2017-18 Big West Tournament Champion Titans (Credit: Reed Saxton AP)

College basketball is nearly upon is, Big West Basketball is just around the corner. A chaotic summer with new coaches and players, Long Beach State rewarding Monson. Returning talent is not to be underestimated as Cal State Fullerton looks to build off their NCAA Big Dance appearance.

1] UC Irvine Anteaters

Coming off a defeat in the Big West championship, Irvine will look to bounce back and get into the Big Dance behind a top-notch defense. Fundamentally sound, the Anteaters return every starter along with their sixth man, as Coach Ross Turner can rely on experience. Toss in Robert Cartwright, a graduate transfer from Stanford and you have a side that should be the favorites in the conference.

Key OoC Games: @ Texas A&M (11/9), @ St. Mary’s (11/28), @ Butler (12/21)

2] UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

Joe Pasternack spent no time in turning the Gauchos around, going from their worst season in thirty years to 23 wins. Losing four starters will sting, had transfer reinforcements coming with the additions of Devearl Ramsey (Nevada), Zack Moore (Seattle U), JaQuori McLaughlin (Oregon State) & Ar’Mond Davis (Alabama) to team up with Max Heidegger (19.1 points) last season. Amadou Sow isn’t a bad incoming freshman either.

Key OoC Games: @ Washington (12/2)

3] UC Davis Aggies

Jim Les led his Aggies to the top of the conference standings, a feat he’s looking to repeat with the return of TJ Shorts II, the reigning conference player of the year. Loss of Chima Moneke will sting for a bit, at least until St. Mary’s transfer, Stefan Gonzales steps onto the hardwood.

Key OoC Games: vs San Diego (11/9) @ Arkansas (11/12), @ Indiana (11/23), @ Arizona (11/22), @ USC (11/30)

4] Cal State Fullerton Titans

Dedrique Taylor returns key pieces from last years tournament championship squad, led by the high scoring guard duo of Kyle Allman and Khalil Ahmed while bringing in 3* recruit Wayne Arnold into the mix. If Coach Taylor can get his side to limit turnovers while getting solid play from his forwards, the Titans could return to the Big Dance.

5] Long Beach State 49ers

Dan Monson earned himself a hefty extension, as the 49ers look to get into the Big Dance. Adding Bobby Braswell to the bench to run the defense will do nothing but pay dividends as the trio of Deishaun Booker, Temidayo Yussuf and Bryan Alberts may be the engine that determines the outcome of the season.

Key OoC Games: @ #21 UCLA (11/9), @ Arizona State (11/12), @ Mississippi State (11/16), vs Oregon State (11/25), @ USC (11/28), @ Stanford (11/29)

6] Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

As the only non-California side, the Rainbow Warriors are going to be the team that is what everyone thought they are. Jack Purchase will do a solid job to hold down the paint while Drew Buggs and Brocke Stepteau will be relied upon holding down the offense.

Key OoC Games: @ Utah (11/22), @ #21 UCLA (11/28) vs UNLV (12/22)

7] Cal State Northridge Matadors

A brand new coaching staff, with numerous incoming recruits, the Matadors are a hard time to gauge as the chemistry and experience isn’t quite there. Mark Gottfried did a great job jumping on the recruiting trail, signing guys in his backyard that were ignored in years past, and will look to turn some heads this season.

Key OoC Games: vs New Mexico (11/6), @ Washington State (11/27), @ San Diego (11/9), @ San Diego State (12/1

8] UC Riverside Highlanders

Dave Patrick takes over a Riverside squad that is looking to get into the thick of things in the Big West, a process that won’t occur over night. Adding Daniel Mading and Zac Watson as recruits is a step in the right direction, while junior guard Dikymbe Martin will be relied upon.

Key OoC Games: @ Oregon State (11/6), @ UNLV (11/13)

9] Cal Poly Mustangs

Coach Joe Callero may end on the hot seat come seasons end, assuming he still has a job by then. Donovan Fields will be expected to lead the team with his ability to facilitate and play the passing lanes, the Mustangs aren’t expected to have a good season.

Key OoC Games: @ Arizona (11/21), @ Washington State (11/19),, @ California (12/15)