Stanford Cardinal : #6 Pac 12 college basketball power rankings

Stanford

Coach: Johnny Dawkins (4 seasons at Stanford 75-59)

2011-12: Record 26-11 overall, 10-8 in Pac 12 (7th)

Starters Returning (3) Aaron Bright, Anthony Brown, Chasson Randle

Preseason Tournament: Battle 4 Atlantis

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Belmont, at NC State, at Northwestern, vs. St. Louis

Last year the Cardinal won the NIT championship. While the is great fact is the Cardinal has not made the NCAA tournament in Johnny Dawkins 4 seasons at Stanford. It is time for him to take his program to the next level and it looks like he is prime to do so. The Cardinal return 4 of their top 5 scorers off last year team. The good news for the future all 4 of those players are underclassmen.

The strength of this team will no doubt be the backcourt. Leading the way is shooting guard Chasson Randle (13. 8 ppg). He had a breakout season last year as a freshman. He does a little bit of everything but his biggest asset is his three point shooting ability. He made 85 threes while shooting 44 %. Joining him in the backcourt is point guard Aaron Bright (11.7 ppg). Bright is a very good passer and like Randle a strong three pointer shooter. At the 3 spot will be Anthony Brown (8.1 ppg). Brown can score in a variety of ways; he is also an excellent defender. Depth could be a concern here. Leading the way will be Gabriel Harris (3. 6ppg), who was sidelined with an injury last season. Also providing depth will be freshman Christian Sanders and Robbie Lemons (.4 ppg).

The Cardinal have to replace 2 starters in the frontcourt but they players that have experience. Leading the way is Dwight Powell (5.8 ppg). He took a step back last season in production but still he is the team’s most athletic player and leaper. Joining him in the frontcourt is Josh Huestis (5.3 ppg). He led the Cardinal in block shots last season and should score more with more playing time. The Cardinal have plenty of depth here. Leading the way will be Stefan Nastic (2 ppg) and John Gage (3.9 ppg). Freshman Grant Verhoeven and Roscoe Allen are two highly regarded freshman that should see plenty of playing time. Allen is a great shooter. Also providing depth here is Andy Brown (1.1 ppg) and Elliott Bullock

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