Pac-12 Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2019-20 season

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 07: Washington State Cougars mascot Butch T. Cougar jokes around on the court during the team’s first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Oregon Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks won 64-62 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

11. team. 522. . . . Cougars

2018-19 Record: 11-21 (4-14 Pac-12)

Head Coach: Kyle Smith (1st Season)

Key Returners: CJ Elleby, Marvin Cannon, Jeff Pollard, Jervae Robinson

Big Departures: Robert Franks, Viont’e Daniels, Ahmed Ali

Top Newcomers: Deion James, Noah Williams, Daron Henson, DJ Rodman, Isaac Bonton

At the beginning of the offseason, I had very little faith in Kyle Smith ability to put together a competitive roster in Pullman for this upcoming season. I would like to take this time to admit that I underestimated the former San Francisco head coach.

The return of CJ Elleby after a short stint in the NBA Draft process gives the Cougars a true primary threat. Elleby is an All-Pac-12 caliber player who should explode on the offensive end, now that Robert Franks is gone.

Along with Elleby, Marvin Cannon and Colorado State transfer Deion James should give the Cougars enough offensive firepower to keep them off the bottom of the conference. Kyle Smith’s ability to develop talent (ie. Frankie Ferrari) should also help players like Jervae Robinson, Jeff Pollard and JUCO transfer Daron Henson produce at a competitive level.

It will be particularly interesting to see how JUCO transfer Isaac Boynton and freshman Noah Williams fit into Smith’s plans for the season. Without a true point guard returning, the pair will be competing for the opportunity to back up, or potentially start over, Jervae Robinson. A solid floor general could be the difference between two wins and six or seven for the Cougars.

Pullman is always a difficult location to recruit, putting Washington State athletics at a distinct disadvantage to pretty much ever other high-major programs in the country. Because of this, Smith may have been the perfect hire, with his proven ability to develop overlooked talent. His effect on the program, however, may take 2-3 years to show itself. This year, Cougar fans should expect to have a hard-working roster that is just a step, or two, behind the middle of the conference.

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