2010-11 college basketball preview: The Pac-10
The Pac-10 took a step backwards last year and has still not recovered. It is difficult to tell if the conference will be able to contend more than they did last season. However, the consensus is that the conference will struggle against the other major
conferences and is likely to only get three NCAA Final Four Tournament bids.
This will be the final year of the Pac-10, as the conference is expanding to 12 teams next season with the addition of Colorado and Utah. Conference commissioner Larry Scott is hoping that the conference’s current teams will be able to set the pace for next
season.
Below are the top six teams headed into the 2010-11 season.
Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies are the overwhelming favourite in the Pac-10 this season. Last year’s premier club lost their top player in Quincy Pondexter and will be relying on a team of guards to get the job done. Leading the way for the Huskies will be Isaiah
Thomas, the 5’8” junior is capable of incredible things on offence, nearly scoring at will. Thomas will be supported by Abdul Gaddy, who is expected to bounce back after an underwhelming freshman year. Meanwhile, freshman guards C.J. Wilcox and Terrance Ross
are expected to be heavily involved, as the Huskies will get the majority of their scoring from the outside.
Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona State Wildcats will be hoping to build on their 16-15 record, which helped them onto fourth place in the conference last season. Although the club is not thought to be in the same realm as the Huskies they should be able to earn a berth in the
tournament. The squad is led by Derrick Williams up front, who averaged over 15 points a game last season and is expected to have an explosive 2010-11 campaign.
Washington State Cougars
The Washington State Cougars are expected to be the surprise of the Pac-10 this season. The Cougars are hoping that junior Klay Matthews will be able to live up to the hype heading into his third season with the squad. The 6’6” forward is considered the
best player in the conference and Washington State is hoping he can average more than the 19.6 points a game he did last year.
USC Trojan
The USC Trojans are being watched very closely as the fourth ranked team in the conference. The Trojan are hoping they are able to maintain a strong record while waiting for starting guard Jio Fontan to become eligible in December. The junior averaged 15
points and 4.2 assists last season, but will need to improve if USC hope to make the tournament in 2010-11.
UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins sit right behind the Trojans and will be looking to make up for what was a terrible 2009-10 season, in which the club ended with a losing record of 14-18. The Bruins have a lot to figure out at the start of the year, as it is unclear how
players such as Josh Smith, Tyler Lamb and Tyler Honeycutt will work together. However, if the Bruins are able to develop a strong game plan they could be dangerous.
California Golden Bears
The Cal Golden Bears are expected to decline more than any other club in 2010-11. Last year the Bears had a very productive season and finished at the top of the Pac-10. However, the squad has lost the majority of their starters from last season and will
need to depend on several new faces. The team is weak at the guard positions and will need both Gary Franklin and Jorge Gutierrez to develop quickly if they hope to challenge this year.
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