Week 1 ATQ Pac-12 Basketball Power Rankings

It’s finally time, wait did we ever say that before? Basketball season is here and the Ducks looked primed to have one of the best seasons in school history. The Pac-12 should be loaded once again (and likely blow it all in the first weekend of March Madness). But without further adieu here are my pre season Pac-12 power rankings.

1. Oregon

The Ducks are definitely the top of the table in the pre season. Between having players named to the All-American team as well as being ranked in the top five in the AP poll, Oregon will be the team to beat. The returning conference champs bring back a ton of firepower and bring in some new talent. Obviously the big question to start the season is what the health of All-American Dillon Brooks looks like.

2. Arizona

The Wildcats will be a really tough out this season. I’m looking at Allonzo Trier to have a big season and look to cement himself as one of the best players in the conference. Perhaps a few questions around their big guys as they lost some of the key contributors there in the off season.

3. California

I’m going California over UCLA because I think the Bears have the most pro ready prospect in the country. Ivan Rabb is a fantastic player who is a solid fit in the stretch four position. He’s going to be a terror for other teams to defend. Look for him to take control of this team with Jaylen Brown and Jordan Mathews departed.

4. UCLA

The Bruins team seems just so familiar to those that we’ve seen in the past. So much talent coming in the form of recruits but it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a pay off. The Bruins will be a real solid team but I don’t seem them challenging Arizona or Oregon for the conference title. Five star point guard Lonzo Ball will be one to watch.

5. Colorado

Now we get into the jumbled mess that is the middle of the Pac-12 conference this season. I think that teams 5-11 will fluctuate virtually every week. Losing Josh Scott is a big one but I still really like this Colorado roster. I look for George King to take over as the leader and one player to keep an eye on is JUCO transfer Derrick White who put up monster numbers at the JUCO level.

6. USC

Some head scratching decisions this offseason as two players entered the draft only to be unselected. They brought in a couple of nice transfers to backfill and should be pretty solid. Depth will be a big question for this team after losing contributors in the offseason. I think as easily as USC rose at the end of last season I could see a fall this year.

7. Washington

The Huskies are certainly receiving some hype thanks to the fact that they very likely have the next NBA draft’s first overall player on their roster in Markelle Fultz. Add him to an already young lineup and they have the chance to contend. But, based on history I just don’t see it. This is a Husky team that had two players drafted in the top 15 last year and failed to even make the NIT.

8. Oregon State

I think that this Beavers team will still be quite solid without Gary Payton II. I absolutely love Tres Tinkle’s game and I have him pegged as my conference breakout player of the year.

9. Utah

I think that the insane amount of turnover for the Utes will prohibit them from making a run this year. I still like Lorenzo Banam and Kyle Kuzma but losing the likes of Jakob Poeltl and Jordan Loveridge will be a challenge to overcome. Perhaps a wildcard though as they added an international player and 3 JUCO kids.

10. Stanford

Losing leading scorer Roscoe Allen is a tough one, but the Cardinal backfilled with a nice recruiting class. Last year was also one filled with injuries and they should have a more complete team this season. However I still think they’ll be a little too young to contend this year.

11. Arizona State

The Sun Devils lost a lot of players after last season, but how much does that mean when you’re at the bottom on the conference? The brought in a solid recruiting class and I think they’ll pull off a few upsets at home. At the very least, Bobby Hurley has a team that should be fun to watch.

12. Washington State

The poor Cougs once again grace the bottom of the Pac-12 power rankings. I’m not sure I ever moved them out of this hole last season. There’s really just not much talent to choose from in Pullman especially after a few players left the program. It’s going to be a long year for Ernie Kent.

Key games this week:

Friday 11/11: #10 Arizona vs. #12 Michigan State, Army vs. #5 Oregon