On March 22nd 2009, Michigan State narrowly edged USC in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans would go on to play for a National Championship, while the Trojans remarkable March run came to an end. Then things got bad…

First, at the Trojans season ending banquet (March 31st) head coach Tim Floyd implored the superstar trio of DeMar DeRozan, Daniel Hackett, and Taj Gibson to stay at ‘SC for a potential Final Four run the following season. Less than a day later, Floyd was in Tucson, Arizona rubbing elbows with ‘Cats AD Jim Livengood. Needless to say, after that debacle the three ‘SC superstars swiftly decided to turn pro.

But the worst was still to come. I won’t go through the painful summary, but here is a quick chronological recap using key terms: Louis Johnson, Rodney Guillory, alleged $1,000 envelope, NCAA investigation, “lack of institutional control”, ‘Zona raid of ‘SC recruits.

Pretty tumultuous off-season to say the least, but the show must go on and it will now be directed by journeyman Kevin O’Neill. O’Neill knows a thing or two about coaching a program through chaotic times (2007-08 UA), and now the seasoned 52-year old will try to do it again. As mentioned earlier, the Trojans were decimated by de-commits during the last recruiting cycle, but there is still enough talent left on the roster for O’Neill to keep this team competitive in 2009-10.

Impact Superstar: G Dwight Lewis

Lewis led the Trojans in scoring last season with 14.4 PPG, which is especially impressive considering the talent that was on that roster. This season, the senior from Metairie (LA) will not only have to carry much of the scoring load again, but also provide valuable leadership for a team that must find its identity.

At 6-5 215 pounds, Lewis is a slashing guard with excellent shooting range. Last season, he connected on 37% of his 3-point attempts, and he enters the season ranked 15th on ‘SC’s all-time three-point baskets made list. He has steadily improved over the last three years, especially on the defensive end.

I fully expect Lewis to have a big year scoring, and O’Neill’s pro-style offensive system should fit his game nicely.

Needs To Have A Big Year: G Marcus Simmons

An ankle injury kept Simmons out for most of last season, but when he did get on the court (during the Trojans March run) he was the Trojans best defender (just ask UCLA’s Darren Collison and Cal’s Jerome Randle). Simmons finished the season with 1.9 PPG, 1.2 RPG in 11.2 minutes per game, but those numbers should skyrocket this season.

The 6-6 guard from Alexandria (LA) is a prototypical wing player, possessing excellent length and athleticism that he uses to his advantage on both sides of the floor. Now the only question is, can he develop consistency with his jump shot and perimeter game? If O’Neill can mold Simmons into a more dynamic offensive threat, the Trojans could surprise in the Pac-10 this season.

I believe Simmons is one of the most talented defensive players in the Pac-10, and it would not surprise me to see him on an all-conference team for that reason. Hopefully, the junior can stay healthy this year because I really think he is due for a breakout season.

Potential Impact Newcomer: F Alex Stephenson

Anytime a player transfers from North Carolina there is reason to get excited, and Stephenson should have a huge impact in his debut season with ‘SC. The 6-9 forward from Los Angeles (CA) left UNC in 2008 to be closer to his family. At one point, it looked like he would suit up for the Trojans last season, but the NCAA denied his transfer waiver and he instead redshirted.

Stephenson is a very gifted post player, possessing excellent rebounding and shot blocking skills. During his last season in Chapel Hill (2007-08), he averaged 4.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG and shot 53.9 percent from the field (played 14.5 minutes per game).

In my opinion, Stephenson will be the x-factor for ‘SC this season. If he is as good as advertised, the Trojans will have a dominant frontcourt player that few Pac-10 big men will be able to handle.

My Take

Despite all the problems, Kevin O’Neill has done a fantastic job stabilizing the program so far. Recently, O’Neill put the finishing touches on a 2010 recruiting class that is currently ranked in the top 15 nationally by most recruiting services. Not bad for a program that is in the midst of an NCAA investigation.

I also like the talent on this year’s squad, as players like Simmons and Stephenson should take a lot of pressure off of Dwight Lewis. But there is one position on this Trojans squad where I am very skeptical: point guard. O’Neill has mentioned how critical it will be for ‘SC to establish a reliable presence at the point, and I’m not sure where that player will come from. Junior Donte Smith will likely be the starting PG, but his relative inexperience (three career starts) is cause for concern.

USC has the talent to compete in a rebuilding Pac-10 conference, but lack of overall depth and limitations at point guard will probably hold the team back.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 9th Place

“This is something I anticipated could one day happen. I just knew he was the type of superstar coach that could end up in our league. But we’re both competitors and we’ll be trying to do everything we can to help our respective teams win when we play each other” – Washington Head Coach Lorenzo Romar on WSU hiring Ken Bone

Washington State lost a rising star in the coaching profession to the University of Virginia…. but have the Cougars hired another one? The departure of Tony Bennett brought an end to an era in Pullman–an era full of winning, defense, NCAA tourney runs, defense, Taylor Rochesite, and defense.

Now this Wazzu program will move in an entirely different direction. New head coach Ken Bone brings an up-tempo style that places a heavy emphasis on the transition game. The 51-year old coach from Seattle (WA) also brings an impressive track record with him, as he took each of his last two Portland State teams to the NCAA Tournament.

