·
Home Regatta Against Oregon State Moved to Friday Due to Weather
From Pullman Radio News
Washington State rowing’s home regatta against Oregon State, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 7,
will move to Friday, April 6, Due to expected inclement weather on Saturday
morning, Racing is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at Wawawai Landing on the Snake
River.
The regatta will kick off
with the varsity four race at 5:00 p.m., followed by the second varsity eights
at 5:15 p.m., varsity eight at 5:30 p.m. and concluding with the third varsity
eight and novice eight at 6:00 p.m.
Directions to Wawawai Landing: From Highway 195 (North or South),
turn west on Wawawai Road at the blinking yellow light. Travel on Wawawai Road
for 10 miles, the road will end at a stop sign. Turn right and drive six miles
down into the canyon. Go past the county park on the right and over the
railroad tracks. The boathouse is a cinderblock building on the right. Park on
the side of the road or in the parking lot south of the boathouse
………………
Rent-a-Rower April 14-15
April 4, 2018 from WSU Insider
Now that spring is here, it is a good time to tackle projects
around the house–inside and outside. Members of the Cougar Rowing Club are here
to help. For just $15/hour per rower, you can get a lot accomplished. Saturday
and Sunday, April 14 & 15, is your last chance of the semester to
rent-a-rower. Visit row.wsu.edu to sign-up and thanks for supporting Cougar
Crew!
………………
…………
WSU TRACK & FIELD AT OREGON PEPSI AND SCC WAR XI MEETS
From WSU Sports Info
The Washington State track and field teams will be competing at
the Oregon Pepsi Team Invitational at Hayward Field Saturday, April 7...field
events begin at 11:30 a.m. and running events at 1:50 p.m...men’s and women’s
teams competing are host Oregon (No 4 men, No. 2 women), BYU (No. 24 men),
Washington and WSU....scoring format is 9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 for individual events
and 9-7-6 for relays...the SCC WAR XI meet takes place at Spokane Falls College
track complex...competitors will be from local and regional DI, DII and
Community College schools...results will be posted on the track schedule page
at wsucougars.com when available.
…………
Thirty-seven Cougars Named to MPSF Indoor Track & Field
All-Academic Teams
From WSU Sports Info
WOODLAND, Calif. -- Thirty-seven Washington State University
student-athletes have been named to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation 2018
Indoor Track & Field All-Academic Scholar-Athlete teams, Executive Director
Al Beaird announced. The criteria for selection includes having a 3.00 or
better cumulative grade point average, be at least a sophomore academically,
completed one full academic year at the institution prior to nomination, and
must have competed in fifty percent or more of the institution’s competition.
A total of 136 men and 262 women from 22 MPSF member schools
earned 2018 academic honors for the indoor season. WSU's 21 women was second
only to BYU's 22 for the most honorees while WSU's 16 men were second most
behind Stanford's 19.
The 21 WSU women who earned academic honors are:
Greer Alsop - 3.82 GPA, redshirt senior, triple jump,
Invercargill, New Zealand
Stacia Bell - 3.96 GPA, sophomore, weight throw, White Salmon,
Wash.
Devon Bortfeld - 3.82 GPA, senior, mile/3k/5k, Sammamish, Wash.
Adreonia Bradley - 3.28 GPA, redshirt junior, hurdles, Tacoma,
Wash.
Alissa Brooks-Johnson - 3.17 GPA, redshirt senior, pentathlon,
Doty, Wash.
Chrisshnay Brown - 3.13 GPA, junior, shot put, Lompoc, Calif.
Josie Brown - 3.85 GPA, junior, 3k/5k, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Stephanie Cho - 3.95 GPA, junior, 400m/60m hurdles, Vancouver,
B.C. Canada
Katelyn Frost - 3.16 GPA, junior, pole vault, Corvallis, Mont.
Regyn Gaffney - 3.18 GPA, junior, sprints, Chehalis, Wash.
Marie Gaudin - 3.02 GPA, sophomore, mile/3k, Arlington, Wash.
Melissa Hruska - 3.26 GPA, sophomore, 3k/5k, Snoqualmie, Wash.
Kaitlin Krouse - 3.57 GPA, junior, shot put, Chewelah, Wash.
Aoife Martin - 3.50 GPA, redshirt sophomore, weight throw,
Seattle, Wash.
Molly Scharmann - 3.16 GPA, redshirt sophomore, pole vault, Rancho
Santa Margarita, Calif.
Lindsey Schauble - 3.49 GPA, junior, pentathlon, Kennewick, Wash.
Marlow Schulz - 3.87 GPA, senior, 800m, Whitefish, Mont.
Tierney Silliman - 3.52 GPA, redshirt sophomore, sprints, Yakima,
Wash.
Jordyn Tucker - 3.57 GPA, sophomore, sprints, Monrovia, Calif.
