Pac-12 Basketball: UCLA, Oregon atop WTE offseason rankings for 2022-23

1. UCLA

What’s not to like about this UCLA program since Mick Cronin took the reins three seasons ago? The surprise run to the Final Four as an 11-seed in 2021 came with a roster jam-packed with talent, though that roster could only produce a Sweet Sixteen run this past season. There’s still plenty of reason for optimism for the Bruins to go on another run, even if some of that talent is moving on.

Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernard both moved towards the NBA Draft, meaning Jaime Jaquez (13.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg last year) becomes the favorite for Pac-12 Player of the Year if he can pick up the slack. Point guard Tyger Campbell will be back to facilitate this offense, while the Bruins add a slew of freshmen talent. 5-star recruit Amari Bailey will slide into the starting rotation in the backcourt, while Adem Bona could be the starting center from day one, himself a strong athletic big man.

Jaquez’s return is huge for the Bruins, who should be projected to win this conference and be among the top teams in the country again this season. Having Juzang or Bernard back would’ve been nice, but Cronin has still built a talented and deep roster. UCLA’s offense should be phenomenal again, combining a couple of established stars with some fresh young talent.

We’ve completed our deep dive into the Pac-12 teams; who do you think was ranked too high or too low at this point in the offseason?