Is it just us, or does the top of the Pac-12 look as good, or better, than it has since the conference expanded its membership?
The race for the title should be just as compelling. Here’s our Pac-12 Conference Preview:
Pac-12 Champion: Arizona Wildcats
Another year, another Pac-12 crown for head coach Sean Miller. This roster still has some familiar names, but it’s the newcomers that make the Wildcats so dangerous. Not to mention, UA still has the best home court advantage in the conference.
Pac-12 Runner-up: Oregon Ducks
Dana Altman is a magician on the sideline, making this year’s group of Ducks lethal. Five-star recruit Tyler Dorsey gives UO a sense of electricity, but it’s the returning core that is the backbone of Oregon’s most complete roster in a number of years. And that’s saying something.
Pac-12 Dark horse: Utah Utes
No Delon Wright, no problem? That’s the question in Salt Lake City for this year’s Utes. Utah returns nine of its top 11 scorers from a year ago, but folks are still wondering how the loss of Wright will affect team chemistry and balance.
Pac-12 Player of the Year: Ryan Anderson, Arizona
Word out of Tucson is that Anderson’s weight loss and dedication to strength training has him poised for a major return to CBB. If it’s true, and the Wildcats win the conference, he could get the nod here.
Pac-12 Rookie of the Year: Jaylen Brown, Cal
Brown is the best talent that the conference added in the freshman class, and the Bears look ready to give him plenty of opportunities to star.
Pac-12 Coach of the Year: Cuonzo Martin, Cal
After a disappointing second-half campaign a year ago, the Bears are right there with anyone else in the conference when looking at the standings.
