STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 2/28/2008

Team Of The Week - USC. After a 2-0 week that netted them a season sweep of both Oregon schools as well as putting them two games over .500 in conference it looks like the Trojans will be dancing again this year. This is after opening the season with a loss at home to Mercer by 15 points that created a California sized crater for them to climb out of. That said though this is technically only about the last week and it was a good one. Mainly because they showed resilience in climbing from a 15 point deficit to knock off the Ducks and didn't allow themselves to become Oregon State's first Pac-10 victim this season. It was the first time in over a week that USC looked like they belonged in the tournament and that they'd be a threat when they got there. I'm still not sure they'll be able to make any real noise in the dance, but if with the right draw they could reach the second weekend.

Player Of The Week - OJ Mayo. If you can believe it this is the first time all season OJ's managed to nab Pac-10 POTW honors this season. It's in large part for his ability to take care of the ball after a week in which turned it over 10 times in just one game. This week he managed only half of that, in BOTH game's combined. On top of that he dropped 32 and 21 points on the Ducks and Beavers respectively though he assist numbers remain low for a point guard (2 per game). Regardless as OJ goes the Trojans go and as long as he's shooting 5-7 from three like he did against the Ducks their should be a notch in the win column for the men of Troy.

Team With The Worst Week - Oregon. The Ducks really needed an LA split to feel even a little comfortable about their at-large chances heading down the home stretch but they didn't get it. The let halftime leads against both USC and UCLA slip away and are now certainly on the outside looking in. It doesn't help that they've tallied an abysmal 1-7 record against the conference's top 4 teams (USC, WSU, STAN, and UCLA) and currently sit a very disappointing 6-9 in conference. A position that leaves them in need of a strong 3 game finish just to reach .500 and even then they're far from a tournament lock. If the Pac-10 has any hope of 7 team's reaching the dance the boys in Oregon need to pick it up.

Upcoming Games -
2/28 USC @ Arizona - A USC win will all but officially punch their dance ticket.
2/28 (4) UCLA @ Arizona State - The Sun Devils get a great shot to help their cause at home.
2/28 (22) Washington State @ California - A virtual must win for the Bears if they're looking to reach the post-season.
3/1 USC @ Arizona State - Another great chance for ASU to help themselves out.
3/1 (22) Washington State @ (8) Stanford - Just a shot to enhance the winners bracket positioning.
3/2 (4) UCLA @ Arizona - The 'Cats should try and avoid another 30 point beat down in this one.

Brandan Wright All-Stars: Pac-10

This picture appeared in a "Brandan Wright" image search. Seriously.

Every team has at least one of these players at some point in their history. He's very talented, very athletic, can shoot lights out from the fields, and does almost everything that's asked of him.

The emphasis here is "almost." He has one major flaw: he can't shoot free throws to save his soul. As a fan, you watch him shoot from the stripe, and it invokes the kind of reaction akin to seeing a freshly run-over squirrel:




So this is dedicated to the players who are good at everything but the freebies. The supremely talented men who happen to be the Stripe Sultans of Suck. These...are the Brandan Wright All-Stars of the Pac-10.

A refresher on the BWAS rules... First and foremost, it must be a five-man lineup that one could envision trotting onto the court. That's why we can't just have five big guys make the team. The primary criteria for qualification is for a player's field goal percentage to EXCEED their free throw percentage. A bit of leeway is given to guards, for which finding enough to meet this criteria can be difficult. In those cases, a sub .500 shooting efficiency is enough. In most circumstances, players must also have played at least 10 minutes per game, been healthy for all or most of the year, and have shot enough free throws (10+) for statistical relevance.

On to the Pac-10 squad:

Center: Eric Boateng, Arizona State. Finally! We finally get a Dukie on this roster, albeit a transfer. His field goal efficiency (61.2%) is nearly double his percentage from the line (32.4%).

Forward: Jon Brockman, Washington. A potential All-Conference player, no one can doubt Brockman's abilities. Still, his foul shooting leaves a bit to be desired (53.7%).

Forward: Taj Gibson, USC. Despite his seeming lack of size, Taj is a beast in the paint for the Trojans, grabbing key rebounds, shooting 59.3% from the floor, and getting to the line on a consistent basis. Too bad he doesn't do very well once he gets there; he's a partly 56% from the line.

Guard: LeKendric Longmire, Oregon. Of all the Brandan Wright All-Stars so far this year, LeKendric Longmire has by far the most awesome name. His free throw shooting...not so much (33.3% from the line compared to 46.6% from the field).

