NCAA Basketball: Top 10 historical rivalries up through 2018-19
By Zac Voynow
8. UCLA vs. Arizona
UCLA and Arizona have dominated the Pac-12 for decades. UCLA is clearly one of the best all-time programs in the nation, but Arizona is also a top-tier program, and their success in the Pac-12 and NCAA tournament over such a long period of time proves that. In recent memory Arizona and UCLA have battled towards the top of the conference, but Arizona has probably been the better side over the last 10 years or so.
Right now UCLA leads the all-time series 57-43, but if you take out the unbelievable John Wooden era when nobody could beat them, then Arizona would have the lead. Obviously you can’t disregard an era of UCLA basketball because they were too good, but it goes to show how even it’s been since that incredible time of West Coast dominance in NCAA basketball.
DeAndre Ayton, Lauri Markennen, Stanley Johnson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Aaron Gordon, Derrick Williams, Andre Iguodala, Richard Jefferson, and Gilbert Arenas were all Arizona Wildcats drafted since 2000. I didn’t name all of Arizona’s alumni to get drafted, but just the notable ones. For UCLA, Aaron Afflalo, Kyle Anderson, Lonzo Ball, Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar, Jrue Holiday, Ryan Hollins, Zach Lavine, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love for all drafted since 2000, and all had a strong influence in the best era of this rivarly.
Overall these are two of the best programs out west despite them having down seasons. Things will turn around for UCLA and Arizona, as well the Pac-12 as a whole.