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Greetings, basketball aficionados! The Pac-12 season has been a roller coaster of emotions, filled with both unexpected triumphs and disheartening setbacks. From the emergence of upstart contenders to the struggles of traditional powerhouses, this campaign has defied expectations and kept fans on the edge of their seats. Get ready to delve into a captivating narrative of surprising success stories and disappointing underperformances as we uncover the remarkable tale of Pac-12 basketball.
Pac-12 Basketball Conference Overview
Pac-12 Teams and History
With a deep-rooted history dating back to 1915, the Pac-12 Basketball Conference stands as one of the most prestigious and competitive leagues in college basketball. The conference has witnessed countless memorable moments, iconic players, and legendary coaches throughout its storied existence.
Conference Expansion and Rivalries:
Over the years, the Pac-12 has undergone a series of expansions and realignments, shaping its composition and intensifying rivalries. In 2011, the University of Utah and the University of Colorado joined the conference, bringing their storied programs and passionate fan bases. These additions enhanced the Pac-12\’s footprint and added a new dimension to the conference\’s dynamics.
Notable Coaches and Players:
The Pac-12 has been home to some of the greatest coaches and players in college basketball history. Legendary coaches such as John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, and Lute Olson have left an enduring legacy on the conference and the sport as a whole. Iconic players like Bill Walton, Oscar Robertson, and Lew Alcindor have showcased their exceptional talent on Pac-12 courts, captivating fans and inspiring generations of aspiring athletes.
Top Pac-12 Teams to Watch
UCLA Bruins
Emerging as championship contenders, the UCLA Bruins are a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-12. With a roster brimming with talent and a seasoned coaching staff, they aim to reclaim the conference title and challenge for a national championship.
The Bruins boast an impressive lineup led by rising star Amari Bailey, a highly touted guard with exceptional scoring ability and court vision. The team\’s backbone is bolstered by Jaime Jaquez Jr., an all-conference forward known for his relentless defense and clutch shooting. Adding to their depth is Adem Bona, a 6\’10\” center who provides a formidable presence in the paint.
UCLA\’s success hinges upon their potent offense. Coach Mick Cronin has implemented an up-tempo system that allows his players to showcase their athleticism and create scoring opportunities. Their ability to run the floor, penetrate the defense, and hit shots from beyond the arc makes them a formidable offensive threat.
Defensively, the Bruins are equally formidable. Their aggressive man-to-man defense forces opponents into turnovers and limits their ability to find open shots. Combined with their size and length, UCLA creates a suffocating defensive presence that can overwhelm many teams.
With all the pieces in place, the UCLA Bruins are poised for a championship run. Their talent, experience, and determination make them one of the top contenders in the Pac-12 and a formidable challenger for the national title.
Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats enter the 2022-23 season with high expectations after a successful 2021-22 campaign. The Wildcats finished with a 22-9 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the second round to the Texas A&M Aggies.
Star Players and Team Outlook
Arizona\’s roster is led by a trio of talented guards: Kerr Kriisa, Azuolas Tubelis, and Oumar Ballo. Kriisa is a dynamic point guard who averaged 9.5 points and 5.2 assists per game last season, while Tubelis is a versatile forward who averaged 13.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Ballo is a dominant force in the paint who averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
In addition to their star players, Arizona also has a strong supporting cast. Forward Pelle Larsson and guard Courtney Ramey are both capable shooters, and center Kylan Boswell provides a physical presence inside. With a deep and talented roster, the Wildcats are poised to make a run in the Pac-12 and contend for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Rise Through the Ranks
Arizona has made significant progress under head coach Tommy Lloyd, who took over the program in 2021. In his first season, Lloyd led the Wildcats to a 14-12 record, which was a significant improvement over the previous year\’s 5-20 mark. In 2021-22, Arizona took another step forward, finishing with a 22-9 record and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Lloyd\’s success has been built on a strong defense, which has consistently ranked among the top in the Pac-12.
Lloyd\’s goal is to lead Arizona back to the NCAA Tournament and contend for a national championship. With a talented roster and a proven coach at the helm, the Wildcats have the potential to make a deep run in the 2022-23 season.
Schedule and Key Matchups
The Pac-12 regular season schedule consists of 20 conference games played between December and February. Teams play each other twice, once at home and once away, with the exception of two teams that only play once due to the unbalanced schedule. The top six teams in the conference standings qualify for the Pac-12 Tournament.
Some of the key non-conference matchups to watch for in the upcoming season include:
- Arizona vs. Michigan (December 10th)
- UCLA vs. Kentucky (December 17th)
- Oregon vs. North Carolina (December 21st)
- USC vs. Villanova (November 28th)
- Colorado vs. Kansas (December 1st)
These games will provide early tests for the Pac-12 teams and could have implications for their NCAA Tournament seeding.
