Here’s how Herald writer Scott M. Johnson sees this year’s Pac-12 women’s race shaping up:
1) Stanford
Only question is whether Cardinal can compete with UConn and Baylor for national title.
2) Cal
Is this the year all that young talent comes together?
3) USC
Loss of Jacki Gemelos and .500 non-conference season hurt, but Trojans should be OK.
4) Arizona
Davellyn Whyte leads surprising Wildcats team.
5) UCLA
Bruins lost a lot, but they should be in the mix.
6) Washington State
Cougars are finally putting it together, and a murderous non-conference schedule should help.
7) Colorado
Much like Kevin Federline, Buffaloes shook of loss of top scorer Brittney Speers to start 11-0.
8) Washington
New coach Kevin McGuff has Huskies out of the gates strong, but UW’s backcourt has questions.
9) Oregon State
Year 2 of the Scott Rueck era is off to great start, but can talent-thin Beavers keep it up?
10) Arizona State
After losing a lot from 2010-11 team, Sun Devils have jumped out to an 8-2 start this season.
11) Oregon
Amanda Johnson is one of Pac-12’s best players, but she needs help.
12) Utah
Four returning starters, but Utes are not Pac-12 ready.
Scott M. Johnson’s picks for the 2011-12 All-Pac-12 women’s basketball team:
G Ashley Corral, USC (above)
G Davellyn Whyte, Arizona
G Briana Gilbreath, USC
F Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Stanford
F Chiney Ogwumike, Stanford
3 possible x-factors
Three lesser-known players who may end up having an impact on this year’s Pac-12 race:
C Regina Rogers, Washington (below)
G Chucky Jeffrey, Colorado
F Ireti Amojo, Washington State
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.