Stanford Basketball Preview 2021
Our Stanford basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that last season the Cardinal was mediocre at best. In the end, the Stanford Cardinal (14-13 Overall, 10-10 PAC-12) finished tied for sixth in the conference and out of NCAA Tournament and NIT contention. Head coach Jarod Haase (82-74 Stanford/5 years, 162-127 Overall/9 years) is on the hotseat. Under Haase, the Cardinal has been to the NIT once and the Big Dance not at all. In the conference, they’ve post a winning record once, two .500 marks, and in two seasons, they finished less than even. Unlike most other college coaches, Haase cannot utilize the transfer portal. Thus, it’s all about recruitment. The one positive is once again, Stanford welcomes a top 25 class of recruits.
Cardinal Frontcourt
Senior forward Jaiden Delaire returns after being voted the Pac-12’s Most Improved Player. Last season, he averaged 12.5 PPG and 4.1 RPG. Over a 16-game stretch in conference play, Delaire raised his points per game to 15. He’s a solid foundation piece. Also back, is junior forward Spencer Jones and his 41 percent three-point shooting mark. In 2020-21, Jones averaged 8.2 PPG and 3.9 RPG. Our Stanford basketball preview 2021 - 22 anticipates that freshman Harrison Ingram, the program’s top recruit who recently competed for the US at the U19 World Cup, will come ready to play. In the post, senior Lukas Kisunas provides solid D and experience.
Stanford Basketball Preview – Backcourt
The Cardinal loses two important backcourt performers, Bryce Wills (NBA Draft) and Daejon Davis (Washington transfer). Wills was a superior defender and Davis a talented and productive two-way player. Sophomore Michael O’Connell, who last season averaged 26.6 MPG and started in 18 while averaging 6.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 2.8 APG, will be the lynchpin in back. O’Connell, who will command the point, is driven and dependable. Shooting guard is up in the air. Sophomore Noah Taitz will get a shot after showing promise last year, as will freshman Jarvis Moss. Freshman point guard Isa Silva, an elit passer and smooth player, arrives as a top-100 prospect.
Stanford Basketball Preview 2021 – Final Word
Although the Cardinal has a fine group of recruits, Haase faces the same yearly challenge of getting everyone on the same page, ensuring his players can compete at a high level, and hoping he can hang onto the skilled and talented ones another year. That’s no easy task. Trying to stay competitive in NCAA basketball is an uphill battle for most programs. At Stanford, it’s downright impossible. However, our Stanford basketball preview 2021 - 22 does project this team to be NIT bound. An NCCA berth will be a big reach. But, you never know.
Pac-12 - Stanford Rankings & Projections 2021
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll Ranking: None
NCAA Men's Basketball NET Ranking: 56
Pac-12 Finish: 8
Postseason Tournament: NIT