Player of the Week
Kanaan Carlyle (Stanford)
The freshman duo of Kanaan Carlyle and Andrej Stojakovic helped Stanford achieve a 2-0 week. In a statement win against Arizona, Carlyle had 28 points and 8 rebounds in 30 minutes of play. He shot 7/13 from the field and 6/8 from three, continuing his efficient season. He played well again in a 59-53 win against UCLA. Carlyle led the team in scoring again with 17 points and also brought in 5 boards. These were some of the best performances in his young collegiate career.
Who’s Hot
Frankie Collins (Arizona State)
After starting his NCAA career with Michigan, Frankie Collins has found a way to contribute to winning basketball with the Sun Devils. In a 71-69 win against California, Collins finished with 25 points and 6 steals. He shot 10/17 from the field and 3/5 from deep. Collins stuffed the stat sheet again in a 82-70 win against Utah. He had 19 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He also added 3 steals, bringing his total to 9 over the last two games.
Branden Carlson (Utah)
One of the best centers in the pac-12 had another great week to add to his resume. In a 95-90 win against Washington, Carlson scored 34 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 7 assists while shooting 14/23 from the field. He also showed his ability to stretch the floor, shooting five threes and knocking down three of them. He followed this up with a 19 point, 8 rebound game against Arizona State. Even though the Utes lost this contest, Carlson continues to show why he’s one of the best players in the conference.
Who’s Not
USC Trojans
USC is 7-7 right now and 2-6 throughout their last eight. After coming into this year with lots of promise, the Trojans look like a team that might stay at that mid tier mark for a majority of the year. Even with some young talent like [Player; Isaiah Collier], a projected top 5 pick, and Bronny James, who is finally coming into his own, their cons have outweighed their pros.
Top 5 Arena Environments
5. Matthew Knight Arena (Oregon)
Oregon is one of the best teams in the Pac-12 this year and are 8-0 at home. They’ve always been known for their colorful and unique patterns with their court floor fitting this agenda. It’s definitely one of the tougher environments to play in with a passionate fanbase behind the team.
4. Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion (Washington)
This arena is one of the oldest in college basketball and while the Huskies haven’t been amazing, they’re 6-2 at home this year. Nostalgia carries this one a bit but out of respect, it gets the four spot.
3. CU Events Center (Colorado)
Colorado is one of the sleeper teams in the NCAA and currently sits at 9-0 when playing at home. Even though the Buffaloes haven’t been one of the most consistently good teams across the NCAA, the crowd always gets behind the team and provides support.
2. Pauley Pavilion (UCLA)
This pick might be another nostalgia driven one but in recent memory, the Bruins have been great. With this, Pauley Pavilion has had great home environments for Mick Cronin’s team. This year looks like it’s going to be a rough one for UCLA so we’ll have to see if the fanbase can stay strong.
1. McKale Memorial Center (Arizona)
This is by far the best arena and environment throughout the Pac-12. It helps that the Wildcats are constantly fielding teams that do well but the fanbase behind Arizona basketball and how hard it is for opposing teams to win here is why it’s at the number one spot.