Pac-12 Basketball: ASU on top, Washington falls in latest power ranking
9. Washington State
Washington State has got off to a 3-0 start with three wins against Texas Southern, Eastern Washington, and Oregon State. Returning guard Isaac Bonton is leading the team in scoring with (18) PPG but needs to improve his efficiency after shooting 23% from the field the first 3 games.
According to Erik Haslem at Haslametrics the Cougs have played quality defense ranking 29th in the country. But have really struggled on the offensive end ranking 301st. For the Cougs to have a successful conference season. They will need Bonton and the rest of their offense to play better.
10. Oregon State
The Beavs who were picked last in the Pac 12 media poll has started off the season 2-1 and are ranked number 10 currently. They are 0-1 in conference play after losing at Washington State. Tres Tinkle has left Corvallis, but Ethan Thompson looks to have a big senior year.
Big things are also expected from Warith Alatishe a transfer from Nicholls who was impressed with his athleticism against Washington State. But for Oregon State to overcome preseason expectations. They will need senior Zach Reichle to be more of a contributor this year.
11. California
The Cal Golden Bears picked 10th in the preseason poll had a better than expected start under first-year head coach Mark Fox last year. The Golden Bears are 2-2 but have lost their only games against conference opponents such as Oregon State and Arizona State.
Matt Bradley is the most important player on the roster (19.5) PPG. But if the team looks to overcome its preseason prediction, they will need more players to contribute. The Golden Bears are right now 11th in our Pac 12 Power Rankings.
12. Washington
The Washington Huskies check-in at 12th after losing Jaden McDaniel’s and Isaiah Stewart to the NBA. The Huskies have started off the season 0-3. Quade Green (13.7) PPG is back this year after missing part of last year to suspension. But leading returning scorer Naz Carter has recently left the team after becoming suspended. The Huskies will need to transfer Erik Stevenson from Wichita State and returner Hameir Wright to step up.
Next. Early Player of the Year rankings for 2020-21. dark
So far this season, the Huskies are shooting 18.9% from three and have 39 turnovers to 26 assists. They will need to take better care of the ball and shoot better from deep as they look for more positive results.