USC — The Trojans joined the Wildcats in the top-25 this week at No. 21 and get the top spot since they beat Arizona last week. Apparently, the Trojans are the top dog in the state of California, instead of UCLA or Cal like we all assumed before the season. The Trojans have not been this good since Lil’ Romeo was running the point for them back in 2009.
Arizona — The Wildcats have their work cut out for them with Allonzo Trier out a few weeks with a hand injury and Elliot Pitts not playing for “personal reasons.”Too bad Kobi Simmons can’t join the team now.
Oregon — After climbing as high as No. 15 in the polls back in November and becoming a possible challenger to Arizona, the Ducks have fallen out of the spotlight since mid-December. They did receive one top-25 vote, so they could be on the comeback trail soon.
Washington — Washington holds the distinct title of best Pac-12 team to never be ranked at any point this season. Andrew Andrews has been averaging 25 points, six rebounds and six assists since conference play began so he might be the Player of the Year front-runner right now.
Utah — The Utes are another Pac-12 team that keeps coming and going in the top-25 and it is hard to gauge how good they really are. Jordan Loveridge’s play has fallen off a cliff since conference play began and without him, the team has to focus more on Jakob Poeltl. Loveridge will need to step it up soon.
UCLA — The Bruins already boast great resume wins at the hands of UNC, Arizona and Gonzaga, but losses to Washington State and Wake Forest sting. Their postseason success might rest on Bryce Alford, which is scary for all parties involved.
Colorado — Led by Josh Scott, the Buffaloes are only two games shy of last year’s win total — already at 14-4. Mike Macintyre had better be taking notes on how to coach at Colorado.
Stanford — The Cardinal are coming off a win against Bay-Area rival Cal and play the Wildcats Thursday. With Arizona’s Allonzo Trier out, this game could be a test for both teams.
Cal — Despite a top-five recruiting class and a No. 14 preseason ranking from ESPN, Cal is off to a mediocre start in conference play, highlighted by its last loss to Stanford. I hope Ivan Rabb dreads his decision to spurn Arizona for Cal and their matchup on Saturday will be big.
Oregon State — The Beavers receive this ranking due to one of their players tripping a referee on Sunday. The Pac-12 is the Conference of Champions for a reason and that behavior is frowned upon.
ASU — Although Bobby Hurley’s Sun Devils do not look much better than most of Herb Sendek’s teams, they play with more passion and heart, even though it has not necessarily made them play better. As for Hurley, he cannot even slam his jacket as well as Sean Miller can.
Washington State — While Washington State could be put above the Sun Devils, the Cougars lost the head-to-head matchup to ASU over the weekend. They will stay in the power rankings’ cellar as punishment until they get their act together.
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