Pac-Tending 01-23-08

"We've narrowed our focus to areas that strictly affect academic performance in basketball, and we believe we can develop several recommendations from here out that will make a real difference."

- UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, commenting on an NCAA proposal to add a required summer school "structure" for athletes in men's basketball to increase their academic success and potentially the school's APR.

Hoops season continues at the Creek and both men's and women's teams are still populating the national rankings as seven conference teams are receiving votes with three teams [Washington State, UCLA and Stanford] in the men's Top 25 and two more [Stanford and California] are in the women's Top 25.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, an NCAA proposal for men's basketball up for discussion will require athletes to attend a summer school "structure" for their first two terms [one term for transfers] in order to be eligible in autumn.

USC

In men's hoop, the Trojans defeated rival UCLA to improve to 11-6 overall and 2-3 in Pac-10 play with a 46 RPI. Freshman guard O.J. Mayo may have committed an NCAA rules violation by accepting free tickets to an NBA game.

WSU

In men's hoop, 6th-ranked Wazzu swept Oregon State and Oregon to improve to 16-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play with an 18 RPI.

In football, the Cougars received verbal commitments from receiver Kevin Norrell and running backs Brian Baucham and Chantz Staden.

In women's hoop, the Cougars lost to Oregon and Oregon State to fall to rival Washington to drop to 3-15 overall and 0-7 in Pac-10 play with a 285 RPI.

In soccer, Wazzu received a verbal commitment from midfielder Tiara Pittman.

Oregon

In men's hoop, the Ducks lost to Washington and Wazzu to fall to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in Pac-10 play with a 32 RPI.

California

In women's hoop, the Bears swept Arizona and Arizona State to improve to 17-2 overall and 8-0 in Pac-10 play with a 15 RPI.

Washington

In football, running back John Tate reneged on his verbal commitment to the Huskies while offensive lineman Allen Carroll has verbally committed to Washington.

In men's hoop, junior forward Jon Brockman was named as the conference's player of the week.

UCLA

In football, the Bruins hired former NFL and USC assistant coach Norm Chow as offensive coordinator.

In men's hoop, centers Lorenzo Mata-Real and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute both suffered concussions in last week's loss to rival USC. Mata-Real is doubtful and Mbah a Moute is questionable for this week's game against Oregon.

Arizona State

In football, the Sun Devils hired former Wazzu defensive back Greg Burns as cornerbacks coach – Burns had previously coached at Kansas State. ASU received verbal commitments from defensive linemen Eugene Germany and Spencer Gasu.

Stanford

In women's hoop, the Cardinal swept Arizona and Arizona State to improve to16-3 overall and 6-2 in Pac-10 play with a 7 RPI.

Oregon State

In men's hoop, head coach Jay John was fired and assistant coach Kevin Mouton will be the interim head coach. John had a 72-97 career record at Oregon State in 5.5 seasons at the helm. Junior center C.J. Giles was dismissed from the team.

In women's hoop, freshman guard Talisa Rhea was named as the conference's player of the week.

Arizona

In football, offensive lineman Daniel Borg has left the team so he can focus on academics.

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