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No. 9: ARIZONA WILDCATS
Last season: 25-9, 12-6 Pac-12
Sean Miller's team could be better than a year ago despite losing three starters, but it hinges on the eligibility concerns regarding Allonzo Trier. The Wildcats brought in a talented freshman class that includes point guard Kobi Simmons, skilled Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen and wing Rawle Alkins. Still, Trier is the team's one proven scorer. -- Jeff Goodman
Best case: Pac-12 co-champs, Sweet 16. Arizona underperformed last season, in part due to injuries. The Wildcats were not the same defensive team, and did not have the same grit. But, this year will be a different year with a different focus. Alonzo Trier, injured much of last season, will be a top-flight scorer and Pac-12 Player of the Year candidate. The issue will be interior defense and scoring and the point guard position. Parker Jackson-Cartwright returns, and Kobi Simmons comes in as a freshman who can be given the ball and take over. But, this might not be a vintage Arizona team early. There is some developing to do. In the end, it's still Arizona.
Worst case: First-weekend exit. Sean Miller recruited well, but uber-recruit Terrence Ferguson did not hit campus after eligibility issues and signed a pro contract to play in Australia. With such a young, inexperienced team and inexperience at the point guard spot, Arizona might be a work in progress. As such, out early is a possibility, as it was last season.
