During the latest round of realignment, Washington State and Oregon State found themselves left behind when the Pac-12 dispersed, forming the “Pac-2.” Under this new arrangement, both teams are slated to compete against Mountain West teams, each other, and various non-conference opponents under the banner of the Pac-12 in football next season. However, in a surprising move, both schools have agreed to a one-year stint in the WCC for basketball next season. Following the conclusion of the current season, both teams, in vastly different situations, were significantly impacted by the coaching carousel and the transfer portal.
Photo Cred: SI
Washington State had one of its most successful seasons in program history under the leadership of Kyle Smith, who, in his fifth season, guided the Cougars to a commendable 25-10 overall record and a 14-6 record in the Pac-12, securing second place in the conference. Notably, the Cougars achieved victories over the top-ten-ranked Arizona Wildcats twice, advanced to the semifinals of the Pac-12 tournament, and secured a spot in the NCAA tournament as a seventh seed, defeating the tenth seed Drake Bulldogs 66-61. Unfortunately, their tournament journey ended in the round of 32 with a loss to the second-seeded Iowa State Cyclones, concluding with a score of 67-56.
This marked the Cougars’ first appearance in the round of 32 since 2008. With the potential to retain most of their roster, Washington State seemed poised to dominate in the WCC next year, alongside Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. However, shortly after the season’s end, head coach Kyle Smith departed for the vacant position at Stanford, and Athletic Director Patrick Chun left to assume the AD role at arch-rival Washington. Following these departures, four key players, including senior forward Andrej Jakimovski, junior forward Oscar Cluff, senior guard Joseph Yesufu, and Pac-12 freshman of the year guard, Myles Rice, along with reserve freshman center Rueben Chinyelu, entered the transfer portal.
Photo Cred: Washington State
Additionally, leading scorer and rebounder forward Isaac Jones graduated, leaving significant gaps in the roster. Despite attempts to secure a replacement, Washington State’s coaching staff faced challenges, eventually hiring Eastern Washington’s David Riley to a six-year deal. Riley, who led Eastern Washington to a first-place finish in the Big Sky Conference, will be tasked with replicating Smith’s success with a revamped roster, aiming to guide Washington State to another NCAA tournament appearance in their inaugural season in the WCC.
On the other hand, Oregon State struggled, finishing last in the Pac-12 with a record of 13-19 overall and 5-15 in conference play, extending their difficulties for the third consecutive season following their remarkable Elite Eight run in 2021. Despite their challenges, there was optimism in Corvallis due to a promising young core, led by freshman guard Jordan Pope, who averaged 17.6 points per game. However, the Beavers were hit hard by the transfer portal, as three starters—Pope, sophomore forward Tyler Bilodeau, and senior guard Dexter Akanno—all entered the portal, along with reserve senior center Chol Marial.
Photo Cred: 247 Sports
Collectively, these departures accounted for a significant loss of offensive production, leaving sophomore forward Michael Rataj as the leading scorer and rebounder for the Beavers. The impact of these departures was anticipated by head coach Wayne Tinkle, who acknowledged the challenges posed by the current college basketball landscape during an interview with The Spokesman-Review. Despite the setbacks, both teams have faced, the transfer portal has also presented opportunities. While Washington State acquired Isaac Jones and their third-leading scorer, guard Jaylen Wells, via the portal, they also experienced significant losses following Kyle Smith’s departure.
Similarly, Oregon State recruited Bilodeau and Pope, yet the portal has made it increasingly difficult for programs like Oregon State and Washington State, situated outside recruiting hotbeds, to build sustained success through traditional recruiting methods. Looking ahead, both teams are poised to rebuild during the offseason, aiming to make a strong start in their inaugural season in the WCC, which is expected to offer a more favorable competitive landscape compared to the Pac-12.