Bone respects the style that the fans in Pullman have come to expect over these last six years (going back to Dick Bennett), but he also believes that his brand can be just as successful: “It’s a different style. Their defense, their offense, their transition defense, it all fit together the way they wanted to play. What we want to do is good, but it should look a little quicker”.

The Cougars return a couple of all-conference caliber players, but they also lost three valuable contributors (Rochestie, Aaron Baynes, and Caleb Forrest). It will therefore be interesting to see how deep Bone’s debut squad is, especially if WSU expects to play up-tempo right away.

Impact Superstar: G Klay Thompson

It would not surprise me in the least to see Thompson win Pac-10 Player of the Year for 2009-10; he is that good. The 6-6 sophomore from Ladera Ranch (CA) is the total package at the two guard. His shooting stroke is as pure as you will find, but he’s also an unselfish playmaker with tremendous passing skills. As good as his offensive game is he may be a better defender, as he can rebound, block shots, and create steals. Last season, Thompson averaged 12.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, while also shooting 41% from 3-point range.

Thompson’s basketball pedigree played an obvious role in his development (son of 3-time NBA champion Mychal Thompson), but I believe the sky is the limit for Klay. In Bone’s system, he will have more offensive freedom than ever before, and I have no doubt that he will far exceed his freshman statistics.

Needs To Have A Big Year: F DeAngelo Casto

Casto and Thompson shined at the U-19 World Basketball Championships for Team USA this summer, and that experience should pay huge dividends in the Pac-10 this season. The 6-8 Casto has the potential to be a dominant player on both sides of the court, and he is particularly lethal on the fast break. In limited minutes last season (his freshman year), Casto averaged 4.4 PPG and 4.0 RPG, but those numbers should be considerably better in 2009-10.

The sophomore from Spokane (WA) recently showcased his new and improved game, as he posted spectacular numbers in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State (18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks in only 20 minutes). Casto must be a consistent force on the boards and in the post all season, and his 2009-10 debut game seems to suggest that he will be.

Potential Impact Newcomer: G Reggie Moore

Many surrounding the WSU program believe Moore has limitless potential. The 6-1 point guard from Seattle (WA) is the kind of elite athlete that Ken Bone needs to run his system. Now the question is, can he become the team’s starting PG right away?

While I don’t expect him to become Taylor Rochestie overnight, I still think the answer is yes. If the season opener is any indication of what’s to come, the Cougs will be in good shape at the one spot all year (Moore had 10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals against MVSU in season opener).

My Take

The all-conference duo of Thompson and Casto is as good as you will find in the Pac-10, but I am not sold on the depth of this WSU squad. Ken Bone admitted the Cougs are not quite ready for the up-tempo system yet: “I’m not sure we can be too up-tempo this year. We probably don’t have the depth.” Washington State surprised me with their 94-point scoring fest against Mississippi Valley State, but we won’t know if the Cougars are really ready to run until they play better competition.

While Bone may have to adjust his coaching style to fit this season’s team, I believe Wazzu will be successful if the role players (Lodwick, Capers, Koprivica) and freshmen (Thames, Motum) step up.

Ultimately, I see this as being a transitional year for a program that is in the middle of an ideological shift. But when Bone strings together a few more recruiting classes, the rest of the Pac-10 better watch out for the high-flying Cougars.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 8th Place

Like almost every other Pac-10 team this season, Arizona State will be searching for a new identity. The Sun Devils enter the 2009-10 season without two of the best players in program history. G James Harden and F Jeff Pendergraph accounted for 34.6 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 5.1 APG per game last season, but both are now in the NBA.

Will ASU be able to survive without the superstar duo? I believe the answer is yes for one simple reason: Herb Sendek. Sendek has proven that his Devils can compete against anyone because of a deliberate offense and meticulously crafted zone defense. Aside from Pendergraph and Harden, ASU returns every major contributor from last season’s NCAA Tournament team. The challenge this year will be incorporating a talented freshman recruiting class into Sendek’s complicated system.

While this ASU team won’t have an All-American guiding it, the squad appears to be deeper and more talented from top to bottom than it has been in quite some time. Sendek has raised the profile of the program with newfound exposure (NBA Draft picks, NCAA Tournament Birth, 3rd place finish in Pac-10, 2nd place finish in Pac-10 Tourney) and a brand new practice facility (Weatherup Center).

Impact Superstar: G Derek Glasser

Glasser may not fit the mold of a stereotypical “superstar”, but he is invaluable for Sendek’s Devils. The ultra-experienced senior had a breakout season in 2008-09, finishing with 8.8 PPG and 4.8 APG, while shooting 41% from three-point distance. Glasser was ASU’s best player in both the Pac-10 Tournament and NCAA Tourney, and he has proven throughout his career that he is capable of hitting clutch shots when his team needs them most.

The 6-1 point guard from Marina Del Rey (CA) will engineer Sendek’s offense for the fourth year in a row, and that means the Devils will rarely turn the ball over. Glasser is a true floor general, possessing keen instincts and an extremely high basketball IQ.

