Preliminary Pac-10 basketball predictions

1. Washington- A team that went deep in the tourney returns everything but Quincy Pondexter. A lot of returning talent plus a solid recruiting class=Pac-10 champion. Terrance Ross could be a solid 6th man. Abdul Gaddy could be ready to break out




2. Arizona State- While Glasser and Boateng are gone, they still do return 3 starters and McMillan who started a few games. I think some of their big guys improve, and this team competes heavily. They might not be here, but they’ll be awfully close or here exactly.



3. Arizona- A team that surprisingly competed a year ago is all back, except for Nic Wise. Momo Jones and Freshman of the Year Derrick Williams return, as does almost everybody. Their recruiting class doesn’t look too strong, but they still have talent.



4. Washington State- Reggie Moore and Klay Thompson combined is the best backcourt in the conference. Thompson could be a lottery pick, and Moore is a very good college player. Casto is another solid piece, and I think their team will continue to grow.



5. UCLA- This team is too talented to pull the performance they did last year. With almost everything returning, and a very good recruiting class, this team could make a return to the NCAAs.



6. OSU- I really like the Beavers this year. Their front line is actually pretty good, and they got some talent in the backcourt. Nelson, who redshirted last year, could be a starter right now if he lives up to his promise in high school. Their defense will give people problems.



7. Cal- We finally come to our Golden Bears. A fall from last year’s #1, but it is to be expected after losing 4 starters. A very talented team is still there, but they are too inexperienced to make a run to anything but the NIT.



8. Oregon- Dana Altman is a good coach, and there is some talent, but I don’t see them able to make a run. With all the transfers and their awful play a year ago, I don’t see them going anywhere but near the cellar.



9. Stanfurd- Landry Fields was the team last year, with Jeremy Green helping out. Fields is gone. Green will have to carry the team this year.



10. USC- These guys are awful. Vucecic is a good big man, as is Stephenson, but there backcourt is really bad. Tough sledding for the Trojans.



There you have it. The really early Pac-10 predictions!