Pac-12 Basketball: 5 answers to preseason questions
Pac-12 basketball has struggled as a league heading into conference play. Here are some observations based on questions from the preseason.
1. How will the FBI investigation continue to affect the top teams?
Ever since the season began, there has been little news concerning the FBI investigation involving corruption. The problems for the two teams involved in the probe (USC and Arizona) have more to do with the on-the-court product.
The Wildcats seem to be back on track after the disastrous Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, though. It’s true that De’Anthony Melton is still being held out, but the USC Trojans should have had enough talent to beat Princeton without him.
2. Can Sedrick Barefield lead Utah to contention?
There were hopes that Barefield could be the lead guard for the Utes, but since arriving at Utah, he’s been more of a complementary player. In the “Holy War” rivalry loss to BYU, he went 5/12 (1/6 3PA) for 11 points. For the season, Barefield is shooting just 34% from the field. The sample size is starting to get large enough where being a role player should be all that’s expected of him.
3. How improved will Oregon State be?
The Beavers have already surpassed their win total from last year (6), so that’s a good start. After starting out 2-3, Oregon State has won their last six games. Tres Tinkle, after missing most of last year with an injury, has come back to lead the team with 17.5 ppg and 7.0 rpg while being tied for the team lead with 3.5 apg. This team might not be an NCAA Tournament team but will certainly pull off some good wins in league play.
4. What system does Mike Hopkins use at Washington?
This question should have been phrased better. Coming from Syracuse, of course the 2-3 zone would’ve been implemented. The real question was how good would it look?
Like any new system, the beginnings have its ups and downs. From holding Kansas to 65 points in what was basically a home game to surrendering 97 points to Gonzaga, it’s safe to say that this team is an inconsistent work in progress.
5. Is the Pac-12 only a three bid league?
Right now, there are only two teams guaranteed a bid right now: Arizona and Arizona State. While the Wildcats have struggled out of the gate, the Sun Devils have been electric as one of the nation’s best teams. After those two though, USC has struggled but should still probably receive a bid. These are the clear top-3 teams in the conference and everyone else has work to do to make the Big Dance.
Next: 3 keys to turning around UCLA's season
This is a conference with a ton of potential, but plenty of questions remaining. January will go a long way in determining the shape of this league in regards to the NCAA tournament.