[socalstanfan1]

The Pac-12 is obviously not the basketball power that the league (if we include the Pac-10 as part of this discussion) has been, but I think there are definite signs of some improvement taking place as the season progresses.  Stanford is young and still learning, but put together a full 40 minutes of work today on both sides of the ball.  I think starting Zimmerman adds something to the team.  He doesn't fill up the stat sheet, but there are always guys in team sports who change the dynamic and attitude of the team with hustle and grit, and Zimmerman seems to me to be one of those guys.  It may be a case of his hustle being contagious.  Josh Huestis is becoming a MAN before our very eyes.  More efficient on the offensive end of the court, always tough on the defensive end, excellent on help defense altering shots.  I'm very hopeful about the rest of the season.

BUT, Cal is also showing itself to be very solid, and while I thought UCLA was about to implode when they kicked their best player from last year off the team, in fact they seem to be rejuvinated.  One wonders how many of their problems were caused by tensions within the locker room, and between Reeves Nelson and Ben Howland.  I think all three of these teams ultimately have a shot at the NCAA, though UCLA may have to win the Pac-12 or the Pac-12 tournament to get there.  That is still a far cry from the heyday of 5 or more teams from the Pac-10 making the tournament, but there are some signs of improvement.

[socalstanfan1]

The Pac-12 is obviously not the basketball power that the league (if we include the Pac-10 as part of this discussion) has been, but I think there are definite signs of some improvement taking place as the season progresses.  Stanford is young and still learning, but put together a full 40 minutes of work today on both sides of the ball.  I think starting Zimmerman adds something to the team.  He doesn't fill up the stat sheet, but there are always guys in team sports who change the dynamic and attitude of the team with hustle and grit, and Zimmerman seems to me to be one of those guys.  It may be a case of his hustle being contagious.  Josh Huestis is becoming a MAN before our very eyes.  More efficient on the offensive end of the court, always tough on the defensive end, excellent on help defense altering shots.  I'm very hopeful about the rest of the season.

BUT, Cal is also showing itself to be very solid, and while I thought UCLA was about to implode when they kicked their best player from last year off the team, in fact they seem to be rejuvinated.  One wonders how many of their problems were caused by tensions within the locker room, and between Reeves Nelson and Ben Howland.  I think all three of these teams ultimately have a shot at the NCAA, though UCLA may have to win the Pac-12 or the Pac-12 tournament to get there.  That is still a far cry from the heyday of 5 or more teams from the Pac-10 making the tournament, but there are some signs of improvement.