Lovely Tukuafu - 3.42 GPA, redshirt freshman, throws, Bountiful,
Utah
Grace Victor - 3.90 GPA, redshirt sophomore, 800m, Wakerley,
Australia
The 16 Cougar men who were named to the MPSF All-Academic team
are:
Ja’Maun Charles - 3.22 GPA, junior, 60m/200m, Pleasanton, Calif.
Cameron Dean - 3.32 GPA, sophomore, 3000m, Spokane, Wash.
Jake Finney - 3.95 GPA, junior, 3k/5k, Post Falls, Idaho
Peyton Fredrickson, 3.47 GPA, junior, high jump, Ridgefield, Wash.
Ethan Gardner, 3.70 GPA, junior, sprints, Walla Walla, Wash.
Troy Gingerich - 3.46 GPA, sophomore, pole vault, Sparks, Nev.
Christapherson Grant - 3.03 GPA, junior, hurdles, Lynnwood, Wash.
Nick Johnson - 3.00 GPA, sophomore, hurdles, Spokane, Wash.
Ray Littles - 3.82 GPA, junior, relay, Issaquah, Wash.
Tucker Mjelde - 3.70 GPA, redshirt junior, pole vault, Maple
Valley, Wash.
Jake Nienhuis - 3.40 GPA, junior, sprints, Issaquah, Wash.
Drew Norvell - 3.66 GPA, redshirt sophomore, throws, Bellingham,
Wash.
Paul Ryan - 3.40 GPA, redshirt sophomore, mile/3k, Moscow, Idaho
Chandler Teigen - 3.96 GPA, junior, 3k/DMR, Anatone, Wash.
John Whelan - 3.25 GPA, redshirt senior, 3k/5k, Etna, Calif.
Michael Williams - 3.15 GPA, senior, 3k/5k, Richland, Wash.
………..
……………
Tyler Hilinski's Brother Ryan Commits to
Play QB at South Carolina
The South Carolina
Gamecocks have their quarterback of the future.
On Wednesday, Ryan Hilinski
announced on his Twitter page he will join the Gamecocks as a highly regarded
recruit:
Big Ty! The time has
come. Thank you for everything yesterday... I’m bringing you and the family
with me!
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Hilinski is a 4-star prospect and the No. 308 overall player, No. 8 pro-style quarterback and No. 37 player in state of California in the class of 2019.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Hilinski is a 4-star prospect and the No. 308 overall player, No. 8 pro-style quarterback and No. 37 player in state of California in the class of 2019.
He is notable for more than
just his talent, though, as he is the younger brother of former Washington
State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski, who was found dead in
January after taking his own life.
"This past weekend pretty
much summed it up for me," Hilinski said after visiting South Carolina,
per Ben Breiner and Phil Kornblut of The
State. "I feel comfortable. They took care of myself and my family and
I couldn't be more happy. I just feel comfortable and got a feeling today
(Tuesday) after I spread my brother's ashes."
Ryan tweeted about
spreading Tyler's ashes in Hawaii on Tuesday:
Big Ty, this was your
peaceful place! We knew you loved it here and we thought it was only right to
let you go at this spot. Even though we say goodbye today, we know you’re still
with us tomorrow.
The ocean is yours big bro!
The ocean is yours big bro!
Here lies Tyler Hilinski,
my brother and guardian!
Hilinski's commitment comes
after he tweeted his top
seven choices were South Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Oregon, Arizona State,
Texas A&M and Ole Miss.
According to Breiner and
Kornblut, Hilinski threw for 3,749 yards, 33 touchdowns and just six
interceptions last season, underscoring his ability to tally impressive numbers
while also protecting the football.
::::::::::::::::::::
BASEBALL
Cougars
Head To Eugene For Pac-12 Series at Oregon
From WSU
Sports Info
WASHINGTON
STATE (8-15, 3-6 Pac-12) at OREGON (16-11, 3-6 Pac-12)
Eugene,
Ore. | PK Park (4,000) | April 6-8, 2018
Friday, 6
p.m. | Saturday, 2 p.m. | Sunday, Noon
PROBABLE
STARTERS
Isaac
Mullins | RS-SO | LHP | 0-2, 4.91 ERA, 19 K, 22.0 IP vs. Matt Mercer | JR | RHP
| 3-2, 2.53 ERA, 41 K, 42.2 IP
Scotty
Sunitsch | SR | LHP | 2-1, 3.86 ERA, 21 K, 32.2 IP vs. Kenyon Yovan | SO | RHP
| 2-1, 5 SV, 2.63 ERA, 40 K, 27.1 IP
Cody
Anderson | SR | LHP | 1-5, 5.29 ERA, 26 K, 34.0 IP vs. Kolby Somers | FR | LHP
| 1-3, 3.16 ERA, 20 K, 25.2 IP
COUGARS
HEAD TO EUGENE FOR WEEKEND SERIES AGAINST OREGON
Washington
State resumes Pac-12 Conference play with a three-game series at Oregon
beginning Friday at 6 p.m., continuing Saturday at 2 p.m. and concluding Sunday
at Noon.
