As we begin to move our focus to the power conferences of college basketball, we start out west with the Pac-12 Conference.
The conference showed well in the NBA Draft this season, especially Arizona, but there is still plenty of talent returning to school, and coming into school, to look forward to next season.
1. Tyrone Wallace, California Golden Bears
Given the full reigns to Cal’s offense last season, Wallace turned in what was unquestionably his best season as a Golden Bear. Now that he’ll be surrounded with as much talent as anyone in the league, many are excited to see just how prolific he can be as a creator and facilitator. With his defensive ability as well, he’s a popular choice for Pac-12 POY honors next season.
2. Gary Payton II, Oregon State Beavers
Payton II is the best returning defender in the conference, as his ability to create turnovers was the primary factor in making OSU’s defense so effective last season. As he continues to evolve as a shot maker from the outside, we expect him to once against be named to the Pac-12 First Team All-Conference group, and be among the statistical leaders in the conference.
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3. Brandon Taylor, Utah Utes
Undersized, sure. But everything else that Taylor does on the court speaks loudly. He can make shots, take on ball handling responsibilities, and defend with unbelievable tenacity. It’s yet to be seen just how much point guard duty he will take on with the departure of Delon Wright, but it’s hard to imagine anything overwhelming him at this point.
4. Bryce Alford, UCLA Bruins
Alford can be maddening to watch with his shot selection and almost manic decision making, at times. However, there are few guards in the country capable of catching fire from deep the way that he is, and thus, it’s not surprising that he has such a long leash, and the greenest of green lights in all of college basketball.
5. Allonzo Trier, Arizona Wildcats
The only freshman on the list, expectations are very high for Trier in Tucson. His ability to score from the perimeter was second to none in the high school ranks a year ago, and we haven’t yet seen Sean Miller’s offense run with the kind of inside-outside balance that the Wildcats should have this season. Trier barely edges out a few other very deserving nods for this spot.
