Irvine with a strong northern California contingent

Running this again because of not mentioning Mike Best earlier:

College Sports Madness is already looking at next season and predicts UC Irvine as the Big West frontrunner. Here's the projected Anteater starting five:

* Alex Young, Sophomore, Guard, 9.2 points per game
* Chris McNealy, Senior, Guard, 9.2 points per game
* Travis Souza, Junior, Forward, 3.5 points per game (plus 49% from long distance)
* Will Davis II, Junior, Center, 9.7 points per game (plus 6.8 rebounds)
* Conor Clifford, Sophomore, Center, 2.5 points per game

Plus, 6-foot-10 Mike Best, out of Terra Linda High, will be back. He averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 10 games this past season but received medical redshirt status due to an injury so he will be listed again as a sophomore athletically.