I'm very optimistic about next year. We return almost the entire team, while the other Pac-10 powers are losing at least one, if not more of their stars. UA is losing Bayless and probably Budinger, Cal losing Anderson, Stanford losing the Lopez twins, USC losing Mayo, UCLA losing up to 4 of their best players, Oregon graduating 3 significant seniors, and WSU graduating 3 starters. A lot of our competition will depend on how good the new recruits are throughout the Pac.
I think we should finish in the top 3 of the conference, with an outside shot of actually winning the conference. I think the biggest x-factor will be the development of Eric Boateng. If he can provide significant minutes, play solid defense, rebound, and put in a few points, this team will really be a force. He came on strong as the season wore on, and showed a lot of promise. We need another solid big man alongside Pendergraph.
CBS Sportsline, ESPN, and Foxsports all have us in the Top 25 of their early 08-09 polls (and not a Rat to be found). Go Devils!!!
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