Pac-12 Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament Preview
By Connor Hope
Key Teams in the Pac-12 Tournament
Team to Beat – Arizona Wildcats
Just last week, the Arizona seemed to be in a world of hurt, with Sean Miller suspended for his alleged involvement in serious recruiting violations and Allonzo Trier ruled ineligible for a failed drug test. Since then, however, both have returned to the team, reestablishing the Wildcats as the favorites to win the Pac-12 title. Not only is Arizona alone at the top of the standings, they are also the only Pac-12 team that appears to be a lock for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Biggest Threat – UCLA Bruins
There are plenty of teams that could be regarded as the biggest threat to Arizona in the tournament, but UCLA has all the makings of a great postseason team. The Bruins have an experienced guard in Aaron Holiday, an excellent post presence in Thomas Welsh, and two tremendous freshmen in Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands. UCLA is also the only team with a win over each team in the top half of the standings.
Watch Out For – Utah Utes
After 29 games, it is still unclear what the ceiling is for this Utah team. Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak has once against proven why his is one of the best coaches in the country, coaching the Utes to the 3-seed in the Pac-12 Tournament. If David Collette and Tyler Rawson can compete against the bigger frontcourts that the other top teams boast, the Utes could play their way into the NCAA Tournament.
Under .500 team that could make noise – Arizona State
This decision really come down to whoever can win the matchup between Colorado and Arizona State; however, the Sun Devils may have the pieces to go further than the Buffaloes if they win. If the Sun Devils can find a way to get their shots to start falling again, their disadvantage on the boards should be less evident. Assuming Tra Holder, Shannon Evans and Kodi Justice all return to their non-conference shooting form, Arizona State could just win the whole tournament.
Most Likely to Disappoint – USC Trojans
It feels like USC is already the most disappointing team in the Pac-12, despite their second place finish in the regular season. A lot has changed since the Trojans’ No. 10 ranking in the preseason AP Pool, and they now find themselves in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament. Now with the loss of Bennie Boatwright, the Trojans’ season could potentially end in Las Vegas.