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Pac-10 Basketball Coverage
By: Joshua Fischman

 

Pac-10 Preview: Pre-season All-Sophomore Team

In 2007-08, the Pac-10 is perhaps the most intruiging and exciting conference in college basketball. From the youthful athleticism of USC to the veteran experience of Washington State to the depth of UCLA, the Pac-10 is loaded with potential NCAA contenders. To celebrate the beginning of Pac-10 conference play, Joshua Fischman has compiled a list of the top talent in the conference, separated by class standing. To supplement these pre-season lists, Joshua has conducted exclusive interviews with some of the Pac-10's most talented players.

Next up is Joshua's All-Sophomore selections. There are so many incredible sophs in Pac-10 country, that Joshua had to extend this list to a first team plus an entire team of honorable mentions. Barring major injury, or an incredible drop-off, you'll see many of these names sprinkled in the first and second round of the NBA Draft in a few months. Following the All-Sophomore team, stick around for an interview with Oregon standout Joevan Catron.

For a re-cap of Tuesday's Pac-10 All-Freshman Team, click here.

Pac-10 Pre-season All-Sophomore Team

Guard - Daniel Hackett USC
His defense and leadership allow Hackett to make the starting five, ahead of promising scorer Patrick Christopher.

Guard - Tajuan Porter Oregon
The 5'6", 150 lb ball of energy averages 7 three-point attempts per game and is shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc.

Forward - Chase Budinger Arizona
As he has matured, Budinger's game looks increasingly like that of Dirk Nowitzski.

Forward - Ryan Anderson Cal
Anderson has a great chance of winning Pac-10 Player of the Year. Can you imagine USC's squad if he went there, like he was planning to do?

Center - Brook Lopez Stanford
After recently returning from academic ineligibility, Lopez has continued to improve and figures to be a top draft pick when he decides to leave school.

 

Honorable Mention

Guard - Patrick Christopher Cal
From a scoring standpoint, Christopher is the most improved player in the conference.

Guard - Russell Westbrook UCLA
Westbrook has become a key component for the Bruins. He is averaging over 6 assists per game to go along with almost 2 steals and nearly 13 points per contest.

Forward - Joevan Catron Oregon
News that Catron will be out 3-6 weeks with a foot injury is debilitating to the Ducks' hope of winning the Pac-10. See his pre-injury interview here.

Forward - Jordan Hill Arizona
This man can jump out of the building.

Forward-Center - Taj Gibson USC
Where has the big man's offense been hiding since the season began? If Tim Floyd can help Gibson relocate his immense offensive talent, the Trojans will be unstoppable.

 

Joevan Catron Interview

Now that you've seen the Pac-10's All-Sophomore team, check out an exclusive interview with one of the premiere players in the Pac-10: Joevan Catron.

Also, be sure not to miss out on Tuesday's posting: the Pac-10 All-Freshman team.