Player of the Week
Johnny Juzang (UCLA)
An extended break for UCLA over the course of December hasn’t seemed to affect Juzang, as he averaged 23.5 points and 7.5 rebounds over the course of two games this week. In a heartbreaking loss to Oregon by three, he played the second most minutes on the team with 37 and scored 23 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 2 assists. Juzang followed this up in a blowout win against the Oregon State Beavers, with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Who’s Hot
Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona)
In a week that saw the Wildcats get two Conference wins in dominant fashion, Tubelis showed what an integral piece he is to this team. A 76-55 win over the Colorado Buffaloes saw Tubelis score 14 points and grab 8 rebounds in just 23 minutes of play. He went on to explode for 32 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in another win against Utah. Arizona is making a strong case as the best team in the Pac-12 and among a small handful of elite teams in the nation as the season progresses.
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks possibly had the best week of any Pac-12 team thus far this season. They started off beating UCLA in a close contest, winning 84-81. Six out of the eight players that were active scored in double digits with Jacob Young leading the way with 23 points. Their next game was even more impressive, beating the USC Trojans by 10, 79-69. Will Richardson paved the way to this double-digit win with 28 points. Oregon is slowly clawing their way back into the tournament discussion after beating two of the Pac-12’s best.
Who’s Not
USC Trojans
Though they still boast a wonderful 14-2 record, the Trojans have struggled this week, losing two out of their three games. Previously undefeated, USC came into this week losing to Stanford by six. The defense allowed 75 points and for two Cardinals to score 20+. They then lost to Oregon by double digits in a game where the Ducks had everything going offensively, specifically Will Richardson. Teams lose as the season goes on so there shouldn’t be too much to worry about but that doesn’t take away from a terrible week.
Max Agbonkpolo (USC)
Agbonkpolo played 19+ minutes in both of the Trojans’ losses this week and simply failed to produce. In the loss against Stanford, he scored only 9 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in 25 minutes of play. Then in the loss to Oregon, he only had 4 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes of play. He isn’t the main contributor to USC’s success in general, but the Trojans would love to see more out of him in the minutes he’s given.
Top 5 Big Men in the Pac-12
1. Isaiah Mobley (USC)
Mobley, the brother of rookie phenom Evan Mobley, is currently averaging the most rebounds per game in the Pac-12 (9.2) and fifth most points in the Pac-12 (15.3). He’s been very productive for the Trojans with his scoring ability and his commanding attributes in the paint. He will be a main contributor come March.
2. Jabari Walker (Colorado)
Though Walker’s 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game is certainly impressive, it isn’t the most glorious thing about him: he’s only a sophomore. Walker has showcased elite rebounding ability while being able to put up an efficient 13 points per game all while being 19 years old. His future is certainly bright.
3. Christian Koloko (Arizona)
Christian Koloko has been the definition of a paint protector all throughout this season. He currently averages 3.3 blocks per game, which is good enough for eighth in the entire division 1 basketball’s landscape. He couples this with 13.3 points per game and 7.1 rebounds, certainly making him one of the Pac-12’s best.
4. Andre Kelly (California)
California’s success this season has been in part to Kelly, who’s been averaging 8.7 rebounds per game and just about a block. He also averages 14.2 points per game, showcasing his ability as a scorer and not only a rebounder. When it comes to big men in the Pac-12, he’s right up there.
5. Branden Carlson (Utah)
Though Utah has struggled as of late, Carlson has continued to be one of the best big men in the Pac-12. He averages 13.5 points per game, 6.4 rebounds and just over 2 blocks. He’s not only provided a scoring outlet for Utah, he’s been a great rim protector for the Utes.