I have always respected Glasser’s game because of his great decision-making. In many ways, having him on the floor is like having Sendek out there, and his leadership will play a big role in the development of the younger players.

Needs To Have A Big Year: C Eric Boateng

The loss of Jeff Pendergraph means the frontcourt now belongs to Boateng. The 6-10 senior from London, England has been in the program for a few years now, but he has yet to meet the high expectations that were set for him when he transferred from Duke. Last season, Boateng averaged 1.6 PPG and 2.0 RPG in 8.2 minutes per game.

The Sun Devils are a guard-heavy lineup that shoots the ball very well, but none of it will matter if Boateng can’t establish himself in the post. Word out of Tempe is that Boateng has never looked better, and his presence of the offensive and defensive boards will be critical to the Devils success in 2009-10.

Potential Impact Newcomer: G Trent Lockett

G Demetrius Walker and F Victor Rudd have the potential to make an impact this season, but fellow freshman Trent Lockett is my choice because of his intangibles. Herb Sendek had this to say about Lockett at the team’s media day: “I love Trent Lockett, and as you get to know him, you will too. He’s an amazing young man. He’s the consummate gentleman. He’s the prototype for a student athlete. Athletically, he’s very gifted. He’s going to be really good for Arizona State in so many ways.”

Both Rivals and Socut.com rated the 6-5 guard from Minnetonka (MN) as a 4-star prospect. Lockett is an explosive athlete with tremendous leaping ability and deep three-point range. He will be counted on to help offset the loss of James Harden, and could work his way into a starting role at some point during the season.

My Take

Even in a rebuilding season, you can never count out a Herb Sendek-coached team. There’s no doubt the Devils have plenty of question marks, but I expect to see a fundamentally-sound team that will never beat itself. If some of last season’s key contributors play well in 2009-10 (Kuksiks, Abbott, McMillan), this ASU squad may surprise people.

My gut tells me the Devils will be held back by their frontcourt this season. It is still difficult to project how good Boateng will be, and if he is in foul trouble who will step up (Pateev, Rhode)?

In the end, I expect ASU to finish somewhere around 8-10 or 9-9 in the conference, but by 2010-11, Herb Sendek’s young Devils should make a lot of noise in the Pac-10.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 7th Place

The 2008-09 season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Oregon Ducks, but did anyone really see 8-23 (2-16 in Pac-10) coming? Certainly last season was one of the most disappointing of head coach Ernie Kent’s career, however most prognosticators do not foresee a repeat scenario in 2009-10. The Ducks are young, but the talent in Eugene is top notch, and a middle of the conference finish is more than achievable. In fact, the Ducks could end up being one of America’s most improved teams by season’s end.

For Oregon to meet expectations in 2009-10, improvement MUST be made defensively. The Ducks gave up 76 points per game, good enough for dead last in the Pac-10 and 314th nationally. Poor fundamentals were a big part of the problem, which is what prompted Kent to hire one of the best assistant coaches in college basketball, Mike Dunlap. Under Dunlap’s guidance the Ducks should be considerably more organized on defense.

Impact Superstar: G Tajuan Porter

How important is Porter to the Ducks? Last season, he took 20% of the team’s shots, and at times, it seemed like more than that. The sharp-shooting senior can light it up from anywhere on the floor, and he possesses the same unlimited range that Aaron Brooks had during his time in Eugene. Porter averaged 15.4 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.5 RPG last year, and made a whopping 86 three-pointers (tied for 5th in UO single season history).

The 5-7 guard from Detroit (MI) is among the quickest players in the country, and his experience (helped lead Ducks to Elite Eight as freshman) will be huge for the younger players. While Porter is an explosive scorer, he also has a tendency to force things that aren’t there. His decision-making will be critical for the Ducks in 2009-10, especially given the dynamic players that will now be around him.

I expect Porter to lead the team in scoring again this season, but I would also like to see his assist total go up.

Needs To Have A Big Year: C Michael Dunigan

Dunigan is essentially Impact Superstar 1A. The combination of Porter and Dunigan gives the Ducks one of the most formidable one-two punches in the Pac-10. The sophomore from Chicago (IL) had problems with foul trouble throughout his freshman campaign, but he still averaged 8.4 PPG and 4.6 RPG, while shooting nearly 50% from the field.

At 6-10 242 pounds, Dunigan is a tremendously skilled post player capable of dominating on both sides of the court. The former McDonald’s All-American figures to be much improved this season, as the UO coaches have been very pleased with his off-season conditioning (lost 25 pounds and added more muscle).

I believe Dunigan will soar this year in Eugene, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him develop into the BEST frontcourt player in the Pac-10. If he can stay out of foul trouble, look for Dunigan to be a sure-thing all-conference player.

Potential Impact Newcomer: F Jamil Wilson

Michigan State and Texas made a very hard charge at Wilson during the recruiting season, but the freshman from Racine (WI) elected to play for Ernie Kent. He is an electrifying athlete with a very high ceiling, and along with Abdul Gaddy, will be one of the favorites to win Pac-10 Freshman of the Year. Rivals, Scout, and ESPN all rated him as one of the top 100 players of the 2009 recruiting class.

