2. Arizona (14-0)
Teams in the Big 12 only get thirteen chances in the nonconference to prove themselves and Arizona clearly accomplished that feat. Those wins over Alabama, UConn, and Florida were each impressive in their own right and these Wildcats have shown no signs of slowing down. This team keeps finding ways to look great and win highly-anticipated games and just kept the train moving this week.
That thirteenth nonconference chance wasn’t a close call, as the Wildcats won 99-71 over South Dakota State. Six different players hit double figures, including a 19-point, 14-rebound effort out of Koa Peat. The star power was on display again on Saturday, getting the job done 97-78 at Utah to open conference play. Tobe Awaka and Jaden Bradley each scored 18 points as Arizona shot 54% from the field in Salt Lake City.
Simply put, this team can win the national title. Tommy Lloyd has brought an impressive blend of veterans and freshman talent to Tucson and everything is coming together already. Obviously, the team wants to peak later in the season but have already been performing at a high level and look like the early favorite in a very strong big 12. They’ll host Kansas State in a few days before taking the show back on the road at TCU, with a fairly easy road to begin league play.