Guard: Angelo Johnson, USC. The Trojans have four members of their regular roster with a FT percentage under 60. Among them is Angelo Johnson (50%). Tim Floyd may have to improve his entire team's free throw shooting if he wants the Trojans to make noise during OJ Mayo's likely short time on campus.

Dishonorable mention: Artem Wallace (Washington), Josh Owens (Stanford).

STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 2/21/08

Team Of The Week - Washington State. For the first time in week the Cougs managed a perfect a week. This time in sweeping through Oregon. Finally their three's were falling for more than one night and their defense was stingy once again. It was the Cougs team we'd come to know early in the season and it was nice to see them at their best once again. To be fair, they didn't exactly knock off a couple of the Pac-10's elite, but a pair of road wins are a pair of road wins in this league. No matter who it is your beating. With the victories the Cougs have almost reached lock status. Something their certain to reach with an pair of victories this week as the Arizona schools come to Pullman.

Player Of The Week - James Harden. If for nothing else than his late game heroics against Stanford on Thursday night. In a game they had no business winning Harden put the team on his back and made one play after another down the stretch to force overtime. Harden managed ASU's last four points of regulation and the first 8 point of overtime as ASU stole the victory. Proving that he's far from a one trick pony Harden also nabbed 5 boards, 5 steals and 5 assists. As someone not considered a threat to head for the draft ASU looks to be in good shape for next year if they fail to play into late March this season.

Team With The Worst Week - Arizona. One could certainly make a case for USC here as they played only one game and lost it so UCLA while their "leader" OJ Mayo turned the ball over 10 times, but I'm rolling with the 'Cats for a few reasons. After knocking off Cal on Thursday Arizona could have officially punched its ticket to the Dance, but once again they lost a close one late. This time it was to Stanford, in the past it's been Kansas and others. No one is doubting the 'Cats have played the nations toughest schedule, but it seems like they've lost (albeit close) to every one of the top tier squads they've faced. They don't necessarily need to beat UCLA when they play them March 2nd, but it'd certainly help justify all the positive press they've gotten to this point.

Game To Watch -
2/21 - Arizona State @ (17) Washington State - Must win for ASU's at-large hopes.
2/21 Oregon @ USC - The Trojans can put the final nail in the Ducks coffin with a win at home.
2/23 Oregon @ UCLA - Would be huge for Oregon, as unlikely as it is.
2/23 Arizona @ (17) Washington State - One of two chances for Arizona left to get a marquee conference win.
2/24 Cal @ (9) Stanford - If Cal's going to make a push for the postseason it MUST start here.

STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 2/14

Team Of The Week - Stanford. It's simple, really. The Cardinal were the only Pac-10 squad to survive the week without a loss. All the while climbing to #7 in the polls on the strength of, ironically, seven strait victories. In the wretched Pac-10 no less. It should be noted, though, that the streak doesn't include wins over either of the Los Angeles schools. Not to mention their turnover problems. They doubled Oregon State in turnovers on Saturday, a decent team would have made them pay for it. And while the Cardinal have certainly surpassed the Cougars as the Pac-10's clear #2 team, I'm still not ready to pencil them into the Elite Eight just yet. The Lopez twins can't do everything, and I still don't trust their perimeter play with the exception of Hill. If their guard play doesn't step up come March, this Cardinal be heading home before the end of the first weekend.In far less embarrassing fashion than last year, though.

Player Of The Week - Jerryd Bayless. Usually, I immediately eliminate players from teams who finished the past week winless. Even in a case where the team only suited up once, and lost, at home. This time, however, it's different as Jerryd Bayless turned in one of the finest individual efforts of the season on the offensive end. Outscoring his own team 39 to 15 in a 5 point loss to Arizona State at home. Bayless got going early dropping his first seven shots from the floor. Including 4 from beyond the arc. He finished 12-18 from the floor, 6-10 form three and 9-9 from the charity stripe. All in all a sparkling line, especially considering he damn near beat the other Arizona team all by himself.

Team With The Worst Week - California. A week after sweeping through Washington and getting themselves back onto the bubble the Bears tourney hopes took a major shot. While they did hold court when the Beavers came calling they followed it up with an absolute beat-down at the hands of fellow barely bubblicious Oregon. In the 22-point loss the Bears allowed 18 three's at an embarrassing 58% clip. And that's just one of the reasons Oregon was able to overcome an 8 turnover discrepancy and reinsert themselves into the bubble conversation. The question is, who's the real Cal? We should find out, but I have a feeling we'll be disappointed when we do.