At 6-7 215 pounds, Wilson is a scoring wing who should help take the load off of Porter right away. He could play the three or four spot depending on the rotation in Kent’s lineup. Wilson has a great face-up game and can hit the three with consistency, which will give the Ducks a perfect complimentary weapon to the already lethal duo of Porter and Dunigan.

Wilson is one of the main reasons experts are high on the Ducks as the season approaches. While the freshman will have a steep learning curve, there is no doubt that the Ducks are a more dynamic offense with him on the court.

My Take

Clearly the talent is there, but will everything come together? After all, Oregon was talented last year too, but hideous defense and overall sloppy play kept this team from reaching its potential. I believe Kent’s Ducks will respond in a big way this season, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see this team finish as high as third or fourth in a rebuilding Pac-10. There are still plenty of question marks, but Oregon has the elite talent (Porter, Dunigan, Wilson) and complimentary role players (Longmire, Catron, Singler, Crittle) to make considerable progress in 2009-10.

Ultimately, I think this team is one year away from being truly special, but by the end of the season, the “Hot Seat” talk surrounding Ernie Kent should be a thing of the past.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 6th Place

Only one team in the history of Pac-10 Men’s Basketball has gone winless in conference play: the 2007-08 Oregon State Beavers (6-25, 0-18 in Pac-10). That’s right, just two years ago the folks in Corvallis watched in horror as their team wound up in the wrong section of the record book.

The season was so dreadful, that former head coach Jay John became the first coach in the history of OSU athletics to be fired mid-season (John was let go after 6-12, 0-6 record). Interim head coach Kevin Mouton could fare no better, and athletic director Bob De Carolis knew he needed to hit a home run with his next hire or the program might not recover. A handful of big name coaches immediately tuned the job down, likely due to the enormous rebuilding project that was necessary.

While Oregon State may have missed out on the “name” coaches, De Carolis hit a monstrous home run nonetheless. Forget that Craig Robinson is Barack Obama’s brother-in-law (though recruiting has certainly been affected in a positive way), as more importantly, he is one heck of a basketball coach. Needless to say, what Robinson did last season with OSU was nothing short of remarkable. The Beavers finished the season 18-18 (7-11 in Pac-10) and won the CBI championship.

So the question is, can Robinson’s Beavers take the next step this season? Many prognosticators believe a top-3 conference finish is a realistic possibility, as virtually every major contributor from last season returns (G Ricky Claitt being the exception). If the gifted freshman class is as good as advertised, this OSU team will have a real chance to meet those high expectations.

Impact Superstar: G Calvin Haynes

The explosive Haynes is OSU’s leading returning scorer (13 PPG), and he appears primed for an even bigger season in 2009-10. During the off-season, Haynes underwent minor knee surgery, but after playing in the exhibition against Southern Oregon he appears to be moving around at full strength.

The 6-2 junior guard from Reseda (CA) was technically used in a reserve role for the majority of last season (played in 30 games, 5 starts), but he still averaged 29.7 minutes per game off the bench. I believe his role on this OSU team is somewhat comparable to Manu Ginobili’s role with the San Antonio Spurs. When Haynes establishes a rhythm, he can score in bunches, and I have no doubt he will match or exceed his numbers from last year.

Needs To Have A Big Year: F/C Roeland Schaftenaar

No player fits Craig Robinson’s Princeton style offense better than Schaftenaar. The 6-11 Dutchman from Utrecht, Netherlands plays the point-center in Oregon State’s system, as that role maximizes his exceptional passing and ball-handling skills. Last season, Schaftenaar finished with 10.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 3.3 APG, and he was named MVP of the CBI Tournament after averaging 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in six games.

The skilled senior is big enough to do damage in the post (6-11 240 pounds), but also has the shooting touch to consistently score from behind the arc. In addition to his offensive production, he is one of the keys to Robinson’s stifling 1-3-1 zone defense.

Schaftenaar is one of my favorite players in the conference, and I believe he will have a fantastic senior season. If he can increase his rebounding production a bit this season, I think he will have a real shot at all-conference honors.

Potential Impact Newcomer: G Roberto Nelson

Nelson is a program-changing recruit, but the NCAA Clearinghouse has yet to rule him eligible. Craig Robinson is confident that the matter will be resolved soon, but Nelson is missing valuable practice time with the team. Assuming the ultra-talented freshman is cleared, OSU will have the services of one of America’s best young combo-guards.

Nelson can score in a variety of ways, and he has the vision to setup teammates for open shots. Rivals, Scout, and ESPN.com ranked the 6-3 freshman from Santa Barbara (CA) as one of top 100 overall players of the 2009 recruiting class.

My Take

Oregon State is going to win a lot of games in the next few years, and the rest of the Pac-10 knows it. But how many are realistic this season? After all, the Beavers are still a work in progress, and while the 1-3-1 zone was a huge hit last year, the offensive explosion has yet to develop.