………..
Pair of
homers lift Cougs
Washington
State tops Gonzaga thanks to long bombs from Harrer and Teel in nonconference
play
By
Stephan Wiebe, Moscow Pullman Daily News
Apr 4, 2018
Playing
in his first full game of the season back from a knee injury, Washington State
catcher Robbie Teel showed he’s back to full strength and feeling good Tuesday
night at Bailey-Brayton Field.
The
junior from Tustin, Calif., hit a go-ahead home run over the flags on the
right-field fence in the bottom of the eighth inning and the Cougars held on in
the ninth for a 4-3 nonconference baseball win over Gonzaga.
“I had a
rough day at the plate so I definitely needed that,” Teel said. “It was a
fastball high and out. I knew the wind was blowing out to right so that’s all I
was trying to do with my approach. It caught the wind and went out.”
Teel
wasn’t the only Cougar to hit a long bomb on Tuesday.
Left
fielder Justin Harrer got the Cougars (8-15) going in the first with a two-run
shot to left-center field — his team-high fifth home run of the season.
Gonzaga
(13-14) responded in the next inning with a sacrifice fly by Carson Breshears
that scored Austin Pinorini and tied the game at 2-2 in the fifth on a balk by
WSU pitcher A.J. Block that scored Ernie Yake.
Gonzaga
took the lead 3-2 in the top of the seventh on a homer by Jake Vieth.
But the
Cougars, no strangers to close games and late comebacks, tied the game at 3-3
in the bottom of the inning on a sacrifice fly by pinch hitter Collin Montez to
score Dillon Plew.
Teel’s
homer in the eighth was the eventual game-winner for a Washington State squad
that has six comeback victories this season.
“We’ve
been in tight ball games all year so at this point it just feels comfortable to
be in a close game,” Teel said.
Teel’s
return offers a multitude of positives for the Cougar lineup. Washington State
coach Marty Lees said it’s a nice break for previous starter Cal Waterman
because he won’t be starting every game now, and it also means emergency backup
catcher Ryan Ramsower can start at designated hitter.
Ramsower
has only played in seven games, but is hitting .474 and started in the cleanup
spot on Tuesday, finishing with two hits in three at-bats.
“We were
in a situation for six weeks where he was our backup catcher, so we couldn’t DH
him,” Lees said. “The good thing about Ryan is he has a great attitude and he’s
always team first. Now that we’re able to move some catching around, we can DH
him.”
Lees
faced a predicament on the mound Tuesday because the Cougars played two
extra-innings games last week against Arizona State — both walk-off wins — so
he didn’t want to use any pitchers for more than 30 or so pitches against
Gonzaga.
That
meant eight Cougars saw time on the mound, including Bryce Moyle getting the
start, Collin Maier earning the win and Ryan Walker nabbing the save.
The
Cougars allowed eight Gonzaga hits and walked five batters, but always seemed
to make the right pitch when they needed it. Gonzaga loaded the bases in the
eighth, but couldn’t bring home a run against Washington State pitchers Parker
McFadden and Maier.
Teel said
it can be challenging having so many different pitchers in the same game.
“It’s
nice to sit back there and see the same guy for six innings, but when you don’t
have that luxury, you just hope they come in throwing strikes,” he said.
“Everyone did pretty well today.”
The
Cougars, who ended their week at home with three wins in four games against
Arizona State and Gonzaga, will hit the road again for a three-game series this
weekend at Oregon.
Teel said
he hopes the momentum they gained at home will carry over to the road, where
the Cougs are a disappointing 2-9 so far this season. The series against the
Ducks runs Friday through Sunday in Eugene.
“Definitely
want to take this success on the road because we haven’t played too well to
start the season on the road,” Teel said. “So hopefully we carry this over to
Oregon and take the series.”
Gonzaga
010 010 100—3 8 2
Washington
St. 200 000 11x—4 7 0
Blatner,
Schulte (6), Jacob (7), LeBrun (7) and Pinorini. Moyle, Rosenkrantz (3), Block
(5), Strange (6), Newstrom (7), McFadden (7), Maier (8), Walker (9) and Teel.
W — Maier
(1-0). L — LeBrun (2-3)
Gonzaga
hits — Trube 2, Vandebrake 2, Yake, Vieth (HR), Pinorini, Fredrickson.
Washington
St. hits — Harrer 2 (HR), Ramsower 2, Plew, Teel (HR), De La Cruz.
