Pac-12 Basketball questions: Biggest 2022-23 surprises, disappointments

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 17: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #24 of the UCLA Bruins shakes hands with Jaylen Clark #0 during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Pac-12 Basketball Southern California Trojans guard Boogie Ellis Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. What is an under-the-radar storyline in the league that few are talking about?

Thedinga

There are a few coaching seats that are starting to get red-hot. Another lackluster year in Stanford leaves questions regarding Haase, and Mark Fox’s 3-13 start at Cal makes you wonder how long they’ll let this freefall continue. It wouldn’t be crazy to anticipate both of those jobs becoming available in the months ahead.

Clarry

Don’t throw dirt on the Trojans just yet! With the tragic health concerns for freshman big man Vincent Iwuchukwu, many thought USC was on the verge of falling off into the lower half of the conference. But the Trojans have been buoyed by the great play of seniors Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson to sit at 11-5 going into the week. After dropping games to Washington State and UCLA, this week’s matchups hosting Utah and Colorado should tell us a lot about the Trojans’ chances are remaining near the top and vying for an NCAA tournament bid.

Walter-Warner

Will a third team distinguish itself at the top? Arizona and UCLA are clearly the best teams in the conference, but no other teams have really distinguished themselves, at least on the national stage, with Utah coming closest. Arizona State and USC have a chance to be those teams too, but they need to start winning some big games, and the Pac-12 doesn’t provide many opportunities there.

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