Pac-12 Basketball: 12 Pac - The Leading Candidates for Pac-12 Freshman of the Year

We took a look at who the candidates for Pac-12 Player of the Year last week and while the race for Freshman of the Year isn't nearly as jumbled as Player of the Year, it might be even more interesting since it should be a very, very close call between Shabazz Muhammad and Jahii Carson. Even though it is a given that either Muhammad or Carson is going to walk away with the award at the end of the season, there are a number of other talented freshmen in the conference who would usually be right in the thick of the race were it not for the phenoms at UCLA and Arizona State.

Jordan Adams G UCLA

There have been times this season where it seemed like Adams was actually the better, or at least more important freshman for the Bruins. Even though Muhammad has stepped up as the season has progressed, Adams is still invaluable for the Bruins with his smooth stroke and outstanding rebounding abilities as a guard.

Kyle Anderson F UCLA

Anderson was almost as highly-rated as Muhammad coming out of high school and has shown why all season as a fantastic all-around player who can do a little bit of everything very well. He has a more college style game than Muhammad and is already becoming one of the best small forward/power forwards in the conference.

Andrew Andrews G Washington

The only redshirt freshman here, Andrews is an aggressive guard who loves to take the ball to the basket and is a major spark plug for the Huskies off of the bench. He's a streaky scorer, who also doesn't mind dishing the ball out when the opportunity arises.

Dominic Artis G Oregon

Artis might be in the conversation with Muhammad and Carson if he hadn't gone down with an injury in the middle of the conference play. A smooth ball handler, Artis' return should pay major dividends for the Ducks as the season closes and in the Pac-12 and NCAA Tournaments.

Brandon Ashley F Arizona

Ashley has played the best out of the three heralded freshman big men at Arizona with his athletic game. He has unlimited potential and could be a very high NBA Draft pick in the future he can progress his game.

Jahii Carson G Arizona State

Nothing really needs to be said about Carson that hasn't already been said. He is hands down one of the best freshmen in the entire country.

Damyean Dotson G Oregon

Maybe the Ducks' most dangerous scorer, Dotson's performance right out of the box is one of the big reasons that the Ducks are at the top of the conference.

Xavier Johnson F Colorado

An efficient scorer that can really get to the basket, Johnson is a strong small forward that can really punish smaller defenders and the fact that he is fifth on the Buffs in scoring is a testament to their depth.

Jordan Loveridge F Utah

The biggest surprise standout of the conference and arguably the Utes' best player. Loveridge is a tough player who can really score and rebound and is a big reason why the Utes have surprised some teams this year.

Shabazz Muhammad F UCLA

Probably the guy who takes home the award, and for good reason. It has been a long time since the Pac-12 has had a guy of who caliber who you know is a guaranteed lottery pick the moment he steps on campus.

Josh Scott C Colorado

The best of any true big men that are freshman this year in the Pac-12, the 6'10 Scott looks like he could be one of the best inside players in the conference for the next few years.

Tyrone Wallace G Cal

Maybe the most under-the-radar of any of the standout freshmen in the conference, Wallace is a sharpshooter for the Bears and has helped them stretch out opposing defenses.