Pac-12 Basketball Power Rankings: ASU leads, UCLA falls after non-conference play

By Brian Rauf | Jan 2, 2019

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 21: Luguentz Dort #0 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts after dunking the ball against the Utah State Aggies during the second half of the championship game of the MGM Resorts Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 21, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona State won 87-82. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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TUCSON, AZ – MARCH 03: Head coach Wyking Jones of the California Golden Bears reacts during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on March 3, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

11) Cal Golden Bears (5-7)

There was a lot of hope before the season that Cal would find a way to take a step forward in head coach Wyking Jones’ second season, but that will not be the case.

The Golden Bears will certainly improve on last year’s 8-24 record – that doesn’t mean they’re not one of the worst teams in the Pac-12.

For as bad as Washington State’s defense is, Cal’s is even worse. They rank 317th in adjusted defensive efficiency and also rank below 300th in effective field goal percentage defense, three-point defense, and defensive rebounding percentage.

Yikes.

Cal’s lack of depth is also limiting them. All five starters average at least 10 points per game, yet no one else averages more than 4.1. That balance allowed them to nearly upset St. John’s and beat a solid San Diego State team, so this group has shown some upside that Washington State has not.

Don’t be surprised if Cal pulls off an upset for two given the overall lackluster play of teams in the Pac-12. Just don’t expect them to accomplish much other than that given their terrible defense.

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