs are a veteran team that relies on the three-point shot for 30% of their scoring and hustles for every loose ball. They are a smaller team than Arizona, but have plenty of guys in the 6'4"-6'7" range with only two guys under 6'3" and two over 6'8" that may see any sort of minutes. Despite their lack of frontcourt height the Aztecs average 38.3 rebounds a game, with 13 offensive rebounds per game. So while this isn't the deepest team, the most talented team, or the best anything kind of team, they require you to bring a solid effort otherwise they will outhustle you all game long.

Week Preview: Loyola-Marymount, Texas A&M

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:46:42 EST

Starting this week for the remainder of the season I am going to do a Weekly Preview for the Wildcats up-coming games for the week. It will be posted weekly at least one day prior to the 'Cats' first game.

Arizona enters the week after defeating Mississippi Valley State, Santa Clara, and Northern Arizona, with Loyla Marymount & Texas A & M on the radar for this week. Loyola-Marymount should be the final tuneup game before things start getting serious as Texas A & M is arguably better than any team Arizona has faced yet this year. The same could be said, that Arizona is the best team Texas A&M has played this year. Look for at least a split, with a good chance of an upset road win over Texas A&M. Game One: Arizona (4-1) hosts Loyola-Marymount (0-6)

PAC-10 '08-'09 Basketball Preview

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 0:34:31 EST

Year-in and year-out the PAC-10 is one of the best conferences in the nation. Last year the conference sent 6 teams to the NCAA Tournament and 2 more to the NIT. The conference also produced five of the top 11, and 7 total first round and 5 second round picks in the NBA draft. There is no doubt about the talent and competitiveness this conference holds.

As the past seven months have passed the PAC-10 has received some serious remodelling. There have been enough changes in the players and personnel within this conference to make your head spin. Now that the dust is seeming to settle, it’s time to exit the bunkers and catch up with PAC-10 basketball.

Since this is a rebuilding year for the conference as a whole, every team has a story line or two that can be followed. Many teams have lost star players and head coaches - the most notable of which is the breaking story of Hall of Fame Coach Lute Olson packing his bags within weeks of the season starting. How will the teams fall into place this year?

Arizona Wildcats '08-'09 Preview

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 0:34:48 EDT

Arizona Wildcats

Head Coach: Mike Dunlap

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 9-11 (6th), Overall 19-15. Post Season: NCAA Tournament Roster

Chances are, if you read this in previous days/weeks you will want to reread it. I had to change the outlook when Lute Olson suddenly announced retirement due to health issues (primarily a stroke which inhibited his ability to coach). Now, with the announcement of freshman center Jeff Withey transferring things look completely different for the Wildcats yet again.

Arizona State Sun Devils '08-'09 Preview

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:55:03 EDT

Arizona State Sun Devils

Head Coach: Herb Sendek

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 9-10 (5th), Overall 21-13. Post Season: NIT Tournament Roster

Backcourt: Expect to see a 3-guard lineup out of the Sun Devils this year featuring Harden, Glasser, and Abbott.

California Golden Bears '08-'09 Preview

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:51:59 EDT

California Golden Bears

Head Coach: Mike Montgomery

Last Season’s Results: Conf 7-13 (9th), Overall 17-16. Post Season: None. Roster

Backcourt: Unless Montgomery wants to shake things up, Jerome Randle, Patrick Christopher, Marquise Kately will start this year. Randle, Christopher, and Kately averaged over 10 ppg each while providing 52% of the Bears scoring last season.

Oregon Ducks '08-'09 Preview

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 0:35:44 EDT

Oregon Ducks

Head Coach: Ernie Kent

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 9-10 (6th), Overall 18-14. Post Season: None? Roster

Backcourt: The Ducks are built around speed with Kamyron Brown and Tejuan Porter being the feature guards. Porter is better without the ball, so despite being a meager 5’6” he is the shooting guard. He has great range and lightening quick moves. His lack of height will be problematic at times for the Ducks, especially against some of the taller teams in the nation.

Oregon State Beavers '08-'09 Preview

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:43:57 EDT

Oregon State Beavers

Head Coach: Craig Robinson

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 0-19 (10th), Overall 6-25. Post Season: None Roster

Backcourt: Calvin Haynes, Josh Tarver, Seth Tarver were relatively successful for the Beavers when all three were on the floor. Unfortunately, their success was relative to Oregon State basketball last year. Perhaps new coach Craig Robinson can tap into talents that Jay John couldn’t. Either way, the fact that the backcourt is the strength of this team without a single player averaging double digits in scoring is a bad sign.

Stanford Cardinal '08-'09 Preview

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:41:00 EDT

Stanford Cardinal

Head Coach: Johnny Dawkins *1st year from Duke

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 15-6 (2nd), Overall 28-8. Post Season: NCAA Tournament Roster

Backcourt: Stanford’s backcourt of Mitch Johnson, Anthony Goods, and Landry Fields was often overlooked last year thanks to the uncanny talent in the frontcourt. This year Johnson, Goods, and Fields will headline for the Cardinal.

UCLA Bruins '08-'09 Preview

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:35:24 EDT

UCLA Bruins

Head Coach: Ben Howland

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 19-2 (1st), Overall 35-4. Post Season: NCAA Tournament Roster

Backcourt: UCLA’s backcourt is loaded with three future-NBA bound players in Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday, and Josh Shipp. Shipp and Collison both tested the NBA waters last season before withdrawing from the draft. Jrue Holiday comes in as best point guard, and the second best player overall in the 2008 recruiting class.

USC '08-'09 Preview

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:00:25 EDT

USC Trojans

Head Coach: Tim Floyd

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 12-8 (4th), Overall 21-12. Post Season: NCAA Tournament Roster

Backcourt: USC features a starting backcourt with Daniel Hackett (6‘5“), Dwight Lewis (6‘5“), and freshman DeMar DeRozan (6’6”). The length of the backcourt will permit USC to apply a ton of pressure on opponents, and creates mismatches on the offensive end.

Washington Huskies '08-'09 Preview

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:08:35 EDT

Washington Huskies

Head Coach: Lorenzo Romar

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 7-12 (8th), Overall 16-16. Post Season: None Roster

Backcourt: Washington will look to Venoy Overton, Quincy Pondexter, and Elston Turner to run the backcourt. Overton took the starting point guard position away from Justin Dentmon last season, and should have good numbers as the full-time starter this year.

Washington State '08-'09 Preview

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:21:45 EDT

Washington State Cougars

Head Coach: Tony Bennett

Last Season’s Results: Conf. 12-8 (3rd), Overall 26-9. Post Season: NCAA Tournament Roster

Backcourt: A lot can be said for senior leadership. Fortunately the Cougars have two seniors starting in the front court: Point guard Taylor Rochestie and small forward Daven Harmeling.