Player of the Week
[player: Dillon Brooks] – Oregon
While the Ducks played just one game this week, it was still a pretty important win. Brooks has been incredible this year, helping Oregon start faster than many expected. This week, he was one of the main reasons why the Ducks were able to rally against Alabama, scoring 23 points on 9 of 15 shooting and adding four rebounds and five assists. Oregon had to make a furious comeback in the second half to win the game, scoring 46 points. Brooks was a consistent force for the entire game, seemingly giving the Ducks life when they finally hit their stride in the second half. The sophomore forward has been a rock for Oregon, who has battled injuries all year. Brooks has played more than 35 minutes in six straight games, always ready to answer the call. Not only has Brooks been great on offense, he’s also shown some life on the defensive side of the ball. He’s definitely more active this year than last. For a team that has to try incredibly hard to succeed on the defensive end, this is a very positive trend. Oregon should finish in the top four of the Pac-12, especially if they regain their chemistry from last year, Brooks will just have to remain consistent.
Who’s Hot
[player: Ivan Rabb] – California
Rabb certainly showed me something in this week’s loss to Virginia. We will get to the reason why they lost in a bit, but Rabb’s play was inspiring. The freshman forward was a monster in the paint, attacking the offensive glass every chance he got. Rabb was creating significant problems for the Cavaliers, who really had no idea what to do with his energy. The freshman was everywhere. On the offensive side of the ball, he obviously needs some work. Virginia figured out that they should just double him every time he touches the ball and Rabb really couldn’t pass the ball fast enough. The rest of the Golden Bears certainly could have helped him by spacing better, but it was not in the cards for California. Even with the loss, you can’t take away from Rabb bringing energy every play. It was a joy to watch and I can see why the freshman was so highly rated coming out of high school. Lets hope Cal can figure out their chemistry issues before Pac-12 play, or they will be in for a tough road.
[player: Allonzo Trier] – Arizona
The Wildcats are quietly putting together an incredible stretch in non-conference play, their only loss coming to a really good Providence team. Trier has finally found hit his stride, and is looking to break out even further in Pac-12 play. Trier is learning to become more efficient with the ball, doing more with the time he has on the court. The freshman guard scored 20 points on only nine shots this week against Long Beach St. Trier can be a monster if he gets enough room to drive to the rim, repeatedly getting to the foul line. The freshman consistently hits his free throws and has been the most efficient scorer on Arizona this year. I would like to see Trier create more for his teammates, but that will definitely come with time.
Who’s Cold
[player: Tyrone Wallace] – California
Not to only concentrate on California this week, but it had the biggest game. Wallace did not play well. The senior guard shot 4 for 13 from the field, got to the free throw line only once, and finished the game with zero assists. This is not going to cut it against one of the best teams in the country. While I did like how Wallace played on the defensive end, on the offensive side of the ball, he was horrid. Wallace seemingly had no idea what to do against the Cavaliers. I understand that [player: Jaylen Brown] had the ball in his hands more this game, but Wallace could not do anything positive. The senior was forcing shots, not creating for his team, never really driving to the rim and struggling to make plays off the bounce. I was certainly disappointed in Wallace’s performance. If California has any hope of winning the Pac-12, Wallace must get back to driving like a madman and creating for his teammates.
With 2015 fading and 2016 rapidly approaching, it’s time for teams to look at themselves, maybe even make some resolutions. I know I did this last year, but it will be fun again, here are the top 5 new year’s resolutions for the Pac-12.
Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions
5. Colorado will resolve to feed [player: Josh Scott]
I cannot figure out why Scott is only averaging 10 shots a game. The senior forward is the Buffaloes best offensive weapon, averaging 18 points a game, but I still think Scott isn’t touching the ball enough. The senior is incredibly efficient, shooting 62 percent from the field and holding a 77 percent free throw percentage. Scott can shoot and still has some crafty post moves to bust on anyone in the Pac-12. He should be touching the ball on almost every possession for the Buffaloes.
4. Utah will resolve to practice three pointers
The Utes only have one player on the entire team that has made more than 14 three pointers this year, senior [player: Jordan Loveridge]. While this player is one of the best three point shooters in the Pac-12, having only one threat from three will not cut it. [player: Jakob Poeltl] is somehow still shooting 70 percent from the field, and I really don’t understand how that is possible. Opposing teams basically have the freedom to double Poeltl whenever they want and then just cover Loveridge, easily taking away the majority of the Utes’ offense. Utah needs more players to become a threat from three. I do not entirely know who that can be, but there has to be someone on that roster that can step up and consistently hit catch and shoot threes. Lets hope Utah comes back from the New Year shooting threes better.
3. Arizona resolves to pass more
This may stem from having [player: Gabe York] run their offense so much, but the Wildcats only have two players averaging more than three assists. While that can be okay for most teams, their leading assister is only averaging four. While I praised this team before for their great start, they seem to be running too many isolations. This works against worst teams, but when the competition gets tougher and players can no longer just break a team down by winning a one on one, this becomes problematic. I really want to see Trier pass the ball more. I understand that York is who he is and just doesn’t like creating, but I can see Trier becoming a really good point guard. He can drive extremely well and still is a threat from three. If the freshman guard figures out how to feed his teammates, not only should the rest of the Pac-12 be worried, but the rest of the nation should watch out.
2. UCLA resolves to become more consistent
Okay this is a bit of a stretch, because this is an extremely hard thing to do, but I would love the Bruins to play more consistent basketball. When this team is humming, they can compete with the best of the country. [player: Bryce Alford] isn’t afraid of anyone and has the onions to take (and make) the biggest shot in the game. [player: Isaac Hamilton] is a solid second fiddle and Tony Parker is a legit college big man. To me, consistency starts on the defensive side of the ball, mainly the effort level. No ball watching, crisp rotations, boxing out are all things that lead to a consistent team. UCLA certainly has the talent to do so, I just want to see them actually do it.
1. California resolves to improve its crunch time offense
California was terrible in crunch time against Virginia. The Golden Bears should have won the game against the Cavaliers and it was incredibly disappointing that they didn’t. Their crunch time offense was atrocious. They continued to go back to the same isolation plays that hadn’t worked instead of looking to run a set play. The team should have certain sets to run at the end of games. Now Coach Martin may have drawn up an actual play, but the execution certainly wasn’t there. I understand that Wallace wasn’t playing well and Brown is still a freshman, but even a pick and roll would have been better. Cal needs to find a go to player or two and develop better end of game plays.