Busting Brackets
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Pac-12 Basketball: Top 10 returning players for the 2017-2018 season

By Connor Hope

Feb 23, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) dribbles the ball as Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) dribbles the ball as Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) moves the ball defended by Oregon Ducks guard Payton Pritchard (3) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. The UCLA Bruins won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) moves the ball defended by Oregon Ducks guard Payton Pritchard (3) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. The UCLA Bruins won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

9) Aaron Holiday (UCLA)

Many analysts, including myself, expected UCLA guard Aaron Holiday to remain in the draft and join his two brothers in the NBA. However, Holiday decided to return to a depleted UCLA squad reloaded with freshman talent and looks to lead them back the Big Dance.

It became clear last season that Holiday is a team-first player, who saw his play time dip by over five minutes per game. Despite this, Holiday increased his shooting efficiency from .394 to .485 and recorded more points and assists. He also established himself as a solid perimeter defender.

As the top returning scorer on UCLA with 12.6 points as a sophomore, Holiday will be the most likely first scoring option for the Bruins. Holiday is also a fantastic distributor, averaging 4.4 assists last year, second on the team to NCAA leader Lonzo Ball.

Holiday has an opportunity to use this season as a mean to improve his draft stock for the 2018 NBA Draft. UCLA should be returning to the NCAA Tournament again, and Holiday will be a big part of the team’s success.

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