In 2012, the Pac-12 put only two teams into the NCAA tournament, receiving an 11 seed and a 12 seed. The regular season champion, Washington, was not one of those teams and ended up in the NIT. The conference has certainly come a long way from that low point, with six teams making the field in 2014, including 1 seed Arizona, 4 seed UCLA, 7 seed Oregon, 8 seed Colorado and 10 seeds Stanford and Arizona State. The conference made noise in the tournament as well with three Sweet 16 teams, including surprising Stanford, and Arizona advanced to the Elite 8. Postseason appearances were also made last year by California and Utah in the NIT and by Oregon State in the CBI.
This year, the Pac-12 should continue its success as it could see at least six bids in March. Arizona leads the way as not only the top team in the conference but also as a legitimate contender for the Final Four and the national championship. Utah, Colorado, UCLA, Stanford, California, and Arizona State could all be in the NCAA tournament conversation as well. Oregon looks like it will fall off the pace this season as off-court issues have swirled around the program. However, the conference looks as strong and deep as any in the nation as we head into the new season.
Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Arizona: The Wildcats appear to be stacked and are a contender to cut down the nets at the end of the season. A key to their success could be Kadeem Allen, a top junior college transfer who has a chance to be a big time scorer.
2. Utah: The Utes beefed up their non-conference schedule this season as they bring back every key player from last year’s 21 win team. Delon Wright will be the team’s star.
3. Colorado: Askia Booker, Josh Scott and Xavier Johnson are all back to lead this experienced squad. The only key offseason loss was Spencer Dinwiddie, but the Buffaloes proved at the end of last season that they could win without him.
4. UCLA: While Norman Powell is the only returning starter, the addition of Colorado State transfer Jon Octeus and a strong recruiting class should have the Bruins right back among the league leaders.
5. Stanford: Anthony Brown and Chasson Randle give the Cardinal a great backcourt. If they can make up for offseason losses down low, a return to the NCAAs is likely.
6. California: If Jabari Bird can step up his game and freshman Kingsley Okoroh is the real deal, the Golden Bears may give Cuonzo Martin a tournament bid in his first season at the helm.
7. Arizona State: On paper this looks like a rebuilding year for the Sun Devils, but junior college transfers Willie Atwood, Roosevelt Scott, Gerry Blake and Savon Goodman should all help this team reload quickly.
8. Southern California: Andy Enfield does not return much from last season in his second year at the helm, but a solid recruiting class gives hope for a quick rebuild.
9. Washington: Nigel Williams-Goss is a solid player and an NBA prospect. Unfortunately for the Huskies, there does not appear to be much else here beyond him.
10. Oregon: With all the off-court issues, Joseph Young is the only noteworthy player back from last year’s NCAA tournament team.
11. Washington State: Ernie Kent returns to the Pac-12, taking over for Ken Bone. DaVonte Lacey will lead this team and could lead the conference in scoring this season, but there are not enough other pieces here yet.
12. Oregon State: Wayne Tinkle takes over in an attempt to rebuild the Beavers program, but this looks like a long season. He did add Gary Payton II to at least bring back memories for OSU fans of his father.