by By Elliott Almond ealmond@mercurynews.com , San Jose Mercury News

COACH: Johnny Dawkins, second season, 20-14

KEY PLAYER: Senior guard/forward Landry Fields (12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds).

SCOUTING REPORT: Even before recent incidents knocked the Cardinal for a loop, most expected Stanford to have its worst season since 1993. The Cardinal has been pegged for last place in the Pac-10 media poll before it lost junior center/forward Josh Owens (6.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg) indefinitely to an undisclosed medical condition. "... Sophomore guard Jeremy Green, an All-Pac-10 freshman team selection last season, has been suspended indefinitely since being arrested last month on suspicion of felony assault and domestic violence. Green, who hasn't been charged, could return, if the situation is resolved. "... The Cardinal also lost freshman forward Andy Brown to a season-ending ACL tear during a practice. "... Point guard Drew Stiller strained a hamstring muscle in Stanford's exhibition victory over Sonoma State last week but should be ready for the season opener Friday at San Diego. "... Stanford must figure out how to replace last season's best scorers, Anthony Goods (16.2 points per game) and Lawrence Hill (13.6), as well as point guard Mitch Johnson. "... Johnson left perhaps the biggest hole at point guard, where Shiller, sophomore Jarrett Mann and freshman Gabe Harris will run the team by committee. "... Stanford has a similar void in the post, where it will rely on 6-9 transfer Andrew Zimmerman, who averaged 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds at Santa Clara two seasons ago, and 6-11 Elliott Bullock.

ELLIOTT ALMOND

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