Pac-12 Basketball: Ducks to remain the league's best

Pac-12 Basketball: Ducks to remain the league’s best

March 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman celebrates after cutting down the net after the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Utah Utes at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Ducks defeated the Utes 88-57. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (11) drives past Wichita State Shockers forward Markis McDuffie (32) during the first half of a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Arizona Wildcats

2015-16 record: 25-8 overall, 12-6 in Pac-12, reached first round of NCAA Tournament

Head coach: Sean Miller

Key returning players: Allonzo Trier, Kadeem Allen, Dusan Ristic, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Chance Comanche

Newcomers: Five-star PF Lauri Markkanen, five-star PG Kobi Simmons, five-star SF Rawle Alkins, JUCO transfer SF Keanu Pinder

Arizona went from a potential Final Four sleeper to a team that very well could fall out of the top-25 and drop down the Pac-12 standings.

Former five-star recruit Ray Smith suffered his third torn ACL in three years and decided to retire from the game of basketball. Allonzo Trier is dealing with question marks regarding his eligibility status.

Also, Chance Comanche is currently suspended indefinitely (although Sean Miller did mention that he is expected to return for Friday’s opener against Michigan State).

The Wildcats are in disarray and they haven’t even played one game yet.

On top of that, they must replace the interior production of Ryan Anderson and Kaleb Tarczewski, and the scoring/shooting of Gabe York.

First, we will start in the front court where freshman forward Lauri Markkanen gives the Wildcats a different dimension. Markkanen, a future pro and potential one-and-done player, can space the floor with his shooting touch and dribbling skills, and can also operate in the post, using hook shots over either shoulder.

The Wildcats also have Comanche (when he comes off his suspension) to block shots at the rim, while Dusan Ristic will be an offensive machine in the low and high post at seven-feet.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats still have to replace York.

Trier is the team’s best shot creator and scorer, but without the sophomore, that title will likely fall into the hands of two freshman, Kobi Simmons and Rawle Alkins.

Simmons is labeled as a point guard, but he often searches for his own shot and can put up points in quick fashion. Alkins is a strong, powerful wing who can score on all three levels. Both players need the ball in their hands to be successful (like Trier), so maybe Arizona can create more flow on the offensive end without the sophomore guard.

Arizona will have very little depth without Smith and Trier. They will have to hang their hat on the coaching of Miller and their defensive prowess.

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