The league had a down year last year, but should be back this year and the potential is there for them to be back in a big way. I think Arizona, UCLA & Cal fight it out for the crown with Arizona taking it. I love this Arizona squad with the addition of Mark Lyons the team’s complexion looks solid. I have some questions with UCLA. The talent is definitely there, but can they make it though the season without any chemistry issues? Last year they underperformed due to such issues. I know Reeves Nelson was a big part of it and is gone, but something tells me there may be a repeat in store with this squad. I’m not sure I trust Howland to get the job done. If it remains quiet throughout the year, there is no noise surrounding the team and the kids are allowed to just play ball then the potential is there for the league to have two reps in the final four. The loss of Gutierrez is going to hurt Cal, but they still remain talented enough to stay in the mix. At season’s end I think the league gets 4 teams into the tourney.
As a sleeper team in the league, I like Washington St. Modum, Moore and Lacy are a solid core and should enable them to make a move up the standings and make a case for a bid.