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Pac-12 Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

By Jacob Stevenson

Mar 3, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Will Richardson (0) goes to the basket as UCLA Bruins guard Johnny Juzang (3) looks on during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Will Richardson (0) goes to the basket as UCLA Bruins guard Johnny Juzang (3) looks on during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pac-12 Basketball Colorado Buffaloes D’Shawn Schwartz Oregon Ducks Franck Kepnang Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Pac-12 Basketball Colorado Buffaloes D’Shawn Schwartz Oregon Ducks Franck Kepnang Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon was the PAC 12 Basketball champion for the 2020-21 season. It took the Ducks a while to get into a rhythm due to COVID-19 and injuries but once again the Ducks turned it up late in the year winning 10 of its last 11. Chris Duarte has a shot to win PAC-12 player of the year and Eugene Omoruyi should be the first team all PAC-12.

USC was in first place for most of the season but struggled down the stretch losing 3 out of 6th. They are known for their excellent two-point defense that’s ranked 3rd in the country and are led by superstar Freshman Evan Mobley who is expected to be a top 2 pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

Colorado finished 3rd they are a veteran team that is led by McKinley Wright and are the best free-throw shooting team in the country. UCLA lost their best player Chris Smith early this year for the season but should still make the NCAA tournament due to the balance of the rest of their roster.

Arizona ended the season in 5th they are ineligible for the post-season play this year but James Akinko had a good year and should be an all PAC-12 player. Bennedict Mathurin and Azuolas Tubelis were the two best freshmen in the league not named Mobley.

Stanford was away from their home due to COVID-19 and struggled with injuries but they were disappointing down the stretch and looks like they will miss out on the NCAA tournament. Oregon State was picked 12th in the PAC-12 preseason poll but finished tied for 6th. Wayne Tinkle did a great job with this group and would get my vote for coach of the year.

Utah finished 8th witch is a little higher than their 9th place finish last year. Arizona State struggled with injuries all season but was one of the most disappointing teams in College Basketball. Washington State showed improvement under year 2 of Kyle Smith with having a very young team. The University of Washington struggled and only won 5 total games. While Cal took a step back under 2nd-year coach Mark Fox.

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