Pac-12 Player Rankings

Today we finish previewing the players in the “Power Conferences” for the upcoming college basketball season by looking at the Pac-12. Be sure to comment on what you agree and disagree with.

The last couple of years have been ugly for the Pac-12. They have had a couple of teams do some things in the NCAA tourney (Arizona and Washington come to mind), but they haven’t been near as good or as deep as the other conferences.

This year, the talent level increased big time, in large part because of the amazing recruits Arizona and UCLA brought in. Some key transfers will play a role also. Some returning stars want to prove some things as well.

Pac-12 Player Rankings

1. Shabazz Muhammed: UCLA – Small Forward, 2^nd Ranked Recruit by ESPN

Despite his 2 overall ranking by scouting services, I believe Muhammed is the best freshman in the country. In fact, he may be one of the best players in the entire country this season. He’s likely to earn both the Pac-12’s ROY and POY awards.

2. Allen Crabbe: California – 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists

Crabbe scored better last year than he did as a freshman, but he didn’t increase his numbers anywhere else. As a junior, I expect strides to be made in his passing, rebounding, and defending.

3. Brock Motum: Washington State – 18 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Motum is a straight up scorer, and he will likely lead the conference in scoring this year. He is a decent rebounder also which makes him the program’s most important person.

4. Andre Roberson: Colorado – 11.6 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist and steal

This double-double machine is what baseball scouts call a 5-tool player. He scores and rebounds well, but he also sets up his teammates some. On defense, he blocks and steals shots with regularity.

5. Mark Lyons: Arizona – 15.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals at Xavier

Lyons could be the most important transfer in the country. The fight against Cincinnati marred his last days at Xavier, but his talent is great. He will be the catalyst that could help put Arizona at the top of the conference.

6. Kyle Anderson: UCLA – Small Forward, 5^th Ranked Recruit by ESPN

Like his teammate Shabazz, Anderson will be an immediate contributor and leader. His is a unique talent and plays like a point forward. In fact, he may be one of the best passers in the country from day one.

7. Solomon Hill: Arizona – 13 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1 steal

Arizona will be dominated by freshman and the transfer Lyons, but Hill returns and could be their best player overall. The difference between this coming year and the last one is that he finally has the help he needs around him.

8. E.J. Singler: Oregon – 13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists

Singler is a one-man show in Oregon. Unlike his brother Kyle, he doesn’t have a lot of talent and help around him. I don’t know if that makes him look better or worse than he really is.

9. Justin Cobbs: California – 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal

Cobbs is a perfect compliment to Crabbe, and they make up one of the best duos in the conference. He is a great assist guy but don’t overlook his ability to score.

10. C.J. Wilcox: Washington – 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists

Washington lost two great players to the NBA last year, but Wilcox is a beast and will keep the Huskies very competitive out west. And with those others gone, Wilcox may now become a household name like Ross and Wroten were.

11. Chasson Randle: Stanford – 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals

Along with his sweet first name, his has a sweet basketball game as well. He is a smart player (obviously cause he’s at Stanford), and he plays the game right.

12. Kaleb Tarczewski: Arizona – Center, 4^th Ranked Recruit by ESPN

Arizona got a huge boost when this guy joined their program late. He will be a huge presence for them inside, which is very important against a frontcourt like rival UCLA’s. They better enjoy him cause the NBA may be calling in a year.

13. Devon Collier: Oregon State – 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and steal

I mentioned 5-tool player with Andre Roberson, this is a poor man’s version.

14. Reggie Moore: Washington State – 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists

For the Cougars to be successful this season, they need more of Moore. He runs the show for them and will have to continue to lead the way. It helps when you are passing to Motum…

15. Jio Fontan: USC – 10.5 points, 2 rebounds, 3.9 assists in 2011 (injured last year)

He missed last year, but is a senior now that is looking to do big things. His entire career he has made a living (well not literally cause college kids aren’t paid) setting up his teammates and putting it in the hole. Should do more of that this season.

16. Eric Wise: USC – 16.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists at UCI

A great transfer that is a big boost in talent for the Trojans. He is a double-double threat due to his tenacity on the glass. Let’s hope he can adjust quickly to the new setting and level of competition.

17. Evan Gordon: Arizona State – 14.4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.6 steals at Liberty

Gordon may walk onto ASU and become their leading scorer. It seems to be the year of the transfers, and ASU is lucky to have nabbed this one.

18. Glen Dean: Utah – 13.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists at EWU

Yes, another transfer that should make a big impact. Utah is a team on the rise and Dean may help lead the way. Like so many others I’ve mentioned, he’s a good distributor.

19. Aaron Bright: Stanford – 11.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists

I’ve heard people say he’s possibly the most underrated player in the conference. That’s high praise playing in a conference that is continually overlooked as a whole.

20. Joshua Smith: UCLA – 9.9 points, 4.9 rebounds

Remember last year when everyone expected him to break out and then he flopped? I’m afraid that will happen again hence the low-ish ranking. He has the talent and size to be great though.

21. Nick Johnson: Arizona – 9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists

Johnson is a guy I am pegging as a breakout star this year. There is so much more talent at Arizona now than last year, but his overall ability will allow him to shine.

22. Jason Washburn: Utah – 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks

Washburn is another important piece for a Utah team I think will surprise people this year. I like that he plays defense well, but I’d like his aggressiveness on both ends to increase.

23. Grant Jerrett: Arizona – Power Forward, 9^th Ranked Recruit by ESPN

This freshman joins a suddenly loaded frontcourt. Due to that, his minutes may be more limited than they would at other places, but he will still produce and shine off and on all season.

24. David and Travis Wear: UCLA – 21.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2 blocks combined

These brothers transferred in last season and were much more steady than many others around them. Their roles this year will need to be defined now that so much new talent has arrived. But their role will remain substantial regardless.

25. David Foster: Utah – 3 points, 5 rebounds, 3.2 blocks in 2011 (injured last year)

He was injured last season, but will be a large presence this year. And I mean large! This giant stands at 7’3 and is a premier shot-blocker. If his offense ever catches up and his injury doesn’t slow him down, we’re looking at a stud.

26. Abdul Gaddy: Washington – 8.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists

Using a term I’ve heard from others, Gaddy is a pepperpot. This means he’s the stimulant and spice that makes them go.

T27. Jahii Carson: Arizona State – PG, 4 Star Recruit in 2011 (injured last year)

The Sun Devils had high hopes for him last year before he got injured. Now he’ll finally play his first season, and will likely be the immediately starter at point guard.

T27. Larry Drew II: UCLA – 4.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1 steal at UNC

Just like Carson, Drew is a point guard with expectations that is set to make his debut this year, but with UCLA. He isn’t a freshman though but a transfer from North Carolina. He will be a catalyst that “assists” the Bruins and their onslaught of talent.

28. Ahmad Starks: Oregon State – 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals

Here is an under-the-radar player that does a number of things good, but not great. Can he take it to the next level?

29. J.T. Terrell: USC – 11.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists at Wake Forest

Like Drew II, Terrell is a transfer from the ACC that comes from Wake Forest. He averaged in double figures there so he should do the same in the Pac-12.

30. Aziz N’Diaye: Washington – 7.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1 block

N’Diaye is the muscle and hustle for a new look Washington team. Coaches would all love to have this type of player on their squad. His heart makes up for his raw and unrefined play.

By: The Sports Guys