::::::::::::::::::::
SEATTLE
TIMES SPORTS
Analysis:
A
way-too-early look at 2018-19 Pac-12 men’s basketball season
Originally
published April 4, 2018 at 9:46 am Updated April 4, 2018 at 3:06 pm
The
2018-19 season could be disastrous for defending Pac-12 champion Arizona, which
appears to be in a free fall following a season filled with scandal and
disappointment. Meanwhile, Washington figures to compete for a Pac-12 title if
the Huskies bring everyone back.
By Percy
Allen
Seattle
Times staff reporter
Larry
Scott unveiled a series of recommendations last month to clean-up the
corruption in college basketball, but the Pac-12 Commissioner would also be
wise to look into ways to rescue Pac-12 men’s basketball after a disastrous
season in which the conference suffered league-wide setbacks.
Arizona
and USC – the Pac-12 preseason favorites – were implicated at the start of the
season in a FBI probe investigating alleged recruiting violations and the conference
never really got on track. Despite Arizona State starting 12-0 and the Sun
Devils and Washington posting impressive road wins over then-No. 2 Kansas,
Pac-12 teams were 6-9 against ranked teams and won fewer than 70 percent of its
nonconference games (104-45).
It was
the lowest winning percentage since the 2011-12 season when the league sent
just two teams to the NCAA tournament.
Sure
enough the bad start led to a disappointing finish in which just three teams
(Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA) participated in the Big Dance. And no one
advanced beyond the first round.
The
conference failed to reach the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament for the first
time since 1986.
Arizona’s
DeAndre Ayton is projected to be the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick following
Washington’s Markelle Fultz who was the first player taken last year.
But if
the mock drafts are accurate, then the Pac-12 will produce just three
first-round NBA draft picks – the fewest since 2013.
Making
matters worse, the much-maligned Pac-12 TV deal that’s come under fire with
football fans also drew scrutiny when the Pac-12 Tournament title game between
Arizona and USC attracted fewer viewers on FSI than the other power conference
title games and three mid-major title games.
Given all
of that, the 2018-19 men’s basketball season can’t get here fast enough for the
beleaguered Pac-12 and Scott, whose contract expires after 2021-22.
Barring
an offseason shakeup, the league will retain all 12 coaches for the first time
since the 2011-12 season.
However,
more than half of the Pac-12 coaches are in relatively unstable situations
including Arizona’s Sean Miller, USC’s Andy Enfield, Washington State’s Ernie
Kent, UCLA’s Steve Alford, Oregon State’s Wayne Tinkle, Colorado’s Tad Boyle
and California’s Wyking Jones.
It’s way
too early, but here’s a look at the 2018-19 Pac-12 season.
OREGON
DUCKS
2017-18:
23-13, 10-8 (t-sixth).
Departing
starters (3): G Elijah Brown (13.6), F MiKyle McIntosh (11.8) and G Troy Brown
(11.3).
Returning
starters (2): G Payton Pritchard (14.5) and F Paul White (9.4).
Other
notable returners: F Kenny Wooten (6.4), G Victor Bailey Jr. (6.7), F Roman
Sorkin (2.9) and F Abu Kigab (1.6).
The
skinny: Oregon had its five-year streak of NCAA tournament appearances snapped
and took a step back after losing four starters from a team that reached the
Final Four in 2017. Dana Altman has had great success with transfers during his
eight-year tenure with the Ducks, but he’s assembled his best recruiting class
that ranks among the top 3 in the nation and includes three top 100 prospects.
The best of the bunch is 7-1 freshman center Bol Bol who is projected to be a
top-12 pick in the 2019 NBA draft and . Wooten, who led Pac-12 with 92 blocks,
decided to forgo the draft while Troy Brown decided to turn pro and backup
guard Keith Smith, who averaged 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds, announced he’s
transferring. Not entirely convinced Pritchard, who led Oregon in field goal
attempts and assists, is the best option at point guard. But he’s developing into
a star while White has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 19-point
performance in a 101-92 double overtime loss to Marquette in the NIT second
round. Plus, the pairing of Wooten and Bol in the front court allows Altman to
play the defensive brand of basketball that characterized his Final Four team.
Projected
2018-19 Pac-12 finish: 1.
UCLA
BRUINS
2017-18:
21-12, 11-7 (t-3rd)
Departing
starters (3): G Aaron Holiday (20.3), C Thomas Welsh (12.6 points per game) and
F Gyorgy Goloman (7.1).
On the
fence (1): G Jaylen Hands (9.9).
Returning
starters (1): G Prince Ali (9.1).
Other
notable returners: G Kris Wilkes (13.7), F Alex Olesinski (4.5) and G Chris
Smith (3.9).
