MBB Power Rankings: Week 1

by dvieira on Jan 4, 2009 10:33 PM PST in Basketball Comment 40 comments

With the Pac-10 season just starting out this weekend, we don't have a lot of data to go on for power rankings but time to start the party! UCLA remains at the top spot but Cal, Arizona State and Washington are nipping at the Bruins' heels. Oregon needs to gel quickly if they don't want to own the cellar this year. With an improving Oregon State team, things could get very interesting at the bottom.

Rank (lw)	Team	Conf	Overall	Comments
1	UCLA	2-0	12-2	UCLA continues to impress. Some might have thought they were rebuilding this year but they appear to have reloaded. They may have lost the "love" but they haven't lost a step.
2	California	2-0	13-2	Picked by many to be the surprise team of the year before the season, the Golden Bears have ripped off 7 in a row, including beating two Arizona schools in Berkley.
3	Arizona State	1-1	12-2	Arizona State has looked so good lately, some were picking them to win the Pac-10 over UCLA. Blowing out Stanford by 30 helps. A win against Cal would have cemented those feelings but it wasn't meant to be.
4	Washington	1-0	10-3	After going 2-3 in their first 5 games, it looked like the Huskies were going to have a tough year. Playing 8 home games in a row helped going 7-8 for the homestand. Going to Pullman and getting a 20 point win helps too.
5	USC	1-1	10-4	The Trojans looked to keep their winning streak going as they started Pac-10 play. After dispatching Oregon with a brilliant second half performance, USC got upended by the Beavers at Gill. Nothing like a "Just like Football!" chant coming out of Corvallis
6	Stanford	1-1	11-1	Stanford lost the Lopez Brothers. All was going to be awful in Cardinal land this year. Think again. You know, they did have 3 other returning starters right? The only loss they have is to Arizona State but being blown out is never good
7	Arizona	0-2	9-5	Lute is gone and if that isn't bad enough, a former broadcaster from Arizona State is running the team. They have the Oregon schools at home up next and are must win games.
8	Oregon St	1-1	6-6	Oregon State has already won more games in the Pac-10 than all of last year. Coach Robinson has brought change to Oregon State and the Beavs have shown tremendous improvement. Confidence is building in Corvallis. Losing to UCLA was expected. Winning against USC was not.
9	Washington St.	0-1	8-5	After starting the season with 5 straight wins, the Cougars lost a must win game against LSU in Baton Rouge and then got blown out by 20 against UW at home.
10	Oregon	0-2	6-8	Even though Oregon has had arguably the toughest non-conference schedule up until this point, the Ducks haven't finished the job against USC or UCLA, blowing several opportunities to win both games.

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Welp, this ain’t the Duck basketball team we’ve all grown used to. I definitely think we’re better than at least a couple teams in the Pac-10 however. Time will tell…

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 5, 2009 12:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

We mustn't forget, throughout the rest of the season,

Rebuildingyearrebuildingyearrebuildingyearrebuildingyearrebuildingyearrebuildingyearrebuildingyear.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 9:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

That's no fun.

FIREERNIEAFTEREVERYLOSS

by Freeing Ray Schafer on Jan 5, 2009 12:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

can ernie coach bigs? that’s honestly the biggest question of the should we fire him debate at this point. if he can’t get dunigan to his full potential, get him out of here.

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 5, 2009 1:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mark Few can certainly coach bigs...and non-bigs.

Though I’m not in a fire Ernie mode. I think he’s done a great job, for the most part. I do have a mad mancrush on Few after living in Spokane for 7 years. All of Spokane is afraid of the day that Phil Knight comes calling.

The ATQer formerly known as Seattle Quacker...oh yeah, I hate the wings.

by JConant on Jan 5, 2009 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So you're leading the Few and Wilcox trains?

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 1:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I got caboose on both.

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 5, 2009 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

heyo!

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, just the Wilcox train.

I can’t knock Ernie. I got his autograph was I about 12 or something. I still remember when the entire Ducks season was made by 1 or 2 upset wins in The Pit. It may be like that this year, but we’ll be back soon enough.

But damn, Few is a good coach.

The ATQer formerly known as Seattle Quacker...oh yeah, I hate the wings.

by JConant on Jan 5, 2009 7:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ernie 4 Head of Recruiting!

Few for game-coach!

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 1:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

After recruiting to Gonzaga...

I’m pretty sure that Few would be able to recruit to Eugene….

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just very impressed with Ernie's recruiting skills, especially recruiting into his system.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He has a system?

While his ability to recruit is impressive, he’s quickly becoming the Ron Zook of college basketball…

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hyper-tempo, fast break system

He recruits quick players who like to run the ball… maybe a big contributing factor to his inability to reel in the big fish, save for Dunigan.

I agree with the Ron Zook parallel though, you mentioned that before I think.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 2:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that's a system...

It’s playing with the lack of a system. You can’t always play that type of basketball…

And when you can’t, there isn’t much left.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I will respectfully disagree.

Though a speedy, uptempo offense will seem chaotic when young, inexperienced players run it, it can be extremely effective with steady hands and the right personnel. I will directly point to the ‘06-’07 Ducks, led by Aaron Brooks with a supporting cast of Malik, Tajuan (as a freshman), Bryce, and Maarty. Not the biggest guys, Maarty being the tallest at 6’10", but were very well conditioned. Had a real knack for the full court game, and the half court game was set up because of this. How many times would we see Aaron take the isolation game, penetrate the lane, then put up his signature teardrop as the clock ran down? How many times would Bryce or Malik drive into the lane, attract help D, then kick it out to Tajuan for one of his many many 3’s?