Ultimately, I believe the experience of this Beaver squad (Hayes, Schaftenaar, the Tarver brothers etc.) will be the reason Craig Robinson gets his team to 20 wins. This is a very deep OSU squad, especially with so many talented freshmen ready to make an impact (Nelson, Cunningham, Brandt, Burton). I think the offense will make big strides, and Gil Coliseum will be rocking all year. While I don’t quite expect a top three finish in the Pac-10, I do see a team that will be on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament birth.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 4th Place

A new era begins for UCLA basketball this season. For the first time in four years, the Bruins will be without the fantastic trio of Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, and Alfred Aboya; a group that helped UCLA reach three final fours. Head coach Ben Howland will also have to replace first round pick Jrue Holiday, who declared for the NBA Draft after one season in Westwood. While Holiday may have underachieved last season, he was a shutdown defender who could have seamlessly offset the loss of Collison at point guard.

Despite all of the key departures, this is still UCLA. Howland has stockpiled excellent young talent at all positions, and if everything comes together, the Bruins will contend for another Pac-10 title. Certainly the expectations are lower for this team, but if you believe in Ben Howland’s coaching ability, then you should believe in the 2009-10 Bruins.

Impact Superstar: F Nikola Dragovic

By the end of the season, impact superstar status may belong to talented sophomore guard Malcolm Lee, but Dragovic is UCLA’s leading returning scorer and he can light it up from all over the court when he is in rhythm. The 6-9 senior from Serbia is a versatile big man with tremendous shooting range as well as the size to defend the four or five spot.

Last season, he averaged 9.4 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game and made almost 40% of his three point attempts. As important as his skill set is, Dragovic will also provide veteran leadership to a team that will need it.

I believe Dragovic is poised to have a big season for UCLA. When he’s hot, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better shooter in the conference, and if he can find a way to improve his tenacity on the boards all-conference honors are a possibility.

Needs To Have A Big Year: G Jerime Anderson

The losses of Darren Collison and Jrue Holiday left a big void at the point guard position, and Anderson will be counted on to fill it. The 6-2 sophomore from Anaheim (CA) has all the physical gifts necessary to become a star, but now he must prove that he can be a high-caliber floor general. Anderson played in all 35 games as a freshman, and averaged 8.6 minutes per game as Collison’s backup. He scored 2.3 points per game and added 1.2 assists per game, while shooting 31% from behind the arc.

Anderson has great length for the point guard position, and although he may not possess the quickness of a player like Collison, he plays with explosive elevation once he gets into the lane (reminds me of Russell Westbrook a little). Anderson’s development will be one of the key storylines to watch for this season.

Potential Impact Newcomer: SF Tyler Honeycutt

There are plenty of choices for potential impact newcomer, but Honeycutt’s ceiling is sky high. Ben Howland had this to say about him: “Tyler Honeycutt is a very versatile athlete. He is a good shooter, he’s good at scoring off the dribble and is a good passer. He is also an outstanding rebounder and has a lot of potential”.

The 6-8 freshman from Sylmar (CA) was one of the most heavily recruited players in the country, and Rivals, Scout, and ESPN.com ranked him in the top five of all small forward prospects. Some experts have compared Honeycutt to Tayshaun Prince, as he possesses similar length and athleticism.

Honeycutt was inactive throughout the summer due to a fractured vertebrate, but he has looked good in recent practices. It remains to be seen how quickly he can work into the rotation, but I believe it will difficult to keep him on the bench as the season progresses.

My Take

Obviously UCLA is in rebuilding mode, but so are most teams in the Pac-10. The turnover rate in the conference has been incredible over the last couple years, and the teams best equipped to handle it are the ones that recruit at the highest level. For that reason, I still see the Bruins as a legitimate threat to win the conference, but young players like Jerime Anderson, Malcolm Lee, and sophomore forward Drew Gordon must step up.

Ultimately, I see Ben Howland’s Bruins finishing third in the conference and comfortably making it to the NCAA Tournament. Most importantly though, I believe the young cast of talent in Westwood will grow leaps and bounds by the end of this season, and I fully expect UCLA to be setup for another run to the final four in 2010-11.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 3rd Place

The Huskies are coming off of their first outright Pac-10 title since 1953, and I don’t think it will take another 56 years before they win their next one. Pac-10 Coach of the Year Lorenzo Romar has assembled another tremendous squad this season, and there is no question that the Dawgs are capable of repeating as conference champions.

Having said that, two key members of the 26-9 (14-4 in Pac-10) title team are gone, and neither will be easy to replace. F Jon Brockman and G Justin Dentmon were two of the biggest reasons the Dawgs won the Pac-10 last season. Not only was Brockman a double-double machine (averaged 14.9 points, 11.5 rebounds last season) during his celebrated career, but he was also the heart and soul of the program. As for Dentmon, he was the Pac-10’s Most Improved Player last year, and his scoring ability (14.4 PPG), leadership, and penchant for hitting clutch shots will be sorely missed.

I credit Lorenzo Romar for being able to reload every season even as the program loses one “irreplaceable” player after another (Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy, Jon Brockman etc.). As long as Romar is at the helm, the state of this program will always be strong.

Impact Superstar: G Isaiah Thomas

Speaking of irreplaceable players, I expect this sensational sophomore to join the likes of Robinson, Roy, and Brockman soon enough. Thomas is a truly phenomenal talent, capable of breaking down any defense in America like its nothing. Last season, he led the Huskies with 15.5 PPG on his way to being named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.