The
skinny: If Hands (he’s testing the NBA draft waters without an agent) returns
and disgruntled Bruins fans don’t run Steve Alford out of town, then they’ll
likely be rewarded with a talent-rich team that should challenge for the Pac-12
title. Of course all of this is contingent on Alford being able to quickly
transform an incoming recruiting class that ranks among the top three
nationally into productive performers. The class headliners include five-star
center Moses Brown, 4-star forward Shareef O’Neal, the son of Hall of Famer
Shaquille O’Neal, and 4-star wing Jules Bernard should be immediate
contributors. Wilkes, who is projected to be a NBA lottery pick in 2019, Ali
and Hands give Alford enough firepower to beat anyone in the Pac-12. Still, the
Bruins would have been the clear-cut conference title favorite if Holiday
returned for his senior season. Alford has failed to win at least 21 games just
once during his five-year tenure at UCLA. However, the Bruins haven’t advanced
beyond the Sweet 16 during his tenure which is a point of contention among UCLA
fans.
Projected
2018-19 Pac-12 finish: 2.
STANFORD
CARDINAL
2017-18:
19-16, 11-7 (t-3rd).
Departing
starters (2): G Dorian Pickens (15.1) and F Michael Humphrey (10.0).
On the
fence (1): F Reid Travis (19.4).
Returning
starters (2): G Daejon Davis (10.7) and F KZ Okpala (10.0).
Other
notable returners: F Oscar da Silva (6.2), G Isaac White (5.5), G Robert
Cartwright (4.7) and C Josh Sharma (3.5).
The
skinny: Stanford made a five-win improvement under second-year coach Jerod
Haase and a similar jump next season likely secures the Cardinal’s first NCAA
tournament appearance since 2014. However, the 2018-19 season hinges on Travis,
who leads Stanford in scoring and rebounding (8.7). He’s given no public
indication that he’s considering the NBA draft so at this moment it’s pretty
safe to assume he’s returning for his senior season. Travis would be a Pac-12
MVP candidate on a team that brings back three starters and seven of its top
nine scorers. The Cardinal has viable candidates to replace Pickens and
Humphrey. Da Silva and Okpala have shown flashes and incoming freshman guard
Cormac Ryan is a four-star recruit who is considered a long-range marksman.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 3.
WASHINGTON
HUSKIES
2017-18:
21-13, 10-8 (t-6th)
Departing
starters: None.
On the
fence (1): F Noah Dickerson (15.5).
Returning
starters (4): G Jaylen Nowell (16.0), G David Crisp (11.6), G Matisse Thybulle
(11.2) and F Sam Timmins (4.3).
Other
notable returners: G Dominic Green (5.4), G Nahziah Carter (5.1), Hameir Wright
(2.6) and Michael Carter III (1.3).
The
skinny: Assuming Dickerson comes back (he’s testing the NBA draft waters
without an agent), no other Pac-12 team is slated to return as many players as
Washington. The Huskies’ top nine scorers have eligibility remaining. The only
certain departure to date is backup guard Carlos Johnson, who plans to
transfer. Nowell and Thybulle have NBA potential and aspirations and it remains
to be seen if they’ll examine their pro prospects this year. If UW brings
everyone back, then it would be close to a miracle in today’s college
basketball world where roster upheaval is yearly occurrence due to transfers
and players opting to turn pro early. Washington could have four seniors
(Dickerson, Crisp, Thybulle and Green) among its top five scorers, which is
invaluable experience in college hoops. Dickerson and Crisp have scored more
than 1,000 points while has 915 points. Of course, The undersized Huskies may
have addressed their lack of depth in the front court with the addition of
top-100 recruit Bryan Penn-Johnson, a 7-foot center.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 4.
UTAH UTES
2017-18:
23-12, 11-7 (t-3rd).
Departing
starters (4): G Justin Bibbins (14.8), C David Collette (12.3), F Tyler Rawson
(10.9) and G/F Gabe Bealer (5.9).
Returning
starters (1): G Sedrick Barefield (12.0).
Other
notable returners: F Donnie Tillman (7.8), F Jayce Johnson (5.5), G Parker Van
Dyke (4.0), F Chris Seeley (2.7) and F Kolbe Caldwell (2.2).
The
skinny: The Utes extended their season longer than any other Pac-12 team and
advanced to the NIT national championship game where they lost 82-66 to Penn
State. It’s the second straight year Utah has finished in the NIT. The Utes lose 60 percent of its scoring.
