Pac-12 Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference
By Connor Hope
Stanford Cardinal – Reid Travis
The team who could make the biggest jump forward this season is the Stanford Cardinal, and their improvement relies on the play Reid Travis. The senior is the only returning All-Pac-12 First Team player and one of the front runners for this season’s Pac-12 Player of the Year award.
Travis is the Cardinal’s top returning scorer and rebounder, averaging 17.4 points and 8.9 rebounds last season. His dominance down low was one of the few positives during Stanford’s disappointing season.
The key for Travis this year is his leadership and the play of his teammates. While Travis was a monster in the Pac-12, the rest of his team did not perform at a high level. Dorian Pickens and Michael Humphrey must improve in order for the Cardinal to have a shot at a Tournament bid.
Right now, Stanford is expected to finish in the middle of the Pac-12, but Reid Travis has the talent around him to lead the team to a higher finish. This could be the year Stanford returns to the NCAA Tournament.