Games To Watch -
2/14 Cal @ Arizona - Cal needs a little more of that road magic if their going to sneak into the tourney.
2/14 (7) Stanford @ Arizona State - This would be a huge coup for the Sun Devils if they can get it.
2/16 (7) Stanford @ Arizona - The 'Cats need to stop this slide before it pushes them deep into the double-digits come seeding time.
2/16 Cal @ Arizona State - The loser here could be looking at an end to their season.
2/17 (6) UCLA @ USC - A sweep of UCLA would certainly help the Trojans, but USC losing two in a row? Really? I'm not buying.

STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 2/7/2008

Team Of The Week - UCLA. While Cal is certainly deserving of some love for their sweep through Washington no had a better week than the Bruins. They dominated the Arizona schools at Pauley by a combined 55 points. The defense was at it's best as neither Arizona team managed any kinds of consistent offensive flow. ASU was held to an abysmal 38% shooting from the field. Their best two players (Pendergraph & Harden) were held to a combined 14 points. While Arizona's top players had decent games, their lack of depth doomed them from the start. While UCLA was running with fresh legs the 'Cats were still trying to catch their breath. This was a statement week for UCLA in dispatching two tournament caliber teams without breaking a sweat. If you were wondering about the Bruins I think they just proved they can get back to the Final Four. And this time, they might just win the whole thing.

Player Of The Week - Ryan Anderson (California). This one's undeniable this week as his team went 2-0 on the road. Anderson managed to continue his torrid pace dropped 27 and 33 points to go along with 9 and 17 rebounds in the pair of wins. Including 9-14 from three. Anderson does absolutely everything for a team that expected DeVon Hardin to be it's most dominant post presence. While Anderson somehow missed out on being a Wooden Award finalist he'll most certainly join Kevin Love in the front court when the time comes to hand on Pac-10 first team awards here at STF.

Team With The Worst Week - Washington State. What a difference a few weeks makes eh? From undefeated to losing four of seven. The Cougars find themselves slowly slipping down the tournament ladder. While still a tournament team, the Cougs have slipped into the 5-6 seed range from what was a 2 a few weeks ago. The most glaring issue seems to be a lack of consistent shooting from the outside. Without a large volume of three's finding the net the Cougs struggle to score and things aren't getting any easier this week. They welcome UCLA to Pullman tonight. It's a game they almost have to win, though while I'd expect a loss they better not get swept again when USC comes calling on Saturday. The Cougs out-of-conference schedule is far too weak for them to withstand this kind of slide much longer.

Sudden News: Arizona's 6th man and spark plug Nic Wise will be having knee surgery and miss 4-6 weeks. Another huge blow to already shallow team. (ESPN) Note: This says Wise starts, but he was actually moved to the bench last week as Bayless and McClellan have taken over the back court.

Games To Watch -
2/7 - (5) UCLA @ (17) Washington State - If Derrick Low no shows again it'll be UCLA in a rout.
2/7 - Oregon @ (9) Stanford - Oregon trying hard to avoid falling off the bubble all together.
2/9 - USC @ (17) Washington State - This one is just about must-win for both squads.
2/10 - Arizona State @ Arizona - The 'Cats will be looking to prove their trip to Pauley was an aberration. On the other side the Sun Devils need to right the ship before they slip off the bubble all-together.

STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 1/31

Team Of The Week - Arizona. What a difference a Bayless makes. Since the 'Cats fantastic freshman returned to the lineup the 'Cats are 4-1. With wins at Houston and California to go along with this past week's pair of wins at home against the two Washington schools. Beating the Huskies is no surprise, but knocking off the Cougars by double-digits? Along with Bayless, Chase Budinger has finally become the consistent offensive weapon he was expected to be. Averaging 20+ points over the last week. The final piece is Jordan Hill, who's the 'Cats version of Ben Wallace with his truckload of blocked shots and rebounds. Against Wazzu Hill racked up 6 blocks and 10 boards forcing the Cougars away from the basket all night. Right now Arizona's a tournament lock with their success against the country's toughest schedule ((14-6) 4-3).

Player Of The Week - Kevin Love. As great of a week as Bayless, Budinger, and even Mayo had it was all about the Love this week. In his return to his home state Kevin Love was dominant as his team completed the 2-game sweep of Oregon. He yanked down 18 and 21 rebounds in the two games. He added 26 and 16 points as well. It was truly dominant week for Kevin Love and it makes it hard to blame those Oregon fans for booing. He alone would turn the Ducks into a contender. I still don't think he's one of the country's top three freshman, but he's certainly in the conversation. (For the record: Eric Gordon, Micheal Beasley, and Jerryd Bayless).

