Pac-10 Basketball 2008-09: Draft Declaration Post-Mortem

Things were looking tough for Stanford next year. The team was looking at switching over to a guard oriented playing style as the Lopez twins both declared for the draft, and surprise surprise! Trent Johnson decided he was tired of being taken for granted and bolted for greener pastures at LSU. Luckily, things are not all doom and gloom on the farm as Stanford hired former Duke assistant Johnny Dawkins, who has just a teensy bit of experience in running a guard oriented attack. Lots of questions still remain though, and it looks like Stanford will not be challenging anyone for the Pac-10 title next season.

UCLA

Who Declared Early?: Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Luc-Richard Mbah A Moute, Josh Shipp

Who do I think is Coming Back?: Luc-Richard Mbah A Moute, Josh Shipp

Projected Lineup:

Talent and depth has been the story of Ben Howland's career at UCLA, and next year won't be any different. In all fairness, next year's edition won't be quite as good as last year's team.  The difference may end up being quite marginal. Kevin Love's post presence will be missed, and there is no athletic finisher like Russell Westbrook in this group, but there is no doubt that this is an excellent group of players. Bruin fans should see little to no drop off in defensive efficiency.  It is really up to Howland to get his offense (which is still very efficient) over the hump so to speak. Next year could be a disappointing year in Westwood, obviously a slight lack of athleticism hurt UCLA in the end, but I sincerely doubt it. Short of Hell freezing over, UCLA will be in the race for the Pac-10 title all season long.

USC 

Who Declared Early?: O.J. Mayo, Davon Jefferson

Who do I think is Coming Back?: Nobody

Projected Lineup:

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