Stanford Cardinal
Pac-12 (19-13, 9-9)
Stanford had a pretty tough stretch of games in Pac-12 play and that knocked this team out of any Pac-12 title hopes. The Cardinal still put together a decent season overall, but the expectations were a little higher with such a talented crop of seniors on the roster.
Big Wins: 12/23 at Texas (74-71), 1/17 Connecticut (72-59), 1/24 Arizona State (89-70)
Bad Losses: 11/30 at DePaul (72-87), 1/31 at Washington State (88-89), 2/15 at Colorado (58-64)
Coach: Johnny Dawkins
Why They Can Surprise:
The trio of Stanford seniors certainly did not disappoint though. Chasson Randle capped off a fabulous collegiate career with a great senior season. The 6-2 guard averaged 18.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals on the year. Randle has had some poor outings, especially when the opposition double teams him consistently, but he can explode for 30 or more points pretty easily. Fellow senior Anthony Brown is the team’s second leading scorer and the top rebounder. The versatility on the defensive end by the 6-6 wing is a huge boost to Coach Johnny Dawkins. Of course, Brown’s 14.7 points per game and incredibly efficient three-point shooting is nice too. The final senior in the regular rotation is Stefan Nastic. He is the third scoring threat and a strong rebounder and the best shot blocker Stanford has to offer. When the Cardinal are playing well, the offense is working through the 6-11 Nastic in the paint.
Why They Can Disappoint:
When Randle is double teamed, others must step up. Marcus Allen is usually the third starting guard and while he has improved as the season has progressed, he cannot replace Randle’s offensive production. Rosco Allen has been a decent complimentary player to Nastic in the post and can stretch out the defense with his shooting ability. The depth almost completely comes from freshmen. Ready or not, Reid Travis, Michael Humphrey and Robert Cartwright have all played some important minutes this season. Travis has done a superb job on the glass and he has earned quite a few starts throughout the season. If a freshman is going to be a surprise and help cover the scoring production, it will be Travis. However, Stanford hopes their big three seniors can keep the team in the tournament for a little while before they have to depend on the freshmen for much help.
Probable Starters:
Chasson Randle, Senior, Guard, 18.9 ppg, 3.1 apg, 1.4 spg
Marcus Allen, Sophomore, Guard, 5.5 ppg, 1.2 apg
Anthony Brown, Senior, Forward, 14.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.7 apg
Rosco Allen, Junior, Forward, 7.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Stefan Nastic, Senior, Center, 13.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Robert Cartwright, Freshman, Guard, 2.1 ppg
Michael Humphrey, Freshman, Forward, 3.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg
Reid Travis, Freshman, Forward, 6.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 72.9 (50th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 67.1 (192, 6)
Field-Goal Percentage: 43.5 (180, 8)
Field-Goal Defense: 42.5 (154, 10)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.9 (113, 4)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 38.7 (34, 2)
Free-Throw Percentage: 72.1 (69, 2)
Rebound Margin: 4.4 (49, 3)
Assists Per Game: 12.3 (197, 10)
Turnovers Per Game: 10.8 (35, 1)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2014 NCAA Second Round win over New Mexico
2014 NCAA Third Round win over Kansas
2014 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Dayton
2013 NIT First Round win over Stephen F Austin
2013 NIT Second Round loss to Alabama
2012 NIT First Round win over Cleveland State
2012 NIT Second Round win over Illinois State
2012 NIT Quarterfinal win over Nevada
2012 NIT Semifinal win over Massachusetts
2012 NIT Final win over Minnesota
2009 CBI First Round win over Boise State
2009 CBI Second Round win over Wichita State
2009 CBI Semifinal loss to Oregon State
2008 NCAA Round of 64 win over Cornell
2008 NCAA Round of 32 win over Marquette
2008 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Texas
2007 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Louisville
2006 NIT Opening Round win over Virginia
2006 NIT First Round loss to Missouri State
2005 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Mississippi State
*all team stats through 3/8
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
