Player of the Week
Jaylon Tyson (California)
The junior guard had a week to remember while California improved their record to 6-10. In a 66-57 win against UCLA, Tyson scored 22 points and grabbed 6 rebounds while shooting 9/12 from the field and 2/3 from deep. The Golden Bears followed this up with a huge win against Colorado, 82-78. Tyson scored a game high 30 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. He kept his efficiency streak going, shooting 10/15 from the field and 3/5 from three. He also went perfect from the free throw line, going 7/7 on the day. This is the first time that a California player was chosen for player of the week in a long time which could indicate a turnaround for the Golden Bears.
Who’s Hot
Keion Brooks Jr. (Washington)
Keion Brooks Jr. has a legitimate argument to be the best player in the Pac-12. In a 79-72 win against Oregon State, he had 26 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 9/12 from the field. He added 2 blocks and a steal to solidify the win for the Huskies. Washington then beat Arizona State by 15 points behind 22 points from Brooks Jr. If he keeps playing like this, Washington could find themselves contending for the conference.
Jordan Pope (Oregon State)
Even though Oregon State lost both games this week, Jordan Pope had a great two games. He scored 29 points and dished out 5 assists in 35 minutes of play. He shot 10/17 from the field and 4/5 from three, continuing a career year for the sophomore guard. He followed this up with a 21 point, 5 assist game against Stanford. Pope has emerged as one of the best scorers in the conference for an above .500 Oregon State team.
Who’s Not
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins seem to make this list every week because of how disappointing Mick Cronin’s squad has been. They currently sit at 6-10 on the year and lost 8 out of their last 9. In their two most recent games, they lost by 9 to California and 46 to Utah. It’s safe to say that the Bruins will stay closer to the bottom of the conference for the rest of the year.
Top 5 Rebounders in the Pac-12
5. Branden Carlson (Utah)
Branden Carlson currently averages 6.9 rebounds per game for the Utes. This has clearly helped them be one of the best teams in the Pac-12, sitting at 12-4 on the year.
4. Eddie Lampkin Jr. (Colorado)
The senior center is hauling in 7.6 rebounds a game while helping defend the pain for Colorado this season. Playing alongside talented scorers like KJ Simpson and Tristan da Silva has allowed him to focus on the other side of the ball.
3. Oumar Ballo (Arizona)
After starting off the year insanely hot, the Wildcats have cooled off but Ballo continues to snag rebounds. He averages 8.3 a game, good enough for fourth in the conference.
2. Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
The 7’1” junior has done nothing but clean glass for the Cardinal, grabbing 9.7 rebounds per game. This includes 2.4 offensive rebounds per game, creating more offensive opportunities for Stanford.
1. Fardaws Aimaq (California)
The Golden Bears have the best rebounder in the conference currently with Aimaq tracking 10.6 per game. Although this list may be shaken up when N'Faly Dante comes back, this is how it currently shapes up.