Pacific Takes men’s basketball Pac-12 power rankings 11/12: a new #1 rises from the desert

Not to overreact, but the Pac-12 seems to be back. After one week of play the conference has a combined 18-1 record (the one loss was ASU losing overseas against Colorado in what was considered a noncon game). When eleven teams go undefeated, it’s hard to make much a move, however some programs have come out of the gate absolutely firing and it shows in this week’s power rankings.

1. Arizona (Previously 2)

Arizona is legit. The Wildcats smashed an Illinois team that had some palpable buzz, freshmen Nico Mannion, Zeke Nnaji, and Josh Green combined for 63 points. Plus, more good news for the Wildcats, Devonaire Doutrive may return from his suspension for the Wildcats matchup with San Jose State on Thursday.

2. Oregon (Previously 1)

The Ducks looked solid in their two wins against solid Mountain West teams, and if not for the loud roar Arizona made, would still hold the one spot. The Ducks remain the highest ranked Pac-12 team in the Top 25 (#14 in the AP), however the lack of size inside for the Ducks is a bit of a red flag right now that could eventually be exploited in some games down the road, especially tonight’s matchup when the Ducks take on #13 Memphis and potential first-overall pick James Wiseman.

3. Washington

Washington currently holds the conference’s best win, a 67-64 victory over a then ranked #16 Baylor team. Jaden McDaniels and Isiah Stewart both churned out solid college debuts, and while Quade Green struggled form the field, he also excelled as a facilitator with 9 assists. Meanwhile, Nahziah Carter picked up the scoring slack for the backcourt as he knocked down four three-pointers en route to 23 points.

4. Colorado

The Buffs took care of business in a non-conference but also kind of a conference game but not really game against ASU, and because of it they entered into the AP Top 25 for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.

5. Utah (Previously 9)

Utah had the largest margin of victory against a D1 opponent in the history of the NCAA. Granted, they did it against Mississippi Valley State, a program widely considered to be one of, if not the worst D1 programs in the country. However, the Utes still put up 143 points in 40 minutes and won by 91 points which is absolutely ridiculous and won on the road in Reno against the Wolfpack.

6. Oregon State (Previously 7)

Tres Tinkle was the Pac-12 player of the week after totaling 52 points and posting a double-double against Cal State Northridge and Iowa State. We know Tinkle will continue to be a stud as the season progresses, but if the Beavers can continue to see support from their supporting cast like Kylor Kelley and Ethan Thompson, they should cement their spots in the top half of the conference.

7. USC (Previously 5)

The Trojans went 2-0 this week and didn’t really do anything to deserve to fall down to seven, its just a result of teams behind them making noise and leapfrogging them. USC still has tons of young talent and will certainly be a strong presence in what is looking like a strong Pac-12 this year.

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8. Arizona State (Previously 6)

As mentioned earlier, Arizona State is the only team in the Pac-12 to have lost a game. A 10 point loss to Colorado may have swung a different way if Romello White and Taeshon Cherry were not suspended after infractions during their China trip.

9. UCLA (Previously 8)

A close call against Long Beach State did not instill confidence in the Bruins as they went to take on a strong UC Santa Barbara team. However, UCLA used a considerable size advantage to handle the Guachos. Jalen Hill looked good in his first start this season as he went for 22/10, additionally, Jules Bernard could be an electric factor for the Bruins moving forward if he can find some consistency after scoring 20 against UCSB.

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10. Cal (Previously 12)

PAC-12 UPSET ALERT! The Golden Bears dominated the second half against Pepperdine to beat the Waves by 16. Matt Bradley continues to be a stud from behind the arc as he went 5/7 from three and had a career-high 25. Cal keeps their slate of formidable mid-majors this week and it will certainly be interesting to see if they can keep up their winning ways.

11. Washington State

PAC 12 UPSET ALERT! Wazzou avenged last season’s loss as they throttled Seattle 85-54. As expected the Cougars ran through CJ Elleby who had 27, they will look to keep the ball rolling tonight against Santa Clara.

12. Stanford (Previously 10)

Oscar da Silva led the way in the season opener against Montana with 21 points, in the Cardinal’s second game it was the balance of scoring that stood out. No player had more than 15 points, but four had at least 12 points.