8. Cal Bears - 6-2
Entering the season, there were some questions about how potent the Bears’ roster can be. But they’ve scored 80+ points in five of eight games, including 93 in a shootout loss to Missouri. Stanford transfer Andrej Stojakovic has been a standout performer, averaging 18.8 ppg.
Grand Canyon transfer Jovan Blacksher (15.6 ppg and 4.0 apg) has also been an impact player, shooting 46% from three-point range. But Cal’s defense has been spotty outside of allowing 66 points in a road win over USC. They can be a thorn in most teams’ sides in league play.
7. Stanford Cardinal - 7-2
Like Cal, Stanford also lost in a shootout, falling 97-90 to Cal Poly in a stunner. However, they won a solid road game over Santa Clara and had an All-ACC performer leading them in Maxime Raynaud, averaging 22.3 ppg and 12.2 rpg.
The Cardinal also boasts the second-highest-scoring backcourt in the conference, with Duke transfer Jaylen Blakes and former USC guard Oziyah Sellers combining to average 30 ppg. They have maybe the best trio in ACC Basketball outside of Duke, we’ll see if it’s good enough to win games in league play.