6. Caleb Love
Sometimes a change of scenery can produce sensational results and that was the case last season for Love. Make no mistake; he was already an extraordinary player, with three successful years at North Carolina, including a run to the national championship game as a sophomore. After his Tar Heels faltered in his junior year, he opted for new surroundings and certainly found success out west at Arizona.
Last year was Arizona’s final goodbye to the Pac-12, but it was a brilliant hello from Love, who would win Pac-12 Player of the Year in the process. He averaged 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in a leadership role for the Wildcats. He became one of the nation’s most productive players, with outstanding offensive production and several league-leading stats in the Pac-12. He also helped lead the Wildcats to the Sweet Sixteen, one year after a disappointing Tourney exit.
Looking ahead, Love is back in Tucson for his fifth and final collegiate campaign. He’s gotten a bit better with each passing season and could be in store for one insane finale. The talent around him at Arizona has significantly changed, putting even more pressure on Love to carry the load, especially as the Wildcats transition to life in the Big 12. Things will not be easy for him or these Wildcats, but if they make a successful debut in the Big 12 then you can bet it’s because Love is playing at a nationally-relevant level.