Stanford
Last season: 24-13, won NIT.
Nickname: Cardinal. Coach: Johnny Dawkins.
Conference: Pac-12.
Key Returners: Stanford is reloading with Rosco Allen (7.3 points per game) and Marcus Allen (6.4 ppg) leading the way, though Marcus Allen is out with a stress fracture in his right foot. Reid Travis averaged 6.2 points last season while starting 12 games, so he will be called upon in an increased role.
Who Left: The Cardinal lost leading scorer Chasson Randle (19.6 ppg) and big man Stefan Nastic (13.4, 6.5 rpg), so the team will have to find ways to score and make up for all those points lost.
The Skinny: The Cardinal won their second NIT title in four years following a surprising run to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. Dawkins is determined for the young players to quickly gain key experience so Stanford can surprise in the Pac-12 despite being picked to finish ninth.
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