Thomas is generously listed at 5-8, and he uses his small frame and lightning-quick feet to get to the basket whenever he desires. The Tacoma (WA) native will almost certainly lead the team in scoring again this season, but he must improve his free throw shooting (68% last season).

Thomas is one of the conference’s most exciting stars, and I expect even more out of the sophomore this season. When I watch him play, I almost feel like I’m watching OSU RB Jacquizz Rodgers playing basketball. Thomas can get to the basket so easily that only three outcomes are possible, 1.) He scores 2.) He draws a foul 3.) He does both (which is usually the case). Look for all-conference honors to be a certainty in 2009-10.

Needs To Have A Big Year: F Quincy Pondexter

We know that guard play will be exceptional for Washington this season, but if the Huskies want to repeat as conference champions they must get consistent frontcourt production. Few forwards in the country are as gifted as Quincy Pondexter, and he will be a key contributor for UW again this season. The 6-6 senior from Fresno (CA) is a natural fit for the three spot, but he will likely see time at power forward as well.

Last season, Pondexter finished fourth on the team with 12.1 PPG and second with 5.9 RPG. Jon Brockman and his 11.5 rebounds per game are gone, and it will probably take a group effort on the boards this year. Nevertheless, Pondexter is capable of producing double-doubles on a regular basis, and I expect to see his rebounding numbers increase this season. Quite simply, I believe if Pondexter has a huge year, so will the Huskies.

Potential Impact Newcomer: PG Abdul Gaddy

If you are a fan of Pac-10 basketball, familiarize yourself with Abdul Gaddy as soon as possible. Gaddy is one of the nation’s most talented incoming freshmen, and he will probably be in a starting role for U-Dub sooner rather than later. While Isaiah Thomas is capable of playing point guard, he is probably best suited to play shooting guard in the UW offense. Gaddy, on the other hand, is a natural PG and already looks like the best option on the roster at the one spot.

The 6-3 freshman from Tacoma (WA) plays with a pass-first mentality, but he is more than capable of scoring in a variety of ways. He has an incredible feel for the game, and he uses his long frame to his advantage against smaller point guards. Some experts have compared Gaddy to a young Mike Bibby, and Rivals, Scout and ESPN all ranked him as either the first or second best PG in the 2009 class.

Like many, I am eagerly anticipating Gaddy’s debut season at Washington.

My Take

Is there a team in the country that is deeper in the backcourt than the Huskies? Thomas and Gaddy will be a lethal one-two punch, while the pesky and defensive-minded Venoy Overton will rotate in as well. If some of the secondary guards can play well (Turner, Wilcox, Suggs), this UW backcourt will overwhelm opponents in 2009-10.

But the key to another special season in Seattle is the frontcourt. Pondexter must have a monster year, and players like F Darnell Gant and F Matthew Bryan-Amaning also need to be strong on the boards.

Something tells me everything is going to come together for UW again this season. I believe the Huskies have more quality depth than any other team in the conference, and in a long season, that depth can be the difference between first and second in the Pac-10. Washington only has one marquee non-conference game on the schedule (Georgetown) so their focus will be squarely on the conference slate. Ultimately, I think Coach Romar’s team will be celebrating their second straight Pac-10 title.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 1st Place

Stanford will be entering year two of the Johnny Dawkins era, and the longtime Duke assistant is coming off an up and down debut season on the Farm (20-14, 6-12 in Pac-10). Dawkins will certainly have his work cut out for him in 2009-10, as three of the program’s most consistent performers over the last four years (G Mitch Johnson, G Anthony Goods, F Lawrence Hill) have all departed. Now Stanford must find a way to replace 36.4 points per game as well as invaluable leadership and experience (all three played vital roles on the Sweet Sixteen team from two years ago).

Like many teams in the Pac-10, the rebuilding Cardinal will be searching for their identity this season. Two starters return, but will quality depth surface?

The answer to that question will likely define how this season plays out in Palo Alto. Unfortunately, the early prognosis is looking bleak. Here are the brutal facts as we get closer to the start of the season: G Jeremy Green or F/C Josh Owens, two key components of Dawkins lineup, have recently been ruled out indefinitely.

Green was suspended following an arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence and it is unclear if he will be cleared to rejoin the team. Owens is being examined for an undisclosed medical condition, and while it is also possible that he could be cleared to play, his father has this to say about the condition: “Keep Joshua in your prayers, he’s hanging in there”.

As if that wasn’t unfortunate enough, the Cardinal will also be without the services of promising freshman forward Andy Brown, who is out for the year with a serious knee injury. This Stanford team was thin on proven players to begin with, but the potential losses of Green and Owens would be devastating.

Assuming the news is as bad as it looks, only six scholarship players will play in the season opener against San Diego (the rest of the roster are walk-ons). One thing is for sure; the resiliency of this Stanford team will be fully tested during the 2009-10 season.

Impact Superstar: G/F Landry Fields

Stanford is a team with many questions, but the superstar status of Landry Fields is not one of them. Fields is one of the Pac-10’s most underrated wing players, and he put his versatile skill set on display in a breakout 2008-09 season. The 6-8 senior from Long Beach (CA) averaged 12.6 points per game (3rd on team) and a team-high 6.6 rebounds per game last season, while also shooting nearly 50% from the field. His length and athleticism make him difficult to defend for both guards and forwards, and he is a very crafty scorer.

