Player of the Week
[Player:Bennedict Mathurin] (Arizona)
Mathurin is having one of the best weeks we’ve seen from a Pac-12 player this season. In a win against conference opponent Oregon State on December 5th, he managed to drop a smooth 29-point, 6 rebound game. Three days later, Mathurin had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a win against Wyoming, handing them their first loss of the season. Finally, in a tough fought battle against Illinois, he finally hit that 30-point mark along with 7 rebounds. Not only has Mathurin helped Arizona to an undefeated week, but the Wildcats are also one of only two teams in the Pac-12 that haven’t lost this season.
Who’s Hot
Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona)
Teammates with the player of the week, Tubelis has also had a great week to keep the Wildcats undefeated thus far this season. In the win against previously undefeated Wyoming, Tubelis scored 17 points to go along with 8 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. Against the Fighting Illini, Tubelis once again had a solid game, accumulating 16 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in 34 minutes of play. He has served perfectly as Mathurin’s Robin during this win streak and the Wildcats will need these two to keep stepping up as the season progresses.
Jordan Shepard (California)
Not many teams in the Pac-12 played this week but California was in action. Shepard, a current senior, has been a solid playmaker and scorer for the Golden Bears over their past couple games. In a win against Idaho State, Shepard was the team’s second highest scorer with 11 points and led the team in assists with 7. Following this, he helped lead California over Santa Clara with 15 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds. He has helped the Golden Bears have an above .500 record at this point in the season.
Who’s Not
Tristan da Silva (Colorado)
Though not the most exciting player, SIlva has been a solid piece for the Buffaloes so far this season. Although in the past two games for Colorado, he hasn’t been of much help. In a close win against Eastern Washington, he only managed to score 4 points and grab 5 rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Following this game, he only scored 2 points and grabbed 3 rebounds against Milwaukee in 23 minutes of play. He isn’t a player with much expectation, but some more production would be nice from a player who consistently gets 25+ minutes.
Christian Koloko (Arizona)
After a hot start to the season, this week saw a bit of a slowdown for the 7’0” junior. Against Wyoming, Koloko only saw the court for 18 minutes, where he scored 6 points along with grabbing 4 rebounds. Against Illinois, though Koloko saw the court for just under 30 minutes, he only managed to score 4 points and snag 7 rebounds. Though Arizona remains undefeated, and his teammates have been able to step up, the Wildcats will need Koloko to keep being that dependable guy underneath if they want to be considered a serious threat.
Top 5 Teams Who Can Make Noise Come March
1. Arizona Wildcats
Currently one of two undefeated teams in the Pac-12, the Wildcats have shocked everyone with how they have started the season. Last year, the team faced many trials and tribulations that caused them to not enter the NCAA tournament. This year, they have come out swinging and look to become one of the feared teams amongst the college basketball scene. Players like Benedict Mathurin, Azuolas Tubelis, and Christian Koloko have jump-started this program’s success and don’t plan to slow down.
2. UCLA Bruins
Though they don’t hold the top spot in the Pac-12 at this current moment, the Bruins can be named the biggest threat coming out of this conference come tournament time. Their only loss this season is to one of the best teams in the country, Gonzaga, and they have managed to beat nearly every opponent by double digits. The team is experienced with players like Johnny Juzang, Jaime Jacquez Jr., Jules Bernard, etc… UCLA is simply a threat.
3. USC Trojans
As the current leaders of the Pac-12, the Trojans have managed to stay undefeated and look solid while doing it. Though they haven’t played the best competition and haven’t really been tested yet, USC looks like a force to be reckoned with. Isaiah Mobley has been keeping the paint under control and grabbing every rebound in sight while Boogie Ellis has helped the offense flow smoothly.
4. Colorado Buffaloes
Though the Buffaloes may not be in the exact place to be a marquee team come tournament time, it’s no lie that they’re future looks bright. Currently sitting at 8-3 and fourth in the Pac-12, Colorado has many young players who have stepped up this season. Jabari Walker and Keeshawn Barthelemy are two sophomores who may just lead the Buffaloes to the tournament this year.
5. Utah Utes
Though Utah sits at 7-3, many people still don’t consider them a contender. They may not be wrong, but one thing the Utes have going for them is experience. Because they are a generally older squad, Utah can attempt to utilize that experience to get into the tournament and try to make some noise. Though unlikely, March is a time for miracles.