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By Craig Sanders
Arizona Daily Wildcat
December 6, 1996
(The teams are listed in projected order of finish in the Pacific 10 Conference, excluding Arizona.)
Stanford - Stanford is not only the best team in the Pacific 10 Conference, but probably the best team in the nation. The team that made it to the Final Four last season has all of its players back again. This time, however, they should be more mature. The Cardinal is led by All-America nominee Kate Starbird, who can score from all over the floor. With a big front line, tough defense and good perimeter play, Stanford may once again see another undefeated conference season.
Southern Cal - USC probably had one of the most talented teams in the Pac-10 last season, but finished only 13-14 overall and 8-10 in conference. If second-year coach Fred Williams, who took over for former All-American Cheryl Miller, is able to mold the talent, this team will be dangerous. The Trojans have a huge frontcourt led by 6-foot-3 forward Tina Thompson, who was a Naismith Player of the Year candidate last season. USC's strength, however, is up front: The Trojans have six players taller than 6-2.
Oregon - The Ducks have a potent front-court combination and have given teams fits all over the conference. They may be tournament-bound this season, especially if they continue to get production from forwards Arianne Boyer and Renae Fegent. Both are scorers, and Boyer has proven she can rebound as well. Oregon is a touch defensive team that wins with perimeter shooting.
Washington - The Huskies rely on defense, and that defense should serve them well again this season. Washington played to the wire with No. 3 Louisiana Tech before losing 73-70 in Seattle earlier this season. Washington has struggled as a team early this season under first-year coach June Daugherty. Look for the team to rebound by the start of the conference season.
Oregon State - The bad news for Oregon State is that it doesn't score very much. The good news is neither does its opponents. The Beavers will attempt to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season. OSU's Kris Walsh leads the team with 16.3 points per game. Guard Nicole McAlister should get the offense started with her deft passing.
Washington State - The Cougars were a team on the rise last season and may continue to climb. Sophomore point guard Jade Hyett, an All-Freshmen selection a year ago, is one of three returning starters. Hyett leads the conference in assists with eight per game. She is also tied for first in steals with 5.5 per game.
UCLA - The Bruins entered the season on a down note with the loss of All-America candidate Erica Gomez, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice. Freshman forward Maylana Martin looks as if she could pick up Gomez's scoring and a bit more. Martin posted 32 points and 11 rebounds in a loss to Texas Tech earlier this season. The Bruins are an up-tempo team that will live and die by its shooting. UCLA needs to improve its rebounding to really contend.
California - Cal has a new coach this season, but that hasn't translated into any more offense. The Bears are dead last in scoring offense in the Pac-10 and are next to last in field-goal percentage. If Cal ever does get its offense going, the team could pose some problems because its defense is solid.
Arizona State - The Sun Devils are still working hard to find a well of talent in the desert. The team is off on the right foot early this season, jumping out to a 3-1 record. ASU is third in the conference in scoring offense and is using a balanced attack to do so. The Sun Devils still need to prove they can win against good teams.
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