-The Pac-12 released no preseason poll or awards, so the following are just notes on each of the member schools in a semi-order of finish…
-The Pac-12 is back!!!! But…the Pac-12 Network does not appear to be. Had the Pac-12 Network gotten the proper distribution the league may have never gone away in the first place…
-Gonzaga is the preseason favorite to win the league despite having to replace its entire starting lineup, but it is easy to understand why. They are one of the programs that can simply reload their talent every year. Having said that, they are not completely stacked with players who have averaged double-figures at big time programs. Xaivian Lee is a solid PG, but Isiah Harwell saw limited action last year, as did Davis Fogle in the frontcourt. But Braden Huff/Massamba Diop make up a strong post presence and the Zags are always able to have guys step into new roles.
-Utah State is coming off a 29-win season where they made it to the Round of 32, but only one starter returns from that team. They did get some solid pickups in the portal, though. AJ Bates comes over from Louisiana Tech after averaging just under 13ppg last year, Solomon Callaghan was a double-digit scorer and solid outside shooter for Wright State last year, and they have some talented looking freshman as well. They also pick up Ben Jacobson, who is a proven head coach. I do not know if Utah State will be quite as good as they were a year ago, but I do think they will be safely inside the bubble.
-I like this Colorado State team. I think they have a shot at making a run at the bubble. They finished last season winning nine of their last ten games before losing in the quarters of the MWC Tournament, and it was a really solid first year under Coach Ali Farokhmanesh where the team improved as the season went on. They return three starters, including Josh Pascarelli who was a solid backcourt player last year and a terrific outside shooter. Justin Menard, who averaged double-figures at Marist last year, also transfers in to complete the backcourt. Kyle Jorgensen is another player to watch who has both size/range. I think the Rams could have a really solid year this year.
-San Diego State is coming off a 22-win season where they made it to the Mountain West Championship game, but failed to make the NCAA Tournament. Only one starter, and four players total, are back from last year, but they added some big players from the portal. Latrell Davis (San Jose State), Chance Gladden (Boston U), Nick Anderson (Rice), and Isaiah Sy (Oregon State) were all double-digit scorers last year and can all hit from range. If they can gel together, San Diego State will likely be dancing again come March.
-Boise State has won 20+ games last season for the last five years, but in that time never advanced beyond the First Four of the NCAA Tournament. Leon Rice has done a solid job (regardless of what Joby Fortson says about their former conference!), but I do not look for them to be within reach of the NCAA Tournament this year. All five starters from last year are gone, and while they have a few players that put up impressive numbers at Under the Radar schools, they just do not seem to have the pieces to run with the teams at the top of this league. They are projected to finish in the middle and I think that is where they will end up.
-Washington State is back in the Pac-12!!!! Ummm…yay?? They had a miserable season last year where they won just 12 games, which was their worst one in a while. David Riley enters his third year as coach and he will need to replace the entire starting lineup. Lazerek Houston was a big time scorer in D-2 last year and Fraser Roxburgh put up solid numbers at Manhattan, but they do not have anyone who is really proven at this level. It could be another long year for Wazzu.
-Texas State comes in after being long time members of the Sun Belt. I believe they were one of about 37 teams in a tie for 2nd place last year. They won 19 games and were competitive in a pretty solid league. I think they will be able to hold their own against the bottom half of the league, but are a long way from the teams at the top. DJ Hall is a player to watch: he averaged over 15ppg last year. He will need some help, though.
-Oregon State is back in the Pac-12!!!! Umm…yay? They were a modest 9-9 in the WCC last year and lost most of the key players off that team. Josiah Lake was a solid player for them a year ago, and DeShawn Gory is a solid portal pickup from Fresno State. Legend Smiley comes in from San Francisco and was a fantastic outside shooter last year, and Jackson Rasmussen averaged double-figures at Idaho, so they have some pieces and could finish higher than where they have been picked.
-Fresno State has struggled for a while and with all five starters gone it looks as though the struggles will continue. Coach Vance Walberg is entering his third season and has a couple formidable players transferring in in Dragos Lungu/Ross Candelino, but they do not appear to have much depth and it could be another frustrating year.
