STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford closes nonconference play Thursday as the Cardinal welcomes Idaho to Maples Pavilion for a 7:30 p.m. PT tip-off. Coming off a setback to SMU on Monday in Dallas, Stanford begins a three-game homestand with Thursday's contest. The Cardinal will host Arizona State on Dec. 30 and Arizona on Jan. 1.
THE 25,000-MILE SEASON-OPENING JOURNEY
The Cardinal will spend the next 14 days at home, its longest stretch of the season, after completing a whirlwind 25,000-mile journey across the globe during its first 11 games. The 2016-17 campaign opened in Shanghai, China on Nov. 11. Following its trip to China, Stanford played games in Orlando, Florida, Lawrence, Kansas and Dallas Texas. The four trips, which included six games, totaled 25,598 miles and more than 56 hours on an airplane.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
In its first 11 games, Stanford (49 in RPI) has played five teams that are projected to be in the 2017 NCAA Tournament field, according to ESPN's Joe Lunardi. All five of those teams - Kansas (5), Saint Mary's (22), Miami (31), Seton Hall (35) and SMU (47) - also rank among ESPN analyst Jay Bilas list of "Top 68 Teams In The Land." The Cardinal played only one of these teams, Saint Mary's, on its home floor. Stanford's strength of schedule as of Dec. 21 ranks 13th nationally.
TRAVIS AMONG RARE COMPANY
Reid Travis is one of seven individuals in the top six conferences (Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, SEC and BIG EAST) to rank in the top five of his league in scoring and rebounding. (through Dec. 20)
TRAVIS' IMPACT
After missing the final 22 games last season, Reid Travis has made a strong impact in his return this year. He has posted five of his six career double-doubles in the first 11 games of this season. His team-leading 17.5 ppg ranks third in the Pac-12, and his team-best 9.6 rpg ranks fourth in the conference. He ranks 39th nationally in rebounding as of Dec. 20.
TRAVIS FROM THE LINE
Reid Travis ranks seventh in the nation in free throws attempted (94) and 23rd in the country in free throws made (65) as of Dec. 20. At Kansas on Dec. 3, he set Stanford single-game records for free throws made (19) and attempted (22), while also breaking the same free throw marks by a Kansas opponent. While Travis is getting to the charity stripe much more, his free throw percentage has also improved from last year.
AGAINST IDAHO
Stanford and Idaho have faced each other nine times previously, with the Cardinal owning a 6-3 edge in the all-time series. The two teams have not played since the 1958-59 season. They played twice per year from the 1956-59 seasons. Stanford has won all five home contests against Idaho.
AGAINST THE BIG SKY CONFERENCE
Stanford is 23-5 all-time against current members of the Big Sky Conference. Stanford's only defeats to members of the conference are to Idaho (6-3) and Montana (3-2). The Cardinal owns unblemished records vs. Montana State (2-0), Northern Arizona (1-0), Portland State (2-0), Sacramento State (5-0), Southern Utah (3-0) and Weber State (1-0). Idaho marks the second Big Sky opponent this season, as Stanford defeated Weber State on Nov. 17.
PICKENS ON TARGET FROM BEYOND THE ARC
Junior Dorian Pickens has posted at least one three-pointer in nine of Stanford's 11 games, with multiple three-pointers in five contests. He is shooting 41.5 percent from three-point range (14th in Pac-12), with a team-best 17 three-pointers on the year. He registered a season-high four (4-of-6) vs. Colorado State. Pickens connected on three trifectas in the win over Indiana State, including the game-winner with 2.0 seconds left.
CONVERTING FROM THE LINE
Dorian Pickens also excels from the free throw line, where he ranks fourth in the Pac-12 with a free throw percentage of 85.3 (29-of-34). He converted 14 straight free throws, from Nov. 25 through Dec. 19.
VERHOEVEN MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE PAINT
Senior Grant Verhoeven is averaging 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game this season. Verhoeven, who was inserted into the starting lineup two games ago, has become a force in the paint for each of Stanford's opponents, drawing several charges throughout the year. In the Cardinal's win over Seton Hall, he drew five charges and caused six turnovers by the Pirates overall. While his minutes average is relatively the same, he is averaging 2.4 more points and 1.5 more rebounds this season.
BIGS PROVIDE BOOST
Stanford's group of Reid Travis, Michael Humphrey and Grant Verhoeven have provided a strong presence in the paint through the season's first 11 games. The trio has combined to score 335 points (30.5 ppg) and collect 193 rebounds (17.5 rpg) this season. The Harvard game was the first time all three scored in double figures in the same game.
THE JUNIOR CLASS
Stanford's four-member junior class - Reid Travis, Dorian Pickens, Michael Humphrey and Robert Cartwright - has accounted for 64 percent (471-of-736) of the scoring this season. Travis (17.5 ppg), Pickens (12.0 ppg), Humphrey (7.2 ppg) and Cartwright (6.1 ppg) rank one, two, three and four, respectively, among Stanford's scoring leaders. Cartwright is listed as a sophomore after receiving a medical redshirt for the 2015-16 season. The group was part of Stanford's 2014 signing class.
VETERAN GROUP
Boasting one of the most experienced rosters in the Pac-12, four starters - Reid Travis, Michael Humphrey, Marcus Allen, and Christian Sanders - and 10 of the top 11 scorers from last season are back. Including the first 11 games of this season, Stanford's roster has combined for 719 appearances.
CARTWRIGHT, SANDERS RUNNING POINT
The duo of sophomore Robert Cartwright and senior Christian Sanders run the point for the Cardinal. Sanders, who has started all 11 games, ranks sixth in the Pac-12 with an average of 3.8 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. Cartwright, who is back on the court after missing all of last season with an arm injury, is averaging 2.6 assists in 22.8 minutes per contest.