Barefield made the most of Utah’s run to the NIT title game while averaging 16
points – 4 higher than his season average – in five games. He led the Utes with
22 points on 8-for-11 shooting during an 82-66 loss to Penn State in the
championship game at Madison Square Garden. Since winning 21 games in his first
two seasons at Utah, Coach Larry Krystkowiak has won no fewer than 20 games in
each of the past five seasons. He needed to win four NIT games this season to
continue the streak and he’ll be hard pressed to keep it going next season
because the Utes will be so young. Van Dyke (12 starts last season), Tillman
(4) and Johnson (1) will likely assume more responsibility next season. Utah
also receives a boost from four-star recruit Devante Doutrive, a 6-5 redshirt
freshman shooting guard who sat out last season. The Utes also bring in a
five-man 2018 recruiting class ranked among the top 40 in the nation that’s led
by four-star recruit Timmy Allen, a 6-5 shooting guard. Krystkowiak loses four
starters, but he found a way to finish in a three-way tie in the Pac-12 this
season with team that lost four of its top six scorers from the 2016-17 season,
including first-round NBA draft pick Kyle Kuzma.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 5.
USC
TROJANS
2017-18:
24-12,
Departing
starters (3): F Chimezie Metu (15.7), G Jordan McLaughlin (12.8) and Elijah
Stewart (11.7).
On the fence
(2): F Bennie Boatwright (13.6) and G Shaqquan Aaron (4.3).
Returning
starters (2): G Jonah Mathews (9.3) and F Nick Rakocevic (8.1).
Other
notable returners: G Jordan Usher (4.8) and Derryck Thornton (3.8).
Southern
California guard Shaqquan Aaron (0) looks for an opening as UCLA center Thomas
Welsh (40), left, and guard Bryce Alford (20) defend in the second half of an
NCAA college basketball game in Los Angeles Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Aaron led
all scorers with a career-high 23 points as USC won, 84-76. (AP Photo/Reed
Saxon)
Southern
California guard Shaqquan Aaron (0) looks for an opening as UCLA center Thomas
Welsh (40), left, and guard Bryce Alford (20) defend in the second half of an
NCAA college basketball game in Los Angeles Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Aaron led
all scorers with a career-high 23 points as USC won, 84-76. (AP Photo/Reed
Saxon)
The
skinny: Disappointing finish in the second-round of the NIT for a season that
started with so much promise. Stacked with a roster full of returners, USC was
ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press preseason poll. However, the Trojans were
hit hard by the FBI scandal investigating college basketball corruption.
Sophomore guard De’Anthony Melton, who was linked to the probe and held out for
the season, is turning pro. Boatwright, USC’s second-leading scorer, missed the
final month due to a knee injury. Fifth-year coach Andy Enfield took a small
step back after incremental gains in each of his first four seasons. If he can
convince Boatright to return for his senior year, then USC should have enough
talent to win 20-plus games next season. The Trojans bring in a top-15
recruiting class that includes Rainier Beach High star Kevin Porter and
Garfield High standout J’Raan Brooks.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 6.
COLORADO
BUFFALOES
2017-18:
17-15, 8-10 (t-8th).
Departing
starters (1): G George King (12.9).
Returning
starters (4): G McKinley Wright IV (14.2), G Namon Wright (9.7), G/F Tyler Bey
(6.1) and C Dallas Walton (5.7).
Other
notable returners: F Lucas Siewert (6.8), G Deleon Brown (5.0), G/F D’Shawn
Schwartz (3.4) and G Lazar Nikolic (2.3).
The
skinny: In addition to King, Colorado loses G Dominique Collier (7.5) and F
Tory Miller-Stewart (6.2), a pair of seniors who combined for 16 starts.
However, the Buffaloes are loaded with eight returners who started at least one
game and averaged no fewer than 13.6 minutes. Wright IV has the potential to be
a star while Walton (7-foot), Siewert (6-10) and Bey (6-7) gives CU size on the
front court while. Coach Tad Boyle will need to develop more scoring options
considering the Buffs ranked 11th in the Pac-12 in scoring (67.8) in league
games. Boyle signed the No. 2 prospect in Colorado (G Daylen Kountz), but CU’s
incoming freshmen will be hard pressed to find minutes next season. A newcomer
to keep an eye on is 6-8 freshman forward Evan Battey, a former 4-star recruit,
who redshirted this season after being ruled academically ineligible by the
NCAA. He needs to be cleared after reportedly suffering a medical emergency during
the holiday break. Boyle took Colorado to the NCAA tournament in three of the
his first four years, but in the past four years the Buffs have made just one
trip to the Big Dance.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 7.
ARIZONA
STATE
2017-18:
20-12, 8-10 (t-8th)
Departing
starters (3): G Tra Holder (18.2), G Shannon Evans II (16.5) and G Kodi Justice
(12.7).
Returning
starters (2): F Romello White (10.5) and F Vitaliy Shibel (1.8).
Other
notable returners: G Remy Martin (9.6), F De’Quon Lake (7.2), F Mikey Mitchell
(5.8) and F Kimani Lawrence (3.1).