Team With The Worst Week - Arizona State. Their's just not excuse for losing to one of the conference worst three teams -- at home -- by double-digits. None at all. They almost salvaged the week when the Cougars came calling, but fell again, this time by just one point. ASU remains among the Pac-10 leaders, but I'm still not buying them as one of the best three teams out West. They've still got a long way to go for that and it starts with Jeff Pendergraph. When he plays well they're at the top of their game, when he's turning the ball over 6 times and being consistently dominated inside. Harden isn't enough, if this team is getting out of the first weekend come tournament time it'll be because of Pendergraph.

Game To Watch -
1/31 - Arizona @ USC, this one will certainly be fun to watch. Best Matchup: Bayless V. Mayo
1/31 - Arizona State @ (5) UCLA, Does ASU reall belong atop the conference? Best Matchup: Harden V. Shipp
2/2 - (14) Stanford @ (9) Washington State, Is Wazzu slipping? This'll answer that. Best Matchup: Baynes V. Lopez
2/2 - Arizona @ UCLA, This should tell us just how good Arizona is. Best Matchup: Bayless V. Collison
2/2 Arizona State @ USC, Looks good on the resume, either way. Best Matchup: Jefferson V. Pendergraph

STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 1/24

Team Of The Week - USC. I think we all expected a decent game if OJ Mayo could play under control and Taj Gibson could stay out of foul trouble. But I'm not sure any of us thought the Trojans would be able to knock off the Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. Let alone have Davon Jefferson leading the charge. It was the USC team we all expected when the season kicked off. Mayo still took bad shots, but not as many and USC's defense held UCLA to 33 percent shooting. All the while shooting 61 percent from the field themselves against one of the nations top defenses. The win legitimizes USC, but can they build from it and lock up an NCAA tournament bid? Or will they fall back into their old patterns and have this one game as the singular highlight of their season?

Player Of The Week - Davon Jefferson. While Ryan Anderson had the best statistical week averaging 30+ points and almost double digit rebounds his team lost both outings. In Jefferson's only game he was the difference for USC at Pauley. Jefferson poured in 25 points and ripped down 9 rebounds in the win. His 25 included 11 down the stretch as USC outscored UCLA 21-6. It's clear that if USC has any big plans this season they're going to need Jefferson playing well on both ends of the floor to get it done. We now know he's capable, but can he develop into a consistent force? If not, it's hard to imagine his team moving deep into the dance and that's if they can even make it.

Team With The Worst Week - Oregon State. I hate to pile on the Beavers as they took home this prize last week as well, but when your coach is fired, you go winless again and arguably your best player (Kansas Transfer) CJ Giles is dismissed from the team it's tough not to call it the worst week. Giles was plagued by foul trouble fouling out repeatedly since he began his season in mid-December. New coach Kevin Mouton immediately dismissed Giles after taking over the team. Despite his talent, this may actually turn out to be the best thing for the squad. The losses last week were to both Washington teams on the road. After the loss to Washington, the 2nd worst team in the conference, the Beavers may only get one more shot to avoid a defeated conference season when they host the Huskies in mid-February. As for the upcoming? It's not getting any better as they welcome the Los Angeles twosome to town this week.

Game To Watch
1/24 (6) Washington State @ Arizona - Best shot at a signature win the 'Cats may have.
1/24 (8) UCLA @ Oregon - Oregon slipping toward the bottom of the conference. A win here would be a big help.
1/26 (6) Washington State @ (24) Arizona State - Sun Devils looking to bounce back from their beating at Stanford.
1/26 USC @ Oregon - This is arguably must win for both squads. Even more for the Ducks.
1/26 (20) Stanford @ Cal - Cal needs this game if they have any hopes of an NCAAA tournament berth without a conference tournament win.

STF Conference Reports: Pac-10 1/17

Team Of The Week - UCLA. On Saturday UCLA cemented themselves as the team to beat out west. Doing so with an absolute throttling of the Cougs at Pauley. UCLA managed a 7 points victory despite Wazzu's nailing seven consecutive three pointers down the stretch to make the score respectable. It was the Bruin's D and a lot of Love that won this game. The defensive pressure was relentless for the entire first half and most of the second. The Cougs simply couldn't get anything done offensively in the early going and once the pressure subsided they were just too far behind. It's this kind of defensive pressure that makes UCLA a title contender once again. And with Russel Westbrook and Kevin Love in the fold this may just be the team to do it.

