3. USC Trojans
Strengths
Taj Gibson is an extremely underrated center in the Pac-10. He's slightly undersized but is a beast on the boards and can score in bunches. Guards Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis are both big and quick.
Incoming freshman DeMar DeRozan will challenge Jrue Holiday of UCLA for freshman of the year honors. He's an athletic freak that can put up points in bunches.
Weaknesses
USC's lack of depth could ultimately be their undoing. They have basically no one behind Gibson at center, and he has the unfortunate knack of getting into foul trouble. Untested Kasey Cunningham will man the power forward position with little to back him up. Thankfully, a lack of frontcourt depth is a trend this year in the conference.
Three-point shooting is also an issue for USC. They lack a pure shooter, and without a big man, that could definitely limit their ability to score.
Bottom Line
USC has talent, there's no denying it. The problem is that they don't have the depth behind that talent to make a real run in the conference. They should finish third and easily make the tournament, but don't expect them to challenge UCLA or Arizona State for the top two spots in the conference.
4. Arizona Wildcats
Strengths
Chase Budinger decided to return for his junior season, giving Arizona an all-conference candidate on the wing. Budinger is a good scorer that can jump out of the gym. Point guard Nic Wise is one of the best in the conference. He's a good floor general with a deadly three-point shot. Junior post Jordan Hill is a solid No. 2 scorer that gives the Wildcats some muscle inside.
Weaknesses
Arizona lost its best player from last season, freshman guard Jerryd Bayless. Jawann McClellan was also a reliable scorer that is gone. But Arizona's biggest problem is the sudden loss of coach Lute Olson, who retired due to health issues. No matter who replaces him, Olson was one of the best coaches of all-time and will be missed.
Scoring could be an issue for this team, as Bayless was their leading scorer and no one on the team this year is considered a true scorer.
Bottom Line
The Wildcats will be solid as always. They have good leadership in Wise and Budinger, and both guys are good defenders. Arizona should do well on the glass as well. They don't have the talent of most years, but they have plenty to finish in the top half of the conference and make the Big Dance yet again.
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