Pac-12 Basketball: Preseason projected 2018-19 rankings

This ranking is all about the lack of depth in Corvallis. The Beavers have three extremely talented players at the top of the roster but there is very little behind them. Having a quality college basketball season requires a rotation full of quality players. This is especially true in a major conference like the Pac-12. However, Oregon State (barring any major breakouts), only has three of those standout guys.

Leading the way for this group will be rising senior Tres Tinkle. One of the best players that been buried on a bad roster for the past few seasons, Tinkle averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game a year ago. Alongside him, Stephen Thompson Jr. (15.8 points) and Ethan Thompson (9.9 points) will play substantial roles during this season. In regards to the No. 11 ranking on this list, it is important to note that this team finished 10th in the Pac-12 last season (7-11) when all three of these players were healthy and Drew Eubanks (13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds) was still on the team.

In order for the Beavers to be successful this season, fans need to hope for a few players to have breakout years. Arguably the most likely returning player to have such an impact is rising sophomore Alfred Hollins. He averaged 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds last season in under 15 minutes per game. In an expanded role this time, maybe he can make something happen.

The incoming 2018 recruiting class for Oregon State does not look especially great but does feature two 6-foot-11 big men.