Despite the FBI investigation jolting the start of the Wildcats season, Arizona basketball was picked as the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 title. Arizona finished as co-champion to the Oregon Ducks last year.
The Wildcats received 22 of 23 first place votes, voted on my members of the media that cover the Pac-12.
Arizona will be led this season by it's three returners: Allonzo Trier, Dusan Ristic and Parker Jackson Cartwright. Trier, appeared at media day on Wednesday after being pulled last season for what would later turn out to be a suspension for performance enhancing drugs. When asked about being able to start this season and potentioally play the entire year, Trier called it a "fresh start". Sean Miller also noted that Trier has had to deal with a lot in his time in Tucson (a broken hand his freshman year, suspension last year) and that he is excited for his potential this season.
Miller and company, despite the lingering FBI investigation, are said to have the best recruiting class he's ever had, led by freshman 7 footer DeAndre Ayton.
USC was picked to finish 2nd in the conference, their highest ever ranking.
Arizona opens the season on November 10th against NAU.
