Oregon’s Dana Altman can reinforce his Hall of Fame qualifications after losing Payton Pritchard. | goducks.com

 Key Departure: Payton Pritchard

Strengths: Depth, Talent, Coaching  

Fortunately, Thompson is likely to return for his senior season to boost his draft stock and take full command of the Beaver program. The guard’s command of OSU’s offense, and his understanding of Tinkle’s system, would be a real positive for the Beavs next season. However, not having recruited a strong supporting cast, Oregon State doesn’t seem poised to break out of its current cycle of mediocrity. 

Nonetheless, the sole member of OSU’s recruiting class is no slouch. Isaiah Johnson, a three-star power forward ranked in the Top 400, should have a puncher’s chance of securing a starting role. On top of that, Tinkle is bringing in three junior college transfers in Tariq Silver, Maurice Calloo, and Rodrigue Andela. Each are eligible to play this season, and Silver was one of the better JC transfers on the market. 

The trio should make an impact right away, but relying so heavily on JUCO players could send the wrong message to elite high school prospects, especially with so much playing time available. 
Equally worrying, Sean Miller-Moore transferred out after just one season. The junior college transfer appeared destined for more playing time this upcoming season, and would likely have taken on an important role in the Beaver offense. 

Perhaps the ominous clouds on the horizon led Miller-Moore to leave before a dark storm converges on Corvallis.

 Washington Huskies

A poor recruiting year coming off a down year will test Washington coach Mike Hopkins this season. | gohuskies.com

Key Departures: Isaiah Stewart, Jaden McDaniels

Strengths: Defensive system, Identity

Weakness: Recruiting class

Things are broken in Seattle.

Without a single commit in the 2020 class, Mike Hopkins is playing with fire. That’s what happens when you don’t properly manage a Top 5 recruit, especially one who went to high school right down the road from your program. 

In an instant, the Dawgs went from one of the hottest recruiting programs in the nation to a class with zero commits over the course of a single season. Realistically, Hopkins’ mismanagement of Jaden McDaniels may go down as one of the worst coaching jobs in Washington history. The lanky guard’s nearly unlimited potential was all but squandered, with McDaniels even losing his starting role at one point.

That’s a potentially devastating message to send to potential recruits and their handlers; it may be difficult to find elite prospects willing to play for Hopkins after his apparent mismanagement. 

Categorically, if the headman is willing to bench someone like McDaniels, a projected lottery pick, then he is certainly willing to do the same to a less-heralded player. At minimum, the burned bridge could arguably have cost Hopkins the recruiting momentum he had gained at UW.

Transitioning to the 2020 season, one clear positive is the return of Quade Green. The former McDonald’s All-American is the presumptive leader of the program, and will have the trust and confidence of Hopkins, if he maintains his eligibility. But Green can’t do it alone.

Ideally, Wichita State shooting guard Erik Stevenson would land an eligibility waiver from the NCAA, but without any incoming freshmen and the unreliable waiver process, the onus is placed at the feet of the returning players.

Fortunately, the cupboard isn’t completely bare. Returning guards Naziah Carter, Jamal Bey, Elijah Hardy, Marcus Tsohonis, and RaQuan Battle combine for a solid mix of backcourt depth to support Green. In the front-court, Hamier Wright returns, but the most important piece may be Nate Roberts. The big man didn’t get as much playing time as he probably deserved, and the upcoming season presents a significant opportunity for him to breakout.

Still, UW is in a precarious position with a head coach that may be prone to picking favorites. If the returning players aren’t on his good side, they may find it difficult to see the floor, even if they can contribute.

At the end of the day, it’s not a stretch to say Washington is focused mostly on the 2021 recruiting class. Hopkins will do his best to land Paolo Banchero, Peyton Watson, and Nolan Hickman, but the need to ring the alarm bells may be just around the corner. 

 Washington State Cougars

WSU’s Kyle Smith can build on his success of last season, especially if CJ Elleby were to return. | wsucougars.com

Key Potential Departure: CJ Elleby

Strengths: Coaching, Identity

Weakness: Road games

By any measure, Kyle Smith’s first year in Pullman was a resounding success. 

The unexpected upswing set WSU up for a renaissance, but the progress of Smith’s second season largely rests in the hands of CJ Elleby. The prolific scorer’s NBA decision could make the upcoming year one of the best in recent memory, and may even generate discussion of an outside chance at the NCAA Tournament, if he were to return.

That being said, the Cougars could revitalize without Elleby, but his decision would kick the engine into high gear. Optimistically, Elleby’s choice to come back may even be the push needed to land a Top 40 recruiting class as early as 2021. 

As things currently stand, Smith did a better-than-expected job with his first group. The “smart ball” coach landed four three-star recruits, all ranked in the Top 400. Center Dishon Jackson is the highest rated of the bunch, but Canadian point guard Jefferson Koulibaly may end up having the best freshman campaign. Fittingly, combo guard TJ Bamba was another solid addition who should see early playing time, and Efe Abogidi is a big man who adds ideal depth to the front court.

The class currently ranks 58th in the nation and may be a harbinger of things to come.

As for the returners, part of the burgeoning optimism in Pullman is due to Isaac Bonton. The guard was pivotal to Washington State’s surprise season, as he often took over the offense when Elleby was having a rare off night. And when things were clicking right, the two combined for 40 points or more per game. Objectively, the duo were among the best in the Pac-12, and their chemistry shouldn’t be understated.

That makes Elleby’s decision carry even more weight.

If he were to return, it may put WSU into consideration for a Top 6 finish in the Pac-12. That would be a surprising outcome, but the Cougs would at least be in the running as a potential dark horse.

As of now, things haven’t looked brighter on the Palouse in a decade or longer.