Player Of The Week - Kevin Love. Another week another Freshman taking home POTW honers out West. Kevin Love was absolutely dominant in the Bruins win over Wazzu on Saturday. Love scored 27 points and ripped down 14 rebounds to go with 4 assist and only one turnover. Love actually out rebounded Wazzu himself in the first half of Saturday's match up 8 to 7. He dominated Aaron Baynes inside and even showed his range knocking down a pair of three-pointers. It was without a doubt Love's best game thus far and as he continues to improve it's hard to imagine many team's slowing him down as the season progresses into March.

Team With The Worst Week - Oregon State. Without a doubt the conference's worst team the Beavers racked up two more losses this past week. But they're only getting worst honers because of where both losses took place -- at home. The Beavers lost both games by a combined 30 points and gave limited resistance to their two opponents (Cal and Stanford). All signs points to the Beavers giving ASU's losing streak of last season a run for it's money (14 consecutive conference losses). Here's hoping it doesn't get that bad for this squad in the Pacific Northwest.

Games To Watch
Tonight - Arizona @ Stanford (11 EST) and (25)Arizona State @ Cal (10:30 EST)
Jan 19 - USC @ (4)UCLA (3:30 EST), (25)Arizona State @ Stanford (10 EST) and, Arizona @ Cal (8 EST)
Jan 20 - Oregon @ (8)Washington State (8 EST)

If I had to guess I'd say this is the week ASU falls back to earth with a pair of road games. Things should get real ugly for USC Saturday at Pauley. Cal and Stanford both have a chance to make big statements as they each host both Arizona squads.

STF Conference Reports: The Pac-10 1/10/08

It's been about a month since I last delivered a conference report here at STF. Lots of things have happened out West and it's only going to get better now that we're into conference season. I debated with myself over the last 24 hours whether or not to make this week a recap of the last month, or just the last week as what happens in conference is far more important. Unless your losing to team's like Oakland. The decision? Just the last week as I feel conference season is where it at. It's where you separate the legitimate from fraudulent.

Team Of The Week - Arizona State. It was either these guys or UCLA. Who you could argue won tougher games and did so on the road, but I figure how often will ASU have a shot to win this? They won't be hosting Arizona, Oregon, and Oregon State every week. If I were looking at the last month the Sun Devils are a slam dunk anyway. Having man-slapped Xavier by 22 on December 15th. The Sun Devils are beginning to look like a tournament team, but to get it done they'll need to win on the road. Something I'm not sure they can do just yet. If they get it done expect to see these guys instead of say... Oregon come march.

Player Of The Week - James Harden. Without all the hype of fellow in-state freshman Jerryd Bayless Harden has stepped in and immediately become his team's best player. Turning a team that won just two conference games last season into the "team no one wants to play." Over the past week Harden averaged almost 24 points and 7 rebounds in the three victories. Harden's repeated trips to the rim are creating opportunities for his teammates and are a big reason ASU is getting it done in the halfcourt.

Team With The Worst Week - USC. Oregon probably had the worst month overall, but as I said I'm all about what's happened in conference thus far. And for USC it wasn't a good start. They lost both of their games last week to Stanford and California. While both were roads games and both teams are expected to contend for tournament bids this USC team was supposed to be great. This is a team that almost knocked off Memphis (neutral floor) and they're struggling horribly against Cal? The biggest reasons for their struggles are OJ Mayo and Taj Gibson. I'm not even sure Taj is playing as he's failed to show up thus far and this team has no chance without him playing well. You may remember he was a big part of their success last season and in March when they slayed Kevin Durant's longhorns. As for Mayo, he needs to play under control for an entire game. He tends to get selfish and fire up bad shots in bunches. He needs to facilitate more and it'll lead to even more open shots for him as well. And one would expect with open shots would come a raise in his abysmal shooting percentage.

Games To Watch -
Tonight - Cal @ Oregon 8:30 EST, (4) Wash St. @ USC 11 EST on FSN
1/12 Arizona @ Houston, (4) Wash St. @ (5) UCLA
1/13 (23) Stanford @ Oregon

I'm recording USC/Wazzu tonight as I won't be home, but it should officially let us know if USC can live up to the hype. Game of the week is easily Wazzu and UCLA, should be a good one. Arizona's non-conference schedule has been psychotic and that continues with a trip to Houston on Saturday. A game they'll likely lose is Jerryd Bayless is still sitting on the bench in street clothes.

