Pac-Tending 01-17-07

"I commend the coaches of the two conferences for embracing the competition which will enhance the power ratings of all participants."

- Pac-10 conference commissioner Tom Hansen commenting on the recently announced men's basketball series with the Big 12 conference that will begin next season.

The Creek stays in full-on hoop mode this week as the Pac-10 had four teams in the men's hoop national polls and continued to have three more in the women's poll this week. In addition, the conference announced an agreement with the Big 12 to play a men's basketball series between conference teams beginning next season and running through 2010.

The Director's Cup standings were updated and they have a particular Pac-10 slant as California and Stanford are 1-2 and with UCLA at the #4 spot, the conference has three of the top five positions locked up.

Meanwhile at NCAA HQ, the number of recruiting days in women's basketball was increased to 100.

UCLA

In men's hoop, UCLA defeated rival USC to improve to 15-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play with a 1 RPI. The school announced plans to renovate Pauley Pavilion and honor former coach John Wooden.

In women's hoop, the Bruins lost to rival USC to drop to 9-10 overall and 3-4 in conference play with a 94 RPI.

Washington

Kicker Michael Braunstein has transferred to Ohio while former UCLA defensive back Byron Davenport will transfer to Washington.

In men's hoop, the Huskies were swept by California and Stanford to drop to 11-6 overall and 1-5 in conference play with an 82 RPI.

In women's hoop, Washington was swept by California and Stanford to drop to 12-7 overall and 5-3 in conference play with a 24 RPI.

WSU

Running back DeMaundray Woolridge, defensive back Courtney Williams and quarterback Arkelon Hall have been ruled academically ineligible. The Cougars received verbal commitments from safety Terry Mixon, receiver Jeshua Anderson, receiver/safety Deon Ford and defensive lineman [db]Jesse Feagin[/db].

In men's hoop, Wazzu beat California but lost to Stanford to move to 15-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play with a 23 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Cougars were swept by California and Stanford to fall to 5-13 overall and 1-7 in conference play with a 246 RPI. Freshman guard Nakejia Kelly has been ruled academically ineligible.

USC

Receiver [db]Dwayne Jarrett will forego his final year of eligibility and make himself available for the NFL draft while defensive lineman Jeff Schweiger and running back Michael Coleman are reportedly mulling over leaving the program.

In men's hoop, the Trojans lost to rival UCLA to drop to 13-5 overall and 3-2 in conference play with a 64 RPI. Guard Kevin Galloway has decided to transfer.

In women's hoop, the Women of Troy defeated rival UCLA to improve to 10-7 overall and 4-3 in conference play with a 64 RPI.

Stanford

Stanford hired five assistant coaches in Lance Anderson [defensive line], Andy Buh [linebackers], Tim Drevno [tight ends], David Shaw [offensive coordinator and receivers] and Willie Taggart [running backs]. Receivers Mark Bradford and Evan Moore have announced they will return for their final seasons of eligibility. The Cardinal received verbal commitments from tight end Coby Fleener, receiver Corey Gatewood and safety Taylor Skaufel. The rivalry game with California has been moved to December 1 for the 2007 season.

In men's hoop, Stanford swept Washington and WSU to improve to 11-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play with a 45 RPI. Sophomore guard Anthony Goods was named as the conference's player of the week.

In women's hoop, the Cardinal swept Washington and WSU to improve to 14-3 overall and 7-0 in conference play with a 6 RPI.

Oregon

Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton has resigned to accept a similar position at LSU.

In men's hoop, Oregon swept Arizona State and Arizona to improve to 16-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play with a 22 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Ducks lost to Arizona State but defeated Arizona to move to 10-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play with an 88 RPI. Senior guard Nicole Garbin has left the team.

Arizona

The Wildcats received a verbal commitment from tight end Rob Gronkowski.

In men's hoop, Arizona defeated Oregon State but lost to Oregon to move to 13-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play with a 2 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Wildcats were swept by Oregon and Oregon State to fall to 7-12 overall and 1-6 in conference play with a 93 RPI.

Oregon State

In men's hoop, the Beavers lost to Arizona but defeated Arizona State to move to 9-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play with a 178 RPI.

In women's hoop, Oregon State beat Arizona but lost to Arizona State to move to 7-8 overall and 2-4 in conference play with a 215 RPI.

Arizona State

Defensive lineman Loren Howard and offensive lineman Zach Krula were both granted sixth years of eligibility due to medical hardship.

In men's hoop, the Sun Devils were swept by Oregon and Oregon State to fall to 6-11 overall and 0-6 in conference play with a 247 RPI.

In women's hoop, Arizona State swept Oregon and Oregon State to improve to 16-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play with a 13 RPI.

California

In men's hoop, the Bears lost to WSU but defeated Washington to move to 11-6 overall and 3-2 in conference play with a 44 RPI. Forward Jamal Boykin is transferring from Duke.

In women's hoop, California swept Washington and WSU to improve to 13-4 overall and 4-3 in conference play with a 36 RPI. Sophomore center Devanei Hampton was named as the conference's player of the week.

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