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

2018-19 Record: 18-13 (10-8 Pac-12)

Head Coach: Wayne Tinkle (6th Season)

Key Returners: Tres Tinkle, Ethan Thompson, Kylor Kelley, Alfred Hollins, Zach Reichle

Big Departures: Stephen Thompson

Top Newcomers: Payton Dastrup, Sean Miller-Moore, Jarod Lucas, Gianni Hunt, Dearon Tucker

Well this is it. This may be the last opportunity for Oregon State Head Coach Wayne Tinkle to prove that he has what it takes to coach a team in the Pac-12. Despite coaching the Beavers to their first NCAA Tournament in over 25 years, Tinkle has been unable to build on that momentum.

Last year was the first year that Oregon State had a winning conference record since 1990, and the Beavers will look to build off the recent success in a return to the Big Dance. This, however, will not be easy, after the graduation of Stephen Thompson left them with just two proven high-volume scorers.

The success of the team rides on the shoulders of Tres Tinkle, whose efficiency and production make him an early contender for the Pac-12 Player of the Year. Tinkle, Ethan Thompson and Kylor Kelley form an impressive trio that will determine how well the rest of the team plays.

With the additions of BYU transfer Payton Dastrup, top 100 JUCO transfer Sean Miller-Moore and a couple of Top 250 freshmen, the Beavers should have enough to replace the production of the elder Thompson brother. However, players like Antoine Vernon, Zach Reichle and Alfred Hollins will need to take a big step forward if Oregon State aims to compete toward the top of an improved Pac-12.

With the talent Oregon State has, especially at the top of their rotation, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a tournament appearance. However, with the competition of the Pac-12 and the uncertainty of Wayne Tinkle’s coaching ability, it may be another disappointing year in Corvallis.