Sean Miller is pointing to other teams as the best in the Pac-12. Photo by Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller has never been one to gin up expectations, and he might not even want his team to be the Pac-12 favorite — and to have to wear that target — this season.
But it’s not like Arizona is going to be flying under the radar after last season’s run to an NCAA regional final and the signing of one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.
The Cats are already the choice of several media outlets, and they will find out Friday at Pac-12 Media Day in Los Angeles how the league’s reporters predict the league will shake out.
Miller, gazing into his crystal ball Tuesday, said he is “split between Cal and UCLA” as the favorites to win the Pac-12.
“UCLA’s physical size is scary. They have so much versatility in their frontcourt,” Miller said.
“(Cal) has great experience, having players who in the second, third, fourth years there. I think those two stand out. Washington is always very good, and there are always going to be those one or two teams that surprise you.”
But not Arizona, huh?
“I wouldn’t think we would be the favorite,” Miller said. “UCLA’s size and Cal’s experience, to me, trump what we have right now.
Here is who some other media outlets see the Pac-12 race:
| Lindy’s | Sporting News | Athlon | Blue Ribbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cal | Arizona | UCLA | Arizona |
| Washington | UCLA | Cal | Cal |
| UCLA | Cal | Arizona | UCLA |
| Arizona | Washington | Washington | Washington |
CBSSports.com leans toward Arizona as the class of the league. Even Dick Vitale likes the Cats best in the Pac-12.
NOTES
Arizona senior post Alex Jacobson has been suffering, again, from lower back problems and will not play in Thursday night’s exhibition against Seattle Pacific,” Miller said. The persistent back problems kept Jacobson out of the Red-Blue scrimmages and have limited him to just a couple of practices so far. … Junior Kevin Parrom has been home in New York City to attend the funeral of his mother, Lisa Williams, who died Oct. 16. Parrom wrote this on Twitter: “Love you mama. Not saying goodbye imma just say what we always say to each other …. “ill see you later” love u !” …