I expect Fields to increase his ppg total substantially this season, especially when you consider the lack of established offensive producers in the lineup. I also believe he will be extra motivated during his senior campaign because of the interest that he is starting to draw from NBA scouts. A stellar final season on the Farm will do wonders for his draft status, but he must improve his surprisingly low free throw percentage (65%).

Needs To Have A Big Year: F Andrew Zimmerman

Either Owens or Green would fit here ordinarily, but Zimmerman will now be counted on heavily in the frontcourt. The 6-9 forward transferred from Santa Clara, and spent last year playing for Foothill College. Now, he enters his first season on the Farm as a virtual lock to start. The sophomore from Oostburg (WI) averaged 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while at Santa Clara, but those numbers figure to improve quite a bit this season.

I am not sure Zimmerman is ready to start in the Pac-10, but frankly, Stanford has no other choice. Hopefully, he can adjust to the speed and physicality of the Pac-10, because there isn’t nearly enough frontcourt depth to sit him for extended periods.

Potential Impact Newcomer: G Gabriel Harris

Harris is a true freshman who will likely be the team’s starting point guard. The 6-2 Birmingham (AL) native will try to offset the loss of longtime floor general Mitch Johnson. Harris may have to become a consistent scoring threat in order to lessen the load for Fields, and although he was not heavily recruited, Dawkins believes he can be a difference maker: “We are looking forward to having Gabriel join our program. He is a solid, versatile guard who can do anything on the court and we expect him to be a good player in our system.”

My Take

There is really no way around it: this is going to be a trying season for Stanford basketball. Even with Green and Owens, the Cardinal would struggle to beat most teams in the Pac-10, but without them it could get ugly. Thankfully, Stanford has Johnny Dawkins at the helm, as he does not believe in giving in to adversity no matter the circumstances: “We’re a no excuse team. Our motto: We have to find a way. That’s what we’re attempting to do. We can become better from the experiences. It will help bond us.”

This Stanford program is one of the cornerstones of the Pac-10 (along with UCLA and UA), and I honestly believe Dawkins can lead the Cardinal back to the top… in time. But this season, the folks in Palo Alto must keep the expectation level pretty low.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 10th Place

Before the 2008-09 season started, many wondered what new head coach Mike Montgomery (the winningest coach in Stanford men’s basketball history) could bring to a Cal Bears team that was coming off of a pedestrian 17-16 season. Certainly Monty brought a proven track record (minus that disastrous two-year stint with the Golden State Warriors of course), and his connections to the Bay Area made hiring him that much easier. Still, it remained to be seen if he could take Cal to the next level.

Fast-forward a year and that question looks like it has already been answered in the form of a 22-11 record (3rd in Pac-10 at 11-7) and an NCAA Tournament birth in 2008-09. Montgomery, a four-time winner of Pac-10 coach of the year, lit a fire under the Bears from the first day of practice, and Cal went on to play some of the most entertaining, high-octane, and always offensive basketball of any team in the conference. Monty had the Bears looking more like the Phoenix Suns (circa 2005), as Cal led the nation in three-point field goal percentage while always pushing the tempo.

Now the question becomes, what does Montgomery have in store for year two? The expectations couldn’t be higher in Berkeley, as many feel this team can win a Pac-10 title. Every major contributor from last year’s team returns (save Jordan Wilkes I suppose), so Haas Pavilion should be rocking from November to March.

Impact Superstar: PG Jerome Randle

No player thrived under the tutelage of Montgomery more than Randle. Though diminutive in size (5-10 170 pounds), he might be the quickest guard in the country. Randle is an incredible offensive talent, possessing breathtaking range that extends well beyond the three-point line while also shooting a phenomenal percentage from downtown (46% on a school record 177 three-point attempts last year).

He finished the 2008-09 season third in the Pac-10 with 18.3 points per game, and he was tied for first in the conference with five assists per game. The senior guard was voted first-team All-Pac 10 last season and may challenge for All-American honors in 2009-10.

Randle is the engine of this Cal team, and I expect him to have another monster year. Last year we saw the Randle to Christopher connection reach new heights (no pun intended), and I expect to see even more this season.

Player That Needs To Have A Big Year: SF Theo Robertson

Certainly Patrick Christopher fits here too, as he must be have a huge year for the Bears to reach their goals. But I think Robertson is the x-factor because of what he does for the offense when he is consistently hitting the three-point shots. Robertson is a true sharpshooter, capable of changing a game when he gets into a groove. For the majority of the 2008-09 season, he led the nation in three-point shooting and finished at 48.7 % (second in school history).

At 6-6 230 pounds, Robertson has the size to play the three or four spot while also possessing the skills of a shooting guard. Last season the senior averaged 13.1 points and 3.9 rebounds, and I expect both totals to go up in 2009-10.

Potential Impact Newcomer: PG Brandon Smith

Smith is only a freshman, but the Cal coaching staff is extremely excited about his future. He could see time behind Randle as the Bears second point guard this season, and he may actually be a better defender than Randle even at this early stage in his career.

