Pac-12 Basketball: UCLA, Oregon atop WTE offseason rankings for '22-23

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

By Joey Loose | Jun 5, 2022

Jan 25, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) moves the ball as guard Tyger Campbell (10) provides coverage against Arizona Wildcats forward Azuolas Tubelis (10) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

9 of 12

Pac-12 Basketball Southern California Trojans guard Drew Peterson Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

4. USC

The Trojans are in a good place, even if they’re fresh out of Mobley’s on the roster. They had stars, Evan and Isaiah, for parts of the last few seasons, getting an Elite Eight run in 2021 and a return trip to the Big Dance last season. This Trojans program is set up well for next season, largely because of some great news delivered a few days ago.

Guards Drew Peterson (12.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Boogie Ellis (12.5 ppg, 2.4 apg) both announced that they would return to the Trojans, withdrawing from the Draft process. Two of the most important players in the Pac-12, they’ll provide necessary leadership on a relatively young lineup. 5-star center Vince Iwuchukwu should contribute right away and is part of a very talented recruiting class that will help fill out that depth.

Had Peterson and/or Ellis departed, the Trojans would not be in this great a shape for next season. With those two stars back, the Trojans should be an NCAA Tournament team once again. If everything goes together with that young talent, especially if Iwuchukwu makes an impact on offense, then this team could go on another postseason run.

Home/Pac-12