Early Season Favorites
Based on preseason polls and rankings, the early favorites to win the Pac-12 regular season title are:
- Arizona
- UCLA
- Oregon
- USC
- Colorado
- Stanford
- Washington
- Utah
- California
- Washington State
- No. 1 Seed: Arizona
- No. 3 Seed: UCLA
- No. 4 Seed: Oregon
- No. 6 Seed: Stanford
- No. 7 Seed: USC
- No. 10 Seed: Utah
- No. 11 Seed: Washington
- No. 12 Seed: Colorado
These teams all return key players from last season and have added some talented recruits. They will be the teams to beat in the Pac-12 this season.
Contenders to Watch
In addition to the early season favorites, there are a number of other teams that could contend for the Pac-12 title. These teams include:
These teams have all shown potential in recent years and could make a run at the Pac-12 title this season. With a number of talented players returning and some key additions, the Pac-12 is expected to be a competitive conference this season.
Conference Play
The Pac-12 Conference is home to some of the top basketball programs in the nation. Each season, the conference race is hotly contested, with several teams vying for the regular season title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The conference is divided into two divisions, the North and the South, with each division sending its top two teams to the Pac-12 Tournament.
Division Leaders and Overall Contenders
In recent years, the Pac-12 has been dominated by a handful of teams, including Arizona, UCLA, Oregon, and USC. These teams have consistently finished at the top of the conference standings and have made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. In 2023, Arizona is the favorite to win the conference title, followed by UCLA and Oregon. However, several other teams, including USC, Stanford, and Colorado, could make a run at the title.
Rivalry Games and Impact of Home Court
The Pac-12 is home to some of the most heated rivalries in college basketball. The Arizona-UCLA rivalry is one of the most iconic in the sport, and the two schools have played some of the most memorable games in college basketball history. Other notable rivalries include the Oregon-Oregon State rivalry, the Washington-Washington State rivalry, and the Stanford-California rivalry. These games are always hotly contested, and the home court advantage can play a significant factor. In the 2023 season, Arizona will host UCLA in a highly anticipated matchup on February 11th. Oregon will host Oregon State on February 18th, and Stanford will host California on February 25th.
Pac-12 Tournament and Postseason
Tournament Format and Bracket
The Pac-12 Tournament is a single-elimination tournament played annually at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournament features the top 12 teams in the conference based on regular-season records. The teams are seeded 1 through 12, with the top four teams receiving double byes to the quarterfinals. The first round and second round games are played on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the quarterfinals on Friday, semifinals on Saturday, and championship game on Sunday.
Seeding and Favorites
The Pac-12 Tournament is known for its competitive nature, with multiple teams often vying for the championship. The top seeds in recent years have typically come from the top teams in the conference, such as UCLA, Arizona, and Washington. However, upsets are not uncommon, and lower-seeded teams have occasionally made deep runs into the tournament.
Key Players and Teams to Watch
Some of the key players to watch in the Pac-12 Tournament include:
– Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
– Azuolas Tubelis, Arizona
– Julian Strawther, Gonzaga
– Kelvin Banks, Stanford
– Cameron Johnson, Arizona State
Some of the teams to watch in the Pac-12 Tournament include:
– UCLA: The Bruins have won the Pac-12 Tournament three times in the past four years and are the favorites to win again in 2022.
– Arizona: The Wildcats are always a threat to win the Pac-12 Tournament, and they come into this year\’s tournament as the No. 2 seed.
– Gonzaga: The Zags are one of the top teams in the country, and they are always a threat to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA Tournament Implications
The Pac-12 Conference\’s performance during the regular season directly impacts its representation in the prestigious NCAA Tournament.
Pac-12 Teams in the Bracket
The number of Pac-12 teams that secure invitations to the NCAA Tournament varies each year. In the 2023 tournament, eight conference teams earned berths:
Potential Surprises and Cinderella Stories
The NCAA Tournament is known for its upsets and Cinderella stories, and the Pac-12 has a history of producing unexpected results. In 2023, several teams could emerge as potential giant killers:
USC: After a disappointing regular season, USC has surged late with impressive wins over Arizona and UCLA. The Trojans, led by All-Pac-12 selection Boogie Ellis, are capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Utah: Led by sharpshooter Branden Carlson, Utah has a balanced and experienced roster that can compete with anyone. The Utes have a knack for pulling off upsets and could be a dangerous team in the tournament.
Colorado: Despite a mediocre regular-season record, Colorado boasts a talented roster with potential. The Buffaloes have a veteran core led by Tristan da Silva and J\’Vonne Hadley that could make some noise in the tournament.
Washington: Washington struggled to find consistency during the regular season, but the Huskies have the pieces to surprise opponents. With All-Pac-12 honoree Keion Brooks Jr. leading the way, Washington could be a sleeper in the tournament.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils had a rollercoaster season but have shown flashes of brilliance. Led by Desmond Cambridge Jr., Arizona State is capable of winning games against tough competition and could be a threat to pull off an upset.