6. Stanford Cardinal (4-4) LW: T-8
Perhaps a week off is exactly what coach Jerod Haase and Stanford needed.
Ten days after their overtime loss to Kansas, the pain likely hasn’t declined. Each of the Cardinal’s four losses have come against premiere Power 5 opponents, and the latest was their biggest chance to make a splash.
That being said, the Cardinal have pieces to be proud of. KZ Okpala has taken the leap his sophomore season, upping his averages to 17 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 47 percent from 3-point range.
Incoming freshman Cormac Ryan has also impressed, trailing Okpala with 10.9 points per game and four rebounds. He’s exceeded double figures in all but three of Stanford’s games, including a 12-point outing against the Jayhawks last Saturday.
Going forward, the team will need more out of sophomore Daejon Davis. His numbers have dipped from his freshman season, and with the exception of the Kansas game, he’s been absent from their offensive picture.
His production is vital to their 3-point shooting, which has dipped to 31 percent through eight games. Granted, the loss of Dorian Pickens has something to do with that, but a perimeter-centric identity may be the necessary course of action with Reid Travis no longer on the roster.
The Cardinal hope their rest doesn’t turn to rust as they return to Palo Alto for a matchup against Eastern Washington this Saturday.
– Booth