STF Conference Reports: The Pac-10 12/13/07

Wow do I hate finals. This is for two reasons, one of which should be obvious, I hate tests. Not a big fan of letting it all ride on one visit to a given classroom. And having just gotten home from bombing my Math final I really could go for some College Hoops, but of course not.

Which brings us to reason #2: there's not a lot going on in Hoops land because these guys have finals as well. All in all, I'd say it's pretty clear we need to lead a revolt against the architects of these tests (otherwise known as our professors/teachers) and the world will be a far better place in the end. Anyhow enough test bashing (as if there could be enough). Let's move on to this week's report, shall we?

Team Of The Week - Arizona. I could go with UCLA here, but I was impressed with Arizona's comeback win at the United Center on Saturday. They looked like a Big Ten team for the majority of the first half. Boring, sparsely athletic, you know the kind. And to top it off Budinger and Bayless were unheard of throughout the first half. Budinger never really showed up until overtime, but once again Bayless took over, despite a knee injury. It was the second time in two weeks that Arizona came back from an early double-digit deficit to win a game. It's great that they're resilient, but eventually the team on the other side isn't going to collapse while Bayless leads his team back.

Player Of The Week - Jordan Hill (Arizona). Hill is generally a complementary player to Bayless, Budinger and McClellan, but not last Saturday. Hill single-handedly kept the 'Cats in the game as the rest of the squad took the first half off. He finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds on 8/12 shooting and 7/9 from the charity stripe. Something you love to see from a big man. If Hill can produce like this consistently and the other guys show up, Arizona could become a contender for the Pac-10 title.

Team With The Worst Week - California. They were the only team to lose a game this week. The loss came at the hands of Kansas State in Manhattan. Which makes it hard to feel like Cal is ready to join the upper echelon of the Pac-10 - a place their talent suggests they belong. But, as I'm sure you remember, a few weeks ago Oregon went into Manhattan and came out with a win (albeit in OT). Oregon, despite their 16th ranking, is in my mind the cutoff for the Pac-10's elite. While the game was tied at half, K-State played about as bad as they have all season and still managed a 7-point win. This is a game Cal should have won. They shot 50% from the field, but thanks to 21 they left Manhattan with a loss and showed us all they're not ready for prime time just yet. They can't handle tough defense. Something they'll be seeing a lot of as we head into conference season.

Games To Watch -
12/15 (17) Xavier @ Arizona State
12/15 (16) Oregon @ Nebraska
12/19 (21) Arizona @ UNLV
12/19 Santa Clara @ Stanford

Not a whole lot to speak of this week either, but I'd imagine Stanford-Santa Clara will be a good one. And Arizona's in for another tough test heading to Vegas. Xavier should wax ASU, but I threw it up there because it's a chance for ASU to prove they're not the worst team out West anymore. As for Oregon-Nebraska? The Huskers are undefeated at home, but haven't played anyone. We'll see if that home cookin' can help them spring an upset of the Ducks.

Dark Secrets of College Basketball: The Washington State Offense

For most fans outside of Pullman, watching a Washington State basketball victory must feel a bit like this:



This week's game between Washington State and Gonzaga was a perfect example. Despite an intriguing matchup between two in-state rivals facing each other as top 20 teams for the first time, watching the overall play of this game was about as riveting as a 51-47 final score would indicate. Defense ruled the night, and often minutes would pass before either team got a basket. Perhaps it's because I'm a UNC fan, who has grown accustomed to Roy Williams' high-flying transition offense. However, at 12:30 am, this game wasn't particularly easy to watch. Chapel Hill thrives on "Biscuits" this time of year (discounts at Bojangles when the Tar Heels score 100+ points at home); if Tony Bennett were our coach, fans would riot if not for starvation.

However, this is how the Wazzu head coach has been winning games in the past one and a half seasons, bringing the Cougars from the dredges of the Pac-10 to national prominence. The slow, defensive-minded pace keeps games close, and Washington State's shooters come through in clutch situations. As a WSU outsider, however, I have to wonder, is this slow pace really the most effective strategy for Washington State to win, or are these Cougars simply incapable of scoring the stratospheric level of 65 points per game?

Perhaps the answer to that question has almost nothing to do with basketball...

----------------------------------------

(Scene: November 10th, 2006, Beasley Coliseum. Coach Bennett is laying out the final details of tonight's gameplan to his players, just 15 minutes prior to tipoff in their season opener against UAB.)


Coach: Okay, just so we're clear on this...Taylor, I want you and Kyle to push the ball up the court on as many possessions as possible, because I know you can outrun their guards!