Smith played at De La Salle High School (CA), where he averaged 12.1 points and 7.3 assists. He garnered a reputation as one of the stingiest defensive players in school history, and as mentioned previously, his defensive ability may be the reason he sees time this year.

My Take

The Bears will be a handful for anyone this season, and I honestly believe a conference title is possible. There is not a team in the Pac-10 that has a better starting backcourt (Randle, Christopher) but I worry about Cal in the frontcourt. This group just isn’t that big, as most of the post players are 6-8 or smaller.

Sure there are a few projects in the lineup that are bigger (Max Zhang, Bak Bak), but the difference between Cal having a good season and a great season will depend on how the team can rebound. I like Harper Kamp (6-8), Jamal Boykin (6-8) and Omondi Amoke (6-7), but they will have to outwork taller players all season. If they can, the sky is the limit for this team.

I believe that Monty’s Bears will be in the thick of the conference race all season, and Cal fans should be very excited about the future of the program. We should learn something about the team right away, as Cal travels to New York City to play Syracuse in the 2K Sports Classic (and a match up with UNC is possible as well).

Ultimately, I see the Bears as a lock to make the NCAA Tourney for the second straight season, and with solid frontcourt play a run to the sweet sixteen or further is possible.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 2nd Place

This past spring, the future of Arizona’s tradition-rich basketball program, as we have come to know it, was in serious jeopardy. Big name coaches were turning the UA job down left and right, and no episode was more embarrassing than the Tim Floyd fiasco.

The momentum that interim coach Russ Pennell left the program with in March (run to the Sweet Sixteen) died quickly, and A.D. Jim Livengood was getting desperate to find Lute Olson’s long-term replacement.

Enter Sean Miller.

Could Miller have done a better job righting the ship so far? In a couple of months, the highly successful coach from Xavier re-energized the fan base and quickly assembled an elite recruiting class full of blue-chippers. Certainly, there will still be growing pains in Tucson, as the roster for ‘09-10 is full of uncertainty (particularly in the frontcourt) and the schedule is extremely challenging. But at long last, ‘Cats fans can close the door on the “Interim Era” in Tucson, and now it’s “Miller Time”.

Impact Superstar: PG Nic Wise

Wise is one of the most productive guards in the country, and he will be the unquestioned leader of this Wildcat squad. The lightning-fast senior can create his own shot, and his ability to penetrate defenses with ease leads to easy buckets for teammates.

Last season, Wise averaged 15.7 points per game (6th in Pac-10) and 4.6 assists per game (5th in pac-10). On top of his offensive skill set, Wise is an excellent defender with a knack for stealing the ball (over 100 steals in last two seasons). The 5-10 180 pound point guard flirted with the idea of turning pro before deciding that another year would help his draft stock.

I believe Wise is one of the best floor generals in all of college basketball, and his leadership and experience will give Sean Miller’s squad a chance to go back to the NCAA Tournament again this season.

Needs To Have A Big Year: F Jamelle Horne

Let’s put one thing to rest right away. Yes, Horne is a great talent. No, he is not and will not become Richard Jefferson (as many ‘Cats fans were hoping when he stepped onto the campus). Horne is still an unfinished product as he enters his junior year and I will be interested to see if he can be more than just a swingman.

At 6-7 215 pounds, Horne can play the four spot but he is not a threat in the post and I don’t think he’s shown enough consistency on the boards. I do believe Horne provides Sean Miller with great value defensively because he possesses the ability to guard multiple positions.

While his numbers from last year were mediocre (6.5 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game), I still believe Horne is capable of having a big season in ’09-10 as long as he can improve in the half-court offense (and not make his living on the fast break alone) and become a more tenacious rebounder.

Potential Impact Newcomer: C Kyryl Natyazhko

Sean Miller landed a great haul of recruits for 2009, but I believe Natyazhko will have the biggest impact this season because of the lack of depth in the ‘Cats frontcourt. Sean Miller was in desperate need of a big man to offset the loss of Jordan Hill, and landing Kyryl is huge for the program.

The 6-10 250 pound Ukrainian has a versatile skill set that some have compared to Dirk Nowitzki, as he can score in the post or step all the way out to the three point line. Rivals.com gave him four stars and rated him as the 11th best center in the country. Natyazhko will have an excellent chance to start at the five spot as a freshman this season as long as he can demonstrate a firm understanding of Sean Miller’s system.

My Take

Certainly the losses of Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger will hurt, but most Pac-10 teams lost key players. The ‘Cats have a chance to make some noise this season for two major reasons: First, Sean Miller is one of the best in-game coaches in the country and he understands how to utilize the talent available to him. Second, having an experienced point guard like Nic Wise will be invaluable for a young team, and his presence should keep UA in games all season long.

As mentioned earlier, I believe Arizona may face some growing pains early on because of a very challenging schedule (Maui Invitational, at Oklahoma, at San Diego State, at N.C. State, BYU). But by the time Pac-10 play starts, I fully expect the Wildcats to be competitive against every team in the conference, and a 4th or 5th place finish is quite achievable. Will that be enough to get UA back to the NCAA Tournament for the 26th consecutive time? As long as the ‘Cats can string together 8-10 wins during non-conference play, I think they have a shot.

Projected Pac-10 Finish: 5th Place