Site icon Student Union Sports

2020 Pac 12 Tournament Preview

The 2020 Pac 12 Tournament should provide plenty of entertainment. A banner year for West Coast basketball has seen seven teams fighting for NCAA Tournament berths this week. There has been resurrecting and underperforming programs all leading to a brilliant PAC 12 season. This means these four days in the Sin City will surely be among the most exciting during championship week.

The Favorite: Oregon

The most consistent team in the PAC 12 this season has been the Oregon Ducks. Led by Wooden Award candidate Peyton Pritchard the Ducks won the outright conference title with a 13-5 record. They have shown their talent through a sweep of Arizona, a road win at Michigan and a one point OT loss to number one seed Gonzaga. Though the loss of second leading scorer Chris Duarte will challenge their depth during a tournament environment. The quicker he returns, the more likely they are to win the 2020 Pac 12 Tournament. Oregon may even be able to make a potential Final Four run.

The Contenders

Arizona: An enigma all season as a team with a sketchy resume but fantastic computer numbers, the Wildcats travel to Vegas looking to right the ship after losing four of their last five games. Led by a trio of talented freshmen in Nico Mannion, Zeke Nnaji and Josh Green, Arizona has what it takes to cut down the nets Saturday Night.

Colorado: The Buffaloes come to Vegas amidst a four game losing streak looking to correct that before the NCAA Tournament. Led by the dynamic duo of McKinley Wright IV and Tyler Bey, Colorado has the look of a team that can take the crown in Vegas.

Sleeper: Washington

Washington is on the short list of most underperforming teams in the Major seven conferences this season. Starting 10-3 in non-conference including a win over Baylor, the Huskies completely fell apart after the suspension of Quade Green. Even after finishing last in the PAC 12, this team still has solid computer numbers as the 53rd team in KenPom, that is ahead of the likes of USC, UCLA and ASU. Led by five-star freshmen Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels, the Huskies have the tools to make a run this week in Vegas.

Players to Watch

Peyton Pritchard, Oregon: The Oregon guard is a NPOY candidate averaging almost 20-5-5 while leading the Ducks to the conference title. T

Onyeka Okongwu, USC: The Big O as he is known is playing like one of the top freshman in American. USC’s star is averaging 16 and 8 with over two blocks per game and is a sure lottery pick this summer.

Zeke Nnaji, Arizona: The PAC’s other brilliant freshman big is the breakout star in the league. Third ranked in a group of talented freshmen at Arizona, Zeke has been the teams leading scorer and rebounder. Doing this has elevated his draft stock to first round status in the NBA Draft in the Summer,

Remy Martin, ASU: The Junior guard is one of the most fun watches in America. The Sun Devils PG has used a combination of explosiveness and a jump shot to average 20 PPG for Bobby Hurley’s team.

McKinley Wright IV, UC: A three year starter at Colorado, Wright is looking to bring the Buffs a PAC 12 title. He has been the key figure in making Tad Boyle’s first NCAA Tournament in half a decade.

Tres Tinkle, Oregon St.: The most versatile player in the league plays in Corvallis, Oregon. Senior forward Tres Tinkle leads the Beavers in every relevant offensive stat and has scored over 2000 points in his career. It is a shame he will finish his career with only one NCAA Tournament.

Isaiah Stewart, UW: The league’s top recruit lived up to all the hype this season, even though his team did not. The mountain of a man averaged almost 17 and nine while cementing his status as a first round pick this summer.

Prediction: Arizona

The leagues most talented team will right the ship in Vegas this week. Led by Nico Mannion and Zeke Nnaji, when the Wildcats get hot they can beat anyone in the league. The X-factor could be talented freshman Josh Green. He has been inconsistent but if he plays well, Arizona will have a great shot this week. The second favorite to win at +400 will be the team to cut down the nets Saturday night.

You can view the rest of our conference tournament previews here.

Exit mobile version