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Message: [QUOTE="GoChips20, post: 4756321, member: 11308"] A lot of people have questioned Cori Close’s coaching (somewhat justifiably) but IMO she’s never had as complete a roster to challenge nationally as she does with this one. The last 4-5 years in particular UCLA has lacked interior power which is not a recipe for success given the post talent in the league and across the country. I think Betts is a game-changer though and expect Bessoir/Dugalic/Sontag/Muse to provide solid reinforcements. It’s one of the highest-potential frontcourts in the nation — and also one of the most unproven. I’m actually more concerned about their backcourt — it’s explosive, but also smaller and inefficient. I do really like Close and would be happy to see her finally get a league title. If used correctly Brink could be a 20/12/4 player this year. I wouldn’t pick Stanford to win the league but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they do. Tara does what she does — often in unspectacular viewing fashion — better than almost anyone else besides Kim, Geno, and maybe Dawn. I actually think Utah’s success is highly replicable, although I can see why others are more hesitant. Pili is a stud and their guards take good shots and hit them at a solid clip. I thought they played decent defense too given they’re not loaded with athletes. USC is going to be one of the most interesting teams to follow this year. They robbed the Ivy League blind but it’s never a given that talent and performance will translate to the P5. I’m a huge fan of Rayah Marshall and she’s already one of the finest defensive posts in the land, but a terribly inefficient scorer. If she can improve her finishing this could be an Elite Eight team or beyond. A lot of that will ride on Watkins and if her freshman year can come close to a Bueckers/Clark level of impact. Gottlieb doesn’t have a sterling record as a coach but she’s gone to a Final Four and you can’t dismiss that experience. Other thoughts - Colorado is high-floor/low-ceiling, WSU and the Oregon schools are probably going to be better than their league records show, and Arizona State better hope that Georgia Tech hasn’t improved at all or they’ll be the worst major-league offense for the second year in a row. Should be a fun final run in the PAC as we know it! [/QUOTE]

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