ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 1 Power Rankings

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 08: Tres Tinkle #3 of the Oregon State Beavers drives against Nick Rakocevic #31 of the USC Trojans during a quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans won 61-48. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

9. Oregon State Beavers

After finishing 16-16 a year ago, the Beavers hope to see their win total rise with the returns of key players.

With Tres Tinkle (17.6 ppg) and Stephen Thompson Jr. (15.8) back in school, the Beavers possess a solid one-two punch when they need a bucket.

The Beavers are also returning Ethan Thompson, Alfred Hollins, Zach Reichle and Gligorije Rakocevic. Each player has been solid in their time at Oregon State with the exception of Tinkle, who has been particularly excellent when on the court.

Tinkle has excelled in Pac-12 play and is on a mission to improve this season after being named the 60th-best player in college basketball (SB Nation). His offseason consisted of getting healthy and working to take the leap and become one of the nation’s premiere players.

Tinkle was a member of the All Pac-12 First Team last season after leading the Beavers in points, rebounds and assists. His talent is undeniable, his production is proficient and the Beavers’ hopes for a successful 2018 Pac-12 campaign lie almost entirely in his hands, and his health.

– Richard Geraffo

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