The
skinny: Arizona State, which secured upset wins over Xavier and Kansas, was the
nation’s last undefeated team at 12-0 and climbed to No. 3 in the AP poll
before finishing 8-12. The Sun Devils were 1-5 in its final six games,
including a 60-56 defeat in the First Four. Despite the disappointing end, ASU
made its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2014 and handed third-year
coach Bobby Hurley a hefty one-year extension that raises his annual salary to
$2.1 million on a deal that expires in 2023. Hurley will need to figure how to
replace ASU’s top three scorers. Guard Rob Edwards and forward Zylan Cheatham,
a pair of transfers who sat out this season due to NCAA rules, were prominent
scorers at Cleveland State and San Diego State, respectively and should provide
immediate help. The Sun Devils also have a top-25 recruiting class that
includes top-30 forward Taeshon Cherry.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 8.
OREGON
STATE
2017-18:
16-16, 7-11 (10th)
Departing
starters (1): F Seth Berger (3.0).
On the
fence (1): F Drew Eubanks (13.2).
Returning
starters (3): F Tres Tinkle (17.6), G Stephen Thompson Jr. (15.8) and G Ethan
Thompson (9.9).
Other
notable returners: F Alfred Rollins (5.8), C Gligorije Rakocevic (2.7), G Kendal
Manuel (2.6) and G Zach Reichle (1.7).
The
skinny: If the Oregon State coaching staff can’t produce more sons who are top
prospects, then the Beavers will need to recruit and develop players who aren’t
related to coach Wayne Tinkle and assistant Stephen Thompson. OSU seemingly did
a nice job in recruiting to address a size deficiency in the middle. The
Beavers signed three prospects 6-11 or taller. Tres Tinkle, Stephen Thompson
Jr. and Ethan Thompson shared the playmaking duties after sophomore point guard
JaQuori McLaughlin left the team after six games. The trio was relatively
efficient running the offense, but but Oregon State desperately needs a true
point guard and should seriously consider finding a junior-college transfer to
step into the role of floor general. Eubanks, tested the NBA draft waters last
year before returning to school, and if he does it again it’s unlikely he
returns. In 2016 Tinkle guided Oregon State to its first NCAA tournament
appearance since 1990 so Beaver fans may overlook the team’s regression in the
past two seasons while compiling a 21-43 record.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 9.
CALIFORNIA
GOLDEN BEARS
2017-18:
8-24, 2-16 (12th).
Departing
starters (2): F Marcus Lee (11.4) and C Kinglsey Okoroh (5.7).
Returning
starters (4): G Don Coleman (14.2), F Justice Sueing (13.8), G Darius McNeil
(11.3), G Juhwan Harris-Dyson (6.2).
Other
notable returner: F Roman Davis (1.9).
California’s
Justice Sueing, left, shoots as Washington’s Sam Timmins defends during the
first half of an their Pac-12 men’s basketball game Thursday at Alaska Airlines
Arena. (Elaine Thompson/AP)
California’s
Justice Sueing, left, shoots as Washington’s Sam Timmins defends during the
first half of an their Pac-12 men’s basketball game Thursday at Alaska Airlines
Arena. (Elaine Thompson/AP)
The
skinny: First-year coach Wyking Jones is fortunate to return considering
California set a school record for losses and went 1-17 in its final 18 games.
The Golden Bears finished 219 in the RPI, which was the lowest for a major-conference
team. They also ranked last in 12 of the 21 statistical categories measured by
the Pac-12. Cal had seven freshmen and started three (Sueing, McNeil and
Harris-Dyson). The Bears return 71.4 percent of their scoring, but rim
protection could be a problem because they lose their tallest players and the
tallest returner with significant experience is Sueing at 6-7. The freshman
forward showed flashes of promise (Sueing tallied a career-high 27 points
against Washington) while Coleman and McNeil took turns carrying the offense.
Still, the Golden Bears need a major infusion of talent to climb into the upper
half of the Pac-12. Cal brings in two 4-star prospects at small forward in Matt
Bradley and Jacobi Gordon.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 10.
WASHINGTON
STATE COUGARS
2017-18:
12-19, 4-14 (11th).
Departing
starters (3): F Robert Franks (17.4), G Malachi Flynn (15.8) and F Drick
Bernstine (6.9).
Returning
starters (2): G V’iont’e Daniels (9.0) and G Carter Skaggs (8.2).
Other
notable returners: G Milan Acquaah (4.9), G Kwinton Hinson (3.9), F Arinze
Chidom (3.8), F Jeff Pollard (3.6) and C Davante Cooper (1.4).