These were very good players, but in any other system, I don’t think we make the Elite 8. The years 2003 to 2005 were run in slower, more Washington State-like halfcourt sets, and we floundered.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 3:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying that it's not effective at times...

I’m saying it’s not a system. It’s more of a philosophy. There is a huge difference.

Ernie has always been a terrible half court coach. Even when Aaron, Malik, Freddie, the Lukes, etc. succeeded, it had nothing to do with scheme or system, but them beating people. Two years ago, they had a player that matured and could make things happen in the half court on his own. Last year, there was talent abounding, but for whatever reason, no one really stepped up and made stuff happen. And this had to do with a total failure of the half court game.

The MSU game from last year was microcosm of the year. When the shots fell, they were unbeatable. When they didn’t, the team fell apart. Most of the time it leads to horrible half court games. It leads to lack of discipline and poor shot selection.

The problem is, that it takes a very special player to make Oregon’s half court system work. And those don’t come around very often, and Ernie seems oblivious when he doesn’t have one. That’s bad coaching.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 4:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel like Ernie's philosophy

is basically recruit a good class, develop them for a couple years, take ‘em as far as they’ll go, then start all over. A 4-year cycle, rather than trying to maintain a certain level of success every year.

by grimc on Jan 5, 2009 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmmm, sounds like you're leading the Few train.

Keep making those arguments and I just might get on that train. I would certainly be happier if Ernie’s philosophy including playing any defense whatsoever around the key.

The ATQer formerly known as Seattle Quacker...oh yeah, I hate the wings.

by JConant on Jan 5, 2009 8:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've never been a pro-firing person...

And Ernie has led us to higher heights than we’ve ever reached…but there’s no sugar coating it. He’s a very poor game and half court coach. And you need to be at least average to be consistent in a BCS conference.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 8:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and it’s a “philosophy” that requires an NBA caliber point guard to even be effective (Ridnour and Brooks). Last year, without Brooks but still with Maarty Malik and Bryce, the team struggled. The hope for this is that either Sim or Kamyron turns into a great distributer. Which is possible, but I’d rather have a coach that can field an effective team with a larger number of personnel options.

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 6, 2009 6:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Even with Ridnour, it wasn't that great...

It was really Freddie Jones that made it tick during the first Elite 8 run.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 6, 2009 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My Kent criticism/observation has always been that his big men tend to, well, not exactly come along the way one would hope. My duck friends (I know two very hardcore Kent apologists) think I’m a just being an idiot but I dunno, I think there’s something to it.

I guess the Dunigan years will be interesting. He’s obviously got a lot of natural talent. Can Ernie and crew take him up to that next level?

And by the way, is Mitch Platt a senior yet?

Catalina-Wine-Mixer.

by ArbyOSU on Jan 6, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He graduated last year, praise freakin God

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 6, 2009 4:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t mind having Platt around simply for some big experience. He wasn’t a terrible player, he was better than Schaefer or Adam Zahn.

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 6, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Ray Schaefer was better than Mitch Platt...

But agreed, Adam Zahn was the “go-in-guns-blaring-with-fouls-and-throw-up-awkward-badly-advised-shots” guy.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 6, 2009 7:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But damn if he wasn't fun to watch

by grimc on Jan 6, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ray ray?

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 6, 2009 7:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Zahn

I can hear Ernie’s directions: “Okay Adam, when you have the ball, just foul your way to the basket and throw the ball near the hoop if you can.”

by grimc on Jan 7, 2009 12:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

are we really that impressed by Kent as a recruiter?

Yes, great class this year, great class in 04. But what has he done in between? He went out and got TP, Catron, Longmire and Odia…great recruiting? I would love to have one upperclassmen who could lead a Pac-10 team. Kent didn’t get us one two years ago, not say he can’t, he just didn’t. I assume Few could do a fine job recruiting here, and is a much better in-game coach. Just don’t think Kent’s pros beat his cons.

Ducks Go!
694, bam!

by trumpetduck on Jan 5, 2009 3:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Kamyron Brown was the #1 rated PG in the '05 class.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 5, 2009 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry,

I meant #1 rated out of California. At least that’s what was said about him when he came in.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And also meant

Class of ’06.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 5, 2009 3:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

He is still young, I’m talking about the lack of talented leaders, seniors. Not Odia. We would be a different team if Kent had reeled in a big talent 4 years ago.

Ducks Go!
694, bam!

by trumpetduck on Jan 5, 2009 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i was gonna say, wasn’t that Derrick Rose character in his recruiting class?

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 6, 2009 6:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He was?

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 6, 2009 7:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

they were both freshmen last year

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 6, 2009 7:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't get so down on the Ducks just yet

And don’t get so high on the Beavs. Yes, the win is awesome. And yes, it came much MUCH earlier then expected which undoubtedly will lead to more confidence within the team which generally equates to more wins. But it is still early and there’s a lot to be decided. This weekend’s road trip to Arizona and Arizona State will say a lot towards if this win was more the exception than the rule.

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Jan 6, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs