by DSH contributor Eric Sloat
[Editor's note: with the Oregon basketball team off to a tremendous 12-0 start (time to pull those tee shirts out of the drawer) we're doubling up on our basketball coverage. Please welcome Eric Sloat, who will be working with columnist Brian Mahuna to provide baseline-to-baseline cover of Oregon and PAC-12 hoops.]
A couple of seasons ago, the Pac-12 was in sorry shape when it came to basketball. Only one team was invited to the NCAA tournament; Colorado getting in after beating regular season champion, Washington in the conference tournament. The outlook is considerably brighter this season, with 5 teams seeming certain locks, and maybe even 6 getting invitations to the dance.
The TOP 5
Arizona, 13-0: No surprise, the Wildcats are the best team in the Pac-12, as well as in the country. With Nic Johnson and T.J. McConnell in the backcourt, and freshman, Aaron Gordon joining Brendon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski, in the frontcourt, Arizona is strong everywhere. The Wildcats can play half court, but are also capable of running when the opportunity arises.
Oregon, 12-0: The Ducks are flying high, leading the country in scoring. Coach Altman has continued to incorporate new players, this time, integrating 6 new players into the 11 man rotation. The Ducks can shoot it from outside and take it to the rim. The defense needs work. Oregon doesn’t have a shot blocker, and are undersized, relying on a swarming defense to disrupt the other team and force turnovers.
Colorado, 11-2: The Buffaloes are steady and methodical. They impose their will and force opponents to play at their tempo. Spencer Dinwiddie is the leader on the court, but the any of the players can make big plays, as evidenced by Askia Booker’s buzzer- beating 3 to beat Kansas earlier this season.
Arizona State, 11-2:.Jahii Carson is the driving force pushing the Sun Devils. The fiery point guard averages over 20 points per game, shooting 52.3% from 3 point land, and averages, 5.1 assists per game. On defense, Jordan Bachynski swats away an average of 4.5 shots a game.
UCLA, 11-2: Steve Alford has moved in as the coach of the Bruins, and the scoring has picked up considerably, 90.6 per game, compared to the more conservative style of former coach, Ben Howland. Kyle Anderson, 6’9 point guard steers the ship, with Jordan Adams, back from a broken foot, leading the scoring.
Week One
My pick in BOLD
January 2
Washington @ Arizona State
Washington State @ Arizona
California @ Stanford
Oregon State @ Colorado
Oregon @ Utah
January 4
Oregon State @ Utah
Washington @ Arizona
January 5
USC @ UCLA
Washington State @ Arizona State
Oregon @ Colorado
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