Biggest Winners

Before I get to the West Coast, here are a couple of other things. In last night's Amazing Race, the race went to Costa Rica where the teams had to find one red coffee bean among thousands of brown beans among other things. I'm really getting tired of the Weavers saying "pray" or "dear God help us" every 5 minutes. There's a time for prayer, and personally, I don't think during a reality TV competition is the place for it. They're upset that the other teams don't like them. Well, when you say derogatory things within earshot and act disrespectful, guess what. No one's going to like you. Unfortunately, the Weavers stayed ahead of the Gaghins, who were eliminated.

There was an article in the paper about The Biggest Loser the other day. It basically talked about how the show seems to make light of the contestants' weight problems, from the writer's point of view. Basically the article criticized the show, that it's just another example of the media going too far with its view of what everyone should look like, thin. I couldn't disagree more. I've watched the show this season, and the contestants should be commended for admitting something's wrong with their life, admitting they've lost control and self-esteem, and wanting it back. Sure, the money has to be alluring, but all of the contestants from last and this season, except 1 that I've seen, have kept the weight off and lost more. The guy eliminated stared at 370 pounds, he's now down to 228. The media needs to stop automatically equating thinness with trying to keep up with the times and trendy. Looking fit and thin can also equate to high self-esteem and high personal discipline.

Ok, hoops West Coast style, how it's played in Long Beach and the city of Compton. Last year, the Pac 10 was Arizona, Washington, and everyone else. This year, it's pretty wide open. There isn't the outstanding individual talent from last year, but there are good teams aplenty.

1. Arizona. The Wildcats return 5 players who have started at one point or another. Hassan Adams has improved every year while in Tucson, that should only continue. His perimeter game has come a long way, he is a much better player than Andre Igoudala (now with the Sixers). Mustafa Shakur needs to increase his scoring, but with Salim Stoudamire gone, that shouldn't be a problem. Chris Rodgers is an underrated swing player, he can score, rebound, and defend. Ivan Radenovic is a high-post threat, and Isaiah Fox has the bulk to finish down low. The Cats have some experience and talented youth coming off the bench to make them a Final 4 threat.

2. Stanford. When Chris Hernandez came back for his senior year, this team went from mediocre to really good, that's how important he is. Tim Morris, now eligible, provides additional firepower in the backcourt. If Dan Grunfield is 100% healthy, he could be a finalist for National Player of the Year. The weakness lies down low. Someone needs to step up to alleviate the pressure on Matt Haryasz, who undoubtedly will see more double teams. Jason Haas will be one of the best 6th men in the nation this year. Stanford are one of my favorite teams to watch because they play hard and maximize their ability.

3. UCLA. 4 returning starters along with a healthy Cedric Bozeman give the Bruins a chance to have a big year. But, they have to actually do it, all of the potential in the world means nothing. Bozeman should fill the shoes of Dijon Thompson and become the leading scorer and defender. Bozeman is smooth offensively, he can make it look easy, but he also at times has shown disinterest. Michael Fey has gotten better every year inside, but he can still do so much more. Jordan Farmar is the glue guy at the point. He won't shy away from the big shot and can D you up. Coach Ben Howland has the team in his mold now, the Bruins can play defense. If they can find a rhythm offensively, they can win this conference.

4. Oregon. The Ducks have a lot of talent, but still may be a year away. Aaron Brooks is probably the best player you've never heard of, and Malik Hairston's 13 points and 51% shooting in his freshman year were "disappointing". That's how talented the Ducks' guards are. They can run, defend, and they have one of the toughest home courts in the nation at The Pit in Eugene. The question mark is post play. If Mitch Platt can give them 8-10 points a night, that will be enough to let the outside players do their thing.

5. California. The Bears' season will depend on how much Leon Powe can give them. If he has fully recovered from his injuries, he can be conference player of the year. If he can give them anything, the Bears will be a postseason team. Cal returns of their top 11 scorers from a team that underachieved this year. I think the Bears will be back in a big way. Rod Benson gives them scoring inside and Richard Midgley, when under control, is a good guard.

6. Washington. Many people expect a big dropoff with the losses of Nate Robinson, Will Conroy, and Tre Simmons. There will be a dropoff, but not a big one. Brandon Roy and Bobby Jones give the Huskies the best forward duo in the league, along with Jammal Williams who will add defense. Mike Jensen needs to be a threat in the post, but he was mainly a shooter last year. That's where the Huskies will struggle, in the paint against physical teams. They had enough athleticism and experience to get around that last year, but not this year.

7. Oregon St. The Beavers came alive at the end of the year, making it to the NIT. They won't be able to sneak up on people like they did last year, especially without leading scorer David Lucas. Nick DeWitz does give them an inside threat and Chris Stephens is a gunner inside, but can the Beavers put together 2 good seasons back-to-back??? They haven't done that since the Gary Payton days.

8. Washington St. Dick Bennett is transforming Pullman into Madison West. The Cougars are playing Big 10 basketball, and making it work. It will be a tough go at first without their 3 best players from last year, but their sophomore class is good enough to win on talent. Watch out in a year or two for the Cougars.

9. Arizona St. No Ike Diogu = big problem. The Sun Devils have Bryson Krueger and Kevin Kruger to shoot from the outside, but no one inside to rebound the misses.

10. USC. Maybe Pete Carroll should try to coach the basketball team up. I can't believe the Trojans have fallen this far with the abundant talent pool that is available in the LA area. Coach Tim Floyd will rely on youth and junior college players to help things get turned around because the Trojans don't have much.

Tomorrow, Big 10.