Pac-12 Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament Preview

Top players who can lead their team to a Pac-12 Title

JR Aaron Holiday – UCLA

2017-18 stats: 20.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.8 apg

While not the overwhelming favorite, there are a few people who believe Aaron Holiday should be named the Pac-12 Player of the Year. His incredible numbers have helped to lift UCLA into a three-way tie for third in the Pac-12, one game behind rival USC. With such a wide open field heading into the Pac-12 tournament, Holiday’s experience will be a valuable asset for the Bruins.

FR Deandre Ayton – Arizona

2017-18 stats: 19.9 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 1.6 apg

In his one year in the NCAA, Deandre Ayton has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players to watch, as well as a projected Top 5 pick in the NBA Draft. Ayton is the favorite to win Pac-12 Player of the Year and a finalist for the Naismith and Wooden Awards. Ayton has the ability to dominate in the paint and help the Wildcats retain their Pac-12 Tournament title.

SR Jordan McLaughlin – USC

2017-18 stats: 12.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 7.5 apg

USC’s Jordan McLaughlin does more to improve the performance of his teammates than any other player in the Pac-12. With teammate Bennie Boatwright out for the year, McLaughlin will be asked to shoulder more of the scoring load, which he has done with pretty good efficiency. His leadership will be essential to overcome the adversity the USC continues to face.

JR Reid Travis – Stanford

2017-18 stats: 19.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.4 apg

One of the more underrated players in the country, Reid Travis has been the star of a Stanford Cardinal team that surprised many when they finished the season tied for third in the Pac-12. Travis is one of the best post players in the conference, shooting 52.6% from the field and gathering 8.2 rebounds per game. Travis is the reason Stanford is considered a contender in the Pac-12 Tournament.

SR Justin Bibbins – Utah

2017-18 stats: 14.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.9 apg

By far the best transfer pickup in the Pac-12 this season, Justin Bibbins has quietly kept Utah in the NCAA Tournament conversation. At 5’8” and 150 pounds, Bibbins makes up for his small stature with a smooth shooting stroke and great court vision. If Utah has any shot at picking up a few much-needed wins in the tournament, it will begin with the play of Bibbins.

Bonus: SR Tra Holder – Arizona State

2017-18 stats: 18.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg

When Tra Holder is making his shots, Arizona State becomes an incredibly difficult team to beat. During their 12-0 non-conference run, Holder made 45.8% of his three-point attempts. During Pac-12 play, Holder’s three-point efficiency dropped to 32%. Which Tra Holder will show up when Arizona State desperately needs a win to save any at-large chance they have.