Taylor Rochestie: (nods)

Coach: And then I want to drive into the lane, and if there's an open shot take it. If not, kick it out to Derrick or Kyle on the wings, who should be open for threes all night. Derrick, you'd better sink the ones they give you tonight...

Derrick Low: I will, coach.

Coach: Good! Now once you start hitting 'em, the defense is going to overreact to passes on the perimeter. If they do that, quickly pass the ball back inside, where Robbie and Aron should be open for easy layups in the paint. Baynes, lay off those pancakes! The way I've got this set up, a midget could play center!



Aron Baynes: But...but LOOK at them. They're so good.

Coach: Well, alright. I guess a few extra pounds never hurt anybody playing the five. Now Let's go give the Blazers their own forty minutes of hell!

Everyone: YEEEAAAAHHHH!!!

Coach: We're gonna give 'em a show tonight. I can feel it.

(Just as the team is about head for it's final shootaround, the locker room doors fly open. In comes some dude with a bulletproof vest who looks and acts like Keanu Reeves from Speed.)



Stranger: Stop! you cannot go out there tonight with your gameplan.

Coach: Well, why the hell not?

Stranger: Because dude, there is a BOMB inside this arena.

Team: (gasps)

Aron Baynes: DUHN-Duhn-duhhhhhhhhhhnnnnn!!! (dramatic sound effect)

Coach: Wait a second--who the hell are you and how do you expect us to believe this?

Stranger: I'm [****** **********], FBI and ATF. (For security purposes, we're not allowed to disclose the agent's name.)

Coach: Well, why the hell would there be a bomb in this place?

Stranger: Well, apparently the mob is on a manhunt for Tony Bennett, and those dudes are going to STOP. AT. NOTHING. to get him taken care of. What I want to know is, why the hell does Tony Bennett keep showing up at your games? Does he like to perform at college halftime shows or something?

Coach: Because Tony Bennett is their coach!

Stranger: Waaaaait a minute... you're gonna try and pull a fast one on me and tell me that You're Tony f------ Bennett?

Coach: (takes out his wallet, shows stranger his drivers license)

Stranger: Whoooaaa...dude, I sooooo need your plastic surgeon.

Taylor: Could you please get to your point?

Stranger: Oh, yeah...Because of the bomb, you can't use your current game plan tonight. The bookies estimate you scoring more than 87 points per game with your current personnel and gameplan, and they figure getting to that number, at home, against a mid-major would be far too easy for you. So they've rigged the bomb with the scoreboard to go off whenever your team reaches 78 points, of if they're leading by more than 20.

Baynes: DUHN-Duhn-duhhhhhhhhhhnnnnn!!!

Coach: So...then you're saying we have to throw the game. That's alright, we stunk last year, most people won't notice.

Stranger: NO!

Kyle Weaver: No?

Stranger: These guys are notorious for their temper. A few of them put big money on you, and if it looks like you're losing, they'll pull the trigger and cut their losses.

Derrick: So why even play a game if there's a bomb threat? Why not just evacuate the building and postpone the game?

Stranger: NO! We can't do that!

Coach: Oh COME ON, this is getting ridiculous!

Stranger: If they think we're on to them, they'll try and set off the bomb before anyone can escape.

Coach: Is that it?

Stranger: Yup.

Coach: So, lemme get this straight...if we score more than 77 points, everyone dies; if we lead by 20 or more, everyone dies; if we lose, everyone dies; and if we postpone the game, everyone dies?

Stranger: Exactly.

Derrick: Oh my God.

Baynes: DUHN-Duhn-duhhhhhhhhhhnnnnn!!!

Coach: WILL YOU CUT THAT S--- OUT, BAYNES?!?

Baynes: Sorry.

Coach: So...what options do we have left?

Stranger: Well, the way I see there's only one thing you can do. Force an ultra-slow, halfcourt game for 40 minutes, play great defense, keep it close the entire way, and do just enough to win in the end.

There's no time to explain, just follow these gameplans. (hands Coach a binder) Good luck, I'll be watching. If everything goes right, you'll save thousands of lives tonight.

(The strange FBI agent then walks out of the locker room, leaving the entire WSU team and staff speechless...except for one player.)

Baynes: D--

Coach: Don't. Even. Start.

----------------------------------------

And thus the Washington State offense was born. The Cougars saved the day by virtue of their 71-60 victory over the Blazers, and this team has been 34-8 since implementing their emergency strategy on that fateful night.

STF Conference Reports: The Pac-10

Salutations, I'm BD and despite living in the Midwest I'll be covering the Pac-10 here at STF this season. The main reason for that? I hate the Big Ten, and in my opinion the Pac-10 is where it's at on the hardwood. I'd just like to start by thanking my dish package for making this possible.

Team Of The Week - Washington State. If for no other reason than going into Mark Few's house and knocking off the Zags last night. The win keeps Wazzu undefeated and makes it clear that they'll once again be giving UCLA a run for the money this season. It was all about the D for the Cougars as they handed the Zags their first ever loss at home while ranked.

Player Of The Week - Jerryd Bayless (Arizona). The Arizona freshman may not be getting the pub of some others, but he's been filling it up so far this season. He picks up POTW honors this week for his performance against then #9 Texas A&M. Bayless took over late in the second half and racked up a career-high 26 points on 7-10 from the field. Including 10-10 from the charity stripe as the 'Cats finally picked up their first big win.

Team With The Worst Weak - USC. While it's hard to call this a bad week. The Trojans did manage two losses. Both by four points to to top 5 teams in Kansas and Memphis. Both games they should have probably won. Memphis especially, but OJ wouldn't have any of that. These losses may actually help in the long run though and they certainly have me feeling much better about my final four prediction.

Game To Watch -

12/8 Davidson @ UCLA

12/8 Arizona @ Illinois

12/8 #12 Pittsburgh @ Washington

12/9 Cal @ K-State

Not a whole lot going on out of conference this week, but Davidson/UCLA should be interesting as the Wildcats continue their juggernaut tour.

STF CONFERENCE PREVIEW: PAC-10

LAST SEASON RECAP: The Pac-10 was arguably the toughest conference top-to-bottom last season. With the expected (UCLA) to the surprising (Wash St., Oregon, USC), the Pac-10 managed to send six teams to the big dance and those teams made plenty of noise when they got there. With three of those six reaching the Sweet 16, and one (UCLA) reaching the Final Four before falling victim to the eventual National Champion Gators. Before the big dance started however, it was UCLA once again taking home the regular season crown while Oregon managed to win the conference tournament. It was about as good a year as anyone could have have expected from the Pac-10.

TEAM TO BEAT: It has to be UCLA doesn't it? Despite losing go-to guy Aaron Afflalo the Bruins return their offensive catalyst Darren Collison, second leading scorer Josh Shipp and the forward duo from Cameroon in Alfred Aboya and Luc Richard Mbah A Moute. Insert the #1 ranked recruit in all the land in freshman center Kevin Love and it doesn't look like the Bruins will miss a beat.

SECOND TIER: I'm rolling with Arizona here despite the disappointment the Wildcats have been the last two seasons. With perennial headache Marcus Williams out of the picture and Chase Budinger returning the talent rich roster in Tucson should cash in on all of that potential. USC will be dynamic offensively with O.J. Mayo and will be able to keep up with anyone, but it's hard not to imagine what would have been had Gabe Pruitt and Nick Young stayed in school. Washington State returns most of it's roster, including stars Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver and will once again contend for the Pac-10 crown. A year older Stanford will be even better than last year and possess the toughest match up for UCLA up front with the Lopez twins.

SLEEPER: Cal - Though they were disappointing last season finishing with a 16-17 (6-12) record and getting bounced from the conference tournament easily by Oregon. That was without 6-foot-11 center DeVon Hardin who missed the season's final 22 games with a leg injury. If guards Theo Robertson and Jerome Randle can keep defense's honest for Hardin and leading scorer Ryan Anderson the Bears can make some noise. I think they will, so don't be surprised when Cal knocks off a few of the Pac-10 giants.

OVERRATED: Oregon - Some would argue Tajuan Porter was the true catalyst for this team last year and they won't miss much with Aaron Brooks departure as they return the rest of their core. I disagree though, defense's keyed on Brooks and allowed Porter and everyone else to flourish. Plus this team is unbelievably streaky as they rely heavily on the three ball and when that's not falling they can't get anything done. Sure they'll still be good, but their an upset waiting to happen against the bigger, stronger, more balanced teams at the top of the Pac-10.

WORST TEAM: Arizona State - This isn't a slam dunk as they could jump Oregon State, but with the import of C.J. Giles from Kansas OSU should be just good enough to hold off the improving Sun Devils. ASU has added talent, but it's young and the Pac-10 should be even better. The Sun Devils probably won't have another 15-game losing streak, but they won't be winning any conference road games, either.

STF PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. UCLA
2. USC
3. Arizona
4. Washington State
5. Stanford
6. Oregon
7. California
8. Washington
9. Oregon State
10. Arizona State