After a two-year hiatus, Pac-12 Basketball is back, with Oregon State and Washington State joined by six other programs. The Gonzaga Bulldogs remain the preseason favorites but they’ve yet to have a public exhibition game, taking on Arkansas on Saturday the 24th of this month.
But most of the other teams in the Pac-12 have played, with some interesting team and individual results that followed. Based on what we’ve seen so far, here are some notable exhibition takeaways from the league.
1. Boise’s returning guard duo
When looking at the backcourt players for the Broncos, it’s expected that North Dakota State transfer Damari Wheeler-Thomas was going to be the lead guard. But he’s struggled a bit in the postseason. The good news for Boise State is that the two returning guards, Julian Bowie and Aginaldo Neto, have looked great. In the team’s 109-91 win over Washington, they combined for 45 points as starting guards. After limited production for each of them last year, these two could be all-league candidates and bolster their chances at a top-tier spot in the league.
2. Oregon State makes big statement in near upset of the champs
The reigning national champion Wolverines had a 40-minute fight against Oregon State, winning 98-93. It was a great debut for former Michigan assistant and Beaver head coach Justin Joiner, with Dashawn Gory leading the way with 20 points. The Beavers had a strong offseason with its portal class and there’s real optimism with this group, with the exhibition game being a clear result that the program is on the up-and-up.
3. Utah State’s depth without Mason Falslev
Last season’s Mountain West Player of the Year Falslev wasn’t available for the Aggies game against the Gaels. But they still got the win, 97-89. Other players stepped up in their absence, led by 22 points from Kingston Tosi and Dallin Hall had 16 points. Depth isn’t a concern for Utah State and it looks as if Falslev won’t have to do it all each game, giving them a real chance at competing for another at-large bid.
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