Pac-12 Basketball: 10 key questions looming for 2021-22 season

Mar 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman talks with his team during a timeout against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oregon State Beavers Pac-12 Basketball Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Will the turnaround continue under Wayne Tinkle?

Head coach Wayne Tinkle is starting to find his stride with the Oregon State Beavers as they had upset on their mind all season long on their way to their first Pac-12 Conference Tournament title and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament as a 12-seed.

It was the Beaver’s second tournament appearance under Tinkle and their first appearance in the tournament since 2016. Without Ethan Thompson and his 15.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.2 spg in the backcourt, they’ll have some playmaking to replace, but Jarod Lucas and Warith Alitashe are a solid foundation to build upon.

Lucas was a marksman from 3-point range last season, knocking down 2.3 shots from behind the arc and averaging 12.7 ppg. Alitashe was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Conference Tournament after putting up two double-doubles against UCLA and Oregon en route to the conference’s automatic bid.

Chol Marial (Maryland) and Tre’ Williams (Minnesota) are two Big Ten basketball imports that will look to change the Beavers fortune once more in 2021-22. Marial is a 7-foot-2 center that played sparingly this past season with the Terrapins and looking to prove himself.

Williams produced 5.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.0 apg as mainly a reserve for the Golden Gophers. With a fresh start, he’ll look to contribute to the Beavers rotation.

If Coach Tinkle and company can find a role for their newcomers and remain competitive this season, look for them to make some noise in the Pac-12.

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