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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Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) gets around UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. UCLA won 76-74. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) gets around UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. UCLA won 76-74. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Bennie Boatwright (USC)

The team leader and top scorer for the Tojans, Bennie Boatwright will be an All-Pac-12 First Teamer if he can stay healthy. After missing 17 games last season, Boatwright health will be a factor in the Trojan’s ability to compete for a Pac-12 Title.

In his limited court time last season, Boatwright averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. As a stretch forward, Boatwright shot a respectable .364 from beyond the arc.

Despite his 6’10” height, Boatwright trailed 6’4” De’Anthony Melton in rebounds for the Trojans. While his offense does rely on three-pointers, Boatwright’s effort on the defensive boards will still need to improve.

Boatwright will be interesting to watch this year. Billed as USC’s star, he will need to live up to this label to lift USC into the top tier of the NCAA. If he does this, he will be a lock for All-Pac-12 First Team honors.

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