Power Wing

Player of the Week

[player: Stanley Johnson] – Arizona

Some sort of switch must have flipped for Johnson during the Utah game last Saturday. Since the second half of the Utah game the freshman forward has 37 points, 16 rebounds and is shooting over 50 percent. The game against Utah was an amazing effort and Johnson was a huge part of the win, but Arizona’s win against Stanford on Thursday might have been a better performance. Coming off a huge win, any team is primed for a letdown game, Johnson just would not allow it. Every time Stanford made a run and threatened to pull away from the Wildcats Johnson was there to answer the call. The freshman has not looked like a first year player this week. Johnson has been driving like a madman, rebounding with the tenacity of a seven footer, and even flashing a jump-shot. Weeks like these make NBA scouts wonder what it would be like to have a swingman like Johnson on their team.

Who’s Hot

[player: Gary Payton II] – Oregon St.

Oregon State has surprised many members of the Pac-12 this year. Many “experts” expected the Beavers to be terrible, yet they have started off Pac-12 play with a four and two record. The main “ruler” for Oregon State’s play can only be one player, Payton II. If the junior guard plays well, Oregon State has a chance against anyone. Payton was incredible on the defensive side of the ball this week, totaling 10 assists in just two games. Not only does he hound the ball handler (like someone else he’s related to) Payton elevates the play of his teammates. Oregon State flies around the perimeter contesting every shot they possibly can. The Beavers just held UCLA, a very good offensive team, to 30 percent shooting. Not only does Payton play great defense but he seems to pick his spots on offense, choosing when to involve his teammates and when to take over in games.  The junior guard is also an incredible rebounder for his size. If Payton can find a three point jump shot, NBA teams will definitely come calling.

[player: Andrew Andrews] – Washington

Andrews did not have as good of a game against Colorado as he had against Oregon, but he certainly made the biggest shot of the night. Washington seems to be turning it around as their defense is coming back to form. The Huskies held Oregon to 77 points and Colorado to 50 in what was just an ugly affair Thursday night. However, Andrews has been playing well and his game winning jumper last night just pushes him a level and puts him on the hot list. Andrews had 21 points and four rebounds and assists against Oregon, one of the best shooting performances of his season. Andrews really isn’t an NBA prospect, he does not shoot very well at all (35 percent on the year) and isn’t a great defender, it was just really nice to seem him step up for a reeling Washington team. Hopefully the Huskies can continue this run.

Who’s Cold

[player: Kaleb Tarczewski] – Arizona

Personally I am beginning to wonder about Tarczewski as an NBA prospect. Sure he has athleticism and somewhat of an understanding of where to be on defense, but that is it. His terrible hands translates into both his rebounding and offensive game. He doesn’t seem to understand how the ball bounces off the rim (good rebounders can do this) and this combination makes him a terrible rebounder. Tarczewski has 10 total rebounds in his last four games. Not only is he a poor rebounder, the junior has no touch around the rim. Now, players can work on their offensive game but he is already 21 which is the same age as [player:Alex Len] who has already played a year in the league. Simply put, I don’t have a high opinion of Tarczewski.

[player: Delon Wright] – Utah

I understand Wright played well against Washington St. but I must talk about the Arizona game. The Utes actually started out great against the Wildcats, but eventually Arizona dominated on defense. This was the story that most people took from the game but I was extremely disappointed in Utah and Wright. Utah was pushed around the entire game by Arizona’s frontline, which isn’t a good sign. Not only did they struggle on the boards but Utah’s offense was terrible and this falls on Wright. The Utes were stagnant, nobody was moving and basically every single player looked lost. The Arizona defense can do that to a lot of teams, but shouldn’t do this to a top 10 team in the nation. Wright was way too passive the entire game, and he definitely needs some help, but Utah is not going to go very far in the NCAA tournament if Wright isn’t aggressive. There are a ton of great teams in the country, Utah just needs an aggressive Wright to be right up there with them.

Top 5 Underrated Players in the Pac-12

1. [player: Robert Upshaw] – Washington

It just doesn’t make any sense to me why Upshaw is not talked about more, he is clearly one of the best big men in the Pac-12. Yes, he can definitely use some quicker feet, but that is something he can work on! Bottom line; he’s a beast in the paint. I really think NBA scouts should be looking at him more, why can he not be the next Roy Hibbert?

2. [player: TJ McConnell] – Arizona

McConnell is the classic fill in the blanks guy for Arizona. Oh you need me to lock down the other teams point guard? I’ll get right to it. Need a big three pointer? I can do that. How about getting our big guys the ball? Will do Coach Miller. McConnell has almost no shot at the NBA and this is probably why he isn’t talked about as much as the other four Arizona starters, but he is definitely the glue that holds the Pac-12’s best team together.

3. [player: Anthony Brown] – Stanford

This man can SHOOT. 46 percent from three is nothing to joke about, especially when he shoots almost five a game. Stanford has been inconsistent this year, but after watching last nights game against Arizona, Brown is clearly their most efficient option on offense. I understand [player: Chasson Randle] is a great player, but he is inefficient and prone to chuck up some really bad shots. The Cardinals should look to break down the defense more and feed the ball to Brown, it’s going to be one of the best options their offense can find.

4. [player: Dillon Brooks] – Oregon

Brooks is a freshman forward for the Ducks that is averaging 13 points, almost five rebounds and is shooting 47 percent from the field. That is pretty good for a first year player. Brooks, along with the entire Oregon squad, could get a bit better defensively but I have liked what I see from him so far. I would like to see Brooks get more of [player: Joseph Young]’s shots. He is more efficient and is prone to actually go to the rim every now and then. Watch out for Brooks the rest of the year.

5. The Entire Oregon State roster, especially coach Wayne Tinkle

I’ll keep this short and sweet. Everyone thought they would finish last in the Pac-12, they are currently fourth, the year is already a success. The entire team seems like they will go the distance for Tinkle. They play with an edge defensively that you do not see often. If you haven’t caught Oregon St. yet, try to watch their next game against USC.