Washington
State guard Carter Skaggs (35) reacts with teammates Viont’e Daniels (4) and
Jeff Pollard, right, after making a three-point shot against UCLA during an
NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP
Photo/Michael Owen Baker) NYOTK219 NYOTK219 (Michael Owen Baker / The
Associated Press)
Washington
State guard Carter Skaggs (35) reacts with teammates Viont’e Daniels (4) and
Jeff Pollard, right, after making a three-point shot against UCLA during an
NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP
Photo/Michael Owen Baker) NYOTK219 NYOTK219 (Michael Owen Baker / The
Associated Press)
The
skinny: With a year of eligibility remaining, Franks is leaving early to go
through the NBA draft process and plans to hire an agent if his pro prospects
look promising. Meanwhile, Flynn is transferring. Their departures are
horrendous for Washington State. And that’s not an overstatement. They were the
most productive players this season. Franks led WSU in scoring, shot 40.5
percent on three-pointers, 85.4 percent at the free throw line and was the
second leading rebounder (6.7). And Flynn, a sophomore, was first on the team
in assists (4.3), second in scoring and tied for third in rebounding (3.4).
Theoretically, Skaggs could slide into Frank’s role and the sophomore
sharp-shooter showed promise while connecting on seven three-pointers against
Seattle University and six 3-pointers versus Kansas State. But it will be
difficult for WSU to replace Flynn. Aside from the 2016-17 UW Huskies, teams
that finish 11th in the Pac-12 don’t usually get better losing their best
players. And the forecast looks increasingly dim considering WSU secured just
one recruit (Cleveland High star C.J. Elleby) during the early-signing period.
Another ominous sign is nine-year assistant Curtis Allen, WSU’s lead recruiter,
left to take a similar position and joined Romar’s staff at Pepperdine. Coach
Ernie Kent’s contract expires after the 2021-22 season.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 11.
ARIZONA
WILDCATS
2017-18:
27-8, 14-4 (1st)
Departing
starters (5): F Deandre Ayton (20.1), G Allonzo Trier (18.1), G Rawle Alkins
(13.1), Dusan Ristic (12.2) and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (7.8).
Notable
returners: G Dylan Smith (4.3), G Brandon Randolph (3.7), G Alex Barcello
(2.4), F Ira Lee (2.4)) and G Emmanuel Akot (1.8).
Arizona
coach Sean Miller kneels by the bench during the first half of a first-round
game against Buffalo in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Thursday,
March 15, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Arizona
coach Sean Miller kneels by the bench during the first half of a first-round
game against Buffalo in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Thursday,
March 15, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The
skinny: The season began and ended with controversy. Arizona got caught up in a
FBI probe investigating college basketball corruption, which loomed like a dark
cloud over the program all season. Trier missed two games due to a NCAA
suspension for testing positive to performance-enhancing drugs. And coach Sean
Miller was reportedly caught on a FBI wiretap arranging a $100,000 payment to a
player. (Miller said the report is false.) No. 4 seed Arizona was
unceremoniously bounced in the first round of the NCAA tournament following a
deflating 89-68 loss to No. 13 Buffalo. This was supposed to be the year Miller
finally advanced to the Final Four, but it was the third straight year the
Wildcats have ended the season in the Big Dance against a double-digit seed.
Miller, 49, is the Pac-12 highest paid coach who receives $4 million a year on
a deal that expires after the 2020 season, but it’s uncertain if he survives
the scandal surrounding the program. All five starters are leaving via
graduation or early entry to the NBA while UA assistant Lorenzo Romar has left
for Pepperdine. Worse yet, Arizona hasn’t signed a 2018 recruit and doesn’t
have a commitment from a 2018 prospect.
Projected
2018-19 finish: 12.
And
here’s a look at where Pac-12 teams rank among several recruiting sites
(national ranking in parenthesis).
ESPN.com
1. UCLA
(2)
2. Oregon
(3)
3.
Arizona State (13)
4.
Washington (25)
5. USC
(26)
6.
Stanford (32)
7.
California (36)
8. Utah
(41)
9. Oregon
State (79)
11.
Colorado (96)
12.
Washington State (132)
247Sports.com
1. Oregon
(2)
2. UCLA
(3)
3. USC
(15)
4.
Arizona State (20)
5.
Washington (28)
6.
Stanford (32)
7.
California (36)
8. Utah
(40)
9. Oregon
State (79)
11.
Colorado (96)
12.
Washington State (132)
Rivals.com
1. UCLA
(2)
2. Oregon
(3)
3. USC
(16)
4.
Arizona State (23)
5.
Washington (27)
6. Utah
(31)
7.
California (36)
8.
Stanford (37)
9. Oregon
State (58)
10.
Colorado (82)
11. Arizona
and Washington State (NR)
Scout.com
1. Oregon
(3)
2. UCLA
(5)
3.
Arizona State (9)
4. USC
(15)
5.
Stanford (27)
6. Utah
(30)
7.
California (31)
8.
Washington (34)
9. Oregon
State (70)
10.
Oregon State (t-122)
10.
Washington State (t-122)
12.
Arizona (NR)
