6. Washington State Cougars

Strengths

Center Aron Baynes and guard Taylor Rochestie are both very efficient players and thrive in coach Tony Bennett's system. Freshman guard Abe Lodwick can hit the three-ball and has great size at shooting guard. He and Rochestie will both be able to stretch the defense. Plus, the same old Washington State style of play is back to drive opponents crazy.

Weaknesses

Kyle Weaver and Derrick Low weren't only All-Pac-10 players—they were the heart and soul of this team. Both were excellent defenders and consistent scorers. Neither will be replaced easily, and Rochestie will have to adjust to running coach Bennett's system. The Cougs will rely heavily on freshmen, especially for frontcourt depth.

Bottom Line

The Cougars aren't the sixth-most talented team in the conference, but I expect them to finish this high due to their discipline and their coach. Tony Bennett's system to slow down the game will limit the athletic issues of his team, and Pullman is always a tough place to play.

Look for the Cougars to make another strong push for an NCAA bid, and they could be the surprise team in the conference.

7. Oregon Ducks

Strengths

5'6" dynamo Tajuan Porter is back and ready to prove he is done with his sophomore slump. The electric Porter is super quick and has unlimited range on his shot. Junior forward Joevan Catron is a monster inside capable of clearing out anyone on the block.

Weaknesses

Malik Hairston is finished in Eugene, and the Ducks will rely on a freshman to replace him. There is a significant lack of scoring in the frontcourt, and depth could be an issue as well. For a team known for its inconsistency, a lack of experience could be a huge problem.

Bottom Line

This team is talented—probably more talented than Washington State, who I picked ahead of them. But their inexperience will lead to inconsistency, along with the fact that their best player is inconsistent (Porter).

If the freshmen can mature quickly and Porter plays to his potential, the Ducks are capable of reaching the upper echelon of the conference and the big dance. As is, I see the Ducks in the NIT this season.

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