Collegehoopsnet - Oregon State Schedule Analysis

Or at least when you notice the upgraded non-conference schedule compared to seasons past, you get the impression that Jay John and Co. are thinking the Beavers future isn’t the flickering candle in the wind it has been.

Could finishing in the top half of the Pac-10, with a trip to the NCAA tourney be a possibility? That’s something that hasn’t been accomplished in Corvallis for a long, long time. But this year’s squad has given us the opportunity to ponder it.

With the talent and experience the Beavers are bringing to the court, they have every reason to expect good things this season. Returning 11 letterman and all 5 starters from a 12-16 squad will do that. It might not be a return to the Gary Payton era but it sure is something to get excited about. Especially considering OSU’s recent past.

The non-conference highlights include a possible early season match-up with NC State, a 3-seed in last year’s NCAA tournament, at the BCA Invitational—Nov.17, 18 and 19. The pairings for the tournament haven’t been announced yet. We’ll all just have to hope the Beavers get a shot at NC State, which would be a great opportunity for an early season upset, and give the Beavers a very important quality win.

The Beavers also face three teams that received NIT selections last year, at UNLV—Nov. 11, Colorado at home—Dec.4 and at Georgia—Dec. 11. This will be a good opportunity for the Beavers to judge exactly where they’re at. The Georgia and UNLV match-ups look particularly tough since they are away games, but the Beavers will be facing a very different Colorado team without big man David Harrison plugging up the middle. Colorado beat Oregon St. 81-66 last season. If the Beaver’s are going to live up to expectations, a win against Colorado is a must.

The eleven game non-conference schedule features four teams that played in the post-season last year. Compare that to the 2003-04 schedule which featured zero teams that had made the post-season the year before. It’s a step-up. A sure sign that better things are expected of this squad.

As head coach Jay John pointed out, “Our players have evolved to the point that they understand that if they want to develop into an elite program, we need to play a top-notch schedule." He added, "An upgraded non-league schedule will help prepare us for the tough Pac-10 and assist in this team gaining experience as we look toward postseason opportunities."

Also on the non-conference slate is a match-up against Portland at home, Dec. 1. Portland upset the Beavers last year. Beavers will look to exact a hefty revenge on the Pilots.

If the Beavers split the four games against their opponents that saw post-season play last year, and avoid being upset by the lightweights on the non-conference schedule, they’ll be 9-2 heading into Pac-10 play. It’s not unreasonable to think they can do that. That means the Beavers will have to play .500 ball, and get a win in the Pac-10 tourney to finish the regular season above the mythical 18 win plateau for NCAA tourney consideration.

So do the Beaver have a shot to do that? You bet they do.

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