The Pac-10 In 140 Characters

(In the interest of full disclosure, I totally took this idea from Rush The Court, who thought of it. In their honor, you should patronize them.)

Sometimes, even as long winded as I can get, I can give you great analysis without saying much at all.

And, as we continue to live within the Twitter revolution, we’ve all had to adapt how we communicate.

Therefore, with the first major night of men’s college basketball on the horizon in less than 24 hours, it is certainly time to take a look at how the Pac-10 will shake down.

For a special twist, my projected standings include a brief explanation of why I put them where I did…in a format no longer than a Tweet.

I do promise to have a more in-depth look at each team in the coming days, but for now, here’s an early look at how the league will play out.

And, just for fun, let’s do it in reverse David Letterman style!

10 - USC Trojans
2008-09: 22-13 (9-9), lost to Michigan State in NCAA Tournament 2nd round
Coach: Kevin O’Neill (1st year)
Returning Starters: Dwight Lewis
Key Losses: DeMar DeRozan, Daniel Hackett, Taj Gibson
Tweet preview: A tumultuous off-season plus the loss of a ton of starters mean a big step back for USC. UNC transfer Alex Stepheson will have to step up.

9 - Stanford Cardinal
2008-09: 20-14 (6-12), lost to Oregon State in CBI semifinals
Coach: Johnny Dawkins (2nd year)
Returning Starters: Landry Fields, Josh Owens
Key Losses: Mitch Johnson, Anthony Goods, Lawrence Hill
Tweet preview: Landry Fields is one of the best forwards in the Pac-10. His supporting cast is not very good. Uphill battle for Johnny Dawkins in year two.

8 - Washington State Cougars
2008-09: 17-16 (8-10), lost to St. Mary’s in NIT 1st round
Coach: Ken Bone (1st year)
Returning Starters: Klay Thompson, Nikola Kopravica
Key Losses: Aron Baynes, Taylor Rochestie, Caleb Forrest
Tweet preview: Struggle for 1st year HC Ken Bone as his two most talented players are gone. Klay Thompson is an emerging star in the league.

7 - Arizona State Sun Devils
2008-09: 25-10 (11-7), lost to Syracuse in NCAA Tournament 2nd round
Coach: Herb Sendek (4th year)
Returning Starters: Ty Abbott, Derek Glasser, Rihards Kuksiks
Key Losses: James Harden, Jeff Pendergraph
Tweet preview: Strong backcourt vets will have to lead while youthful and inexperienced frontcourt develops. Glasser is the league’s best passer.

6 - Oregon State Beavers
2008-09: 18-18 (8-11), won CBI title over UTEP
Coach: Craig Robinson (2nd year)
Returning Starters: Josh Tarver, Roeland Schaftenaar, Daniel Deane
Key Losses: Rickey Claitt
Tweet preview: League’s best story continues turnaround. Schaftenaar is Pac-10’s best big man while Haynes is Pac-10’s most underappreciated.

5 - Oregon Ducks
2008-09: 8-23 (2-16)
Coach: Ernie Kent (13th year)
Returning Starters: Garrett Sim, Tajuan Porter, LeKendric Longmire, Michael Dunigan, Joevan Catron
Key Losses: None
Tweet preview: No hotter seat in America than Ernie Kent’s. Last time ORE missed Tourney, though, Elite 8 the next year. Porter is Pac-10’s most dynamic.

4 - Arizona Wildcats
2008-09: 21-14 (9-9), lost to Louisville in NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
Coach: Sean Miller (1st year)
Returning Starters: Kyle Fogg, Nic Wise, Jamelle Horne
Key Losses: Jordan Hill, Chase Budinger
Tweet preview: Sean Miller came through with a tremendous class on short notice. True frosh will have to contribute immediately. Tourney streak ends if not.

3 - UCLA Bruins
2008-09: 26-9 (13-5), lost to Villanova in NCAA Tournament 2nd round
Coach: Ben Howland (7th year)
Returning Starters: Nikola Dragovic
Key Losses: Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, Jrue Holiday
Tweet preview: Despite losses, wealth of riches in Westwood. Roll, Keefe and Dragovic comprise best 3-pt threat in conference. Honeycutt injury hurts size.

2 - California Golden Bears
2008-09: 22-11 (11-7), lost to Maryland in NCAA Tournament 1st round
Coach: Mike Montgomery (2nd year)
Returning Starters: Jerome Randle, Jamal Boykin, Patrick Christopher, Theo Robertson
Key Losses: Jordan Wilkes
Tweet preview: Randle/Christopher comprise 2nd best backcourt in Pac-10. Lack of size and consistency is worrisome, but talent alone puts them into March.

1 - Washington Huskies
2008-09: 26-9 (14-4), lost to Purdue in NCAA Tournament 2nd round
Coach: Lorenzo Romar (8th year)
Returning Starters: Isaiah Thomas, Quincy Pondexter, Darnell Gant
Key Losses: Jon Brockman, Justin Dentmon
Tweet preview: Potential for POTY and top freshman here with Thomas and Gaddy. Clearly the class of the conference even without Brockman.

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