College Basketball Predictions: Preseason All-Pac-12 1st, 2nd Teams and POY

The Pac-12 enters a new era this season as they transition from 10 teams to 12 with the additions of Colorado and Utah. While neither of these programs have been powerhouses in the sport at the Division I level in recent years, they are both competitive teams who will eventually strengthen the conference, even if it's not this season.

The conference looks to be a bit weaker than usual as we enter the season, but there is potential for big seasons from the California Golden Bears, Washington Huskies and even the young Arizona Wildcats.

The conference is littered with elite talent, as well as many professional prospects. Here are the preseason selections for the 2011-2012 Pac-12 First and Second Teams, as well as the Pac-12 Player of the Year.

Second Team: Josh Watkins, Utah

The stocky 5'11", 210-pound guard will be spending his senior season carrying the newly-minted Pac-12 Utah Utes. He is deceptively quick for his size and excels when penetrating to the basket. Expect a big senior year for the scorer, who averaged nearly 15 points per game last season.

Second Team: Jabari Brown, Oregon

The 6'5" shooting guard has already shown that he is capable of leading the Ducks in scoring this season. He is physically mature for being just a freshman, which will definitely help him get through the grinding Pac-12 season.

Second Team: Josh Owens, Stanford

The 6'8" senior big man is the leader of Stanford's basketball team this season. He averaged nearly 12 points and seven rebounds last season, and those numbers will only increase this season as he carries the load for the Cardinal.

Second Team: Joshua Smith, UCLA

Based on talent, you won't find a better pro prospect in the entire conference. However, weight and maturity issues have anchored down the enormous post player.

The 6'10", 305-pound center can dominate the conference if he has the stamina to play more than 20 minutes per game. If that happens, he will be a shoe-in for first team All-Pac 12 and could even take home the 2012 Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year award...as a sophomore. He's capable of being that good. 

Second Team: E.J. Singler, Oregon

The 6'6", 215-pound small forward plays a lot like his older brother, Kyle. He can do a little bit of everything for Oregon, and he will do exactly that this season. Look for his scoring, rebounding and assist numbers to increase this season as the Ducks look to ascend in the conference standings.

First Team: Harper Kamp, California

The primary post option for the Cal Golden Bears this season will be the 6'8" Harper Kamp. The agile left-handed power forward uses his body to carve space for scoring opportunities. He also is a standout on the defensive end of the floor.

If Cal wants to win a Pac-12 title, their talented big man will need to have a big season.

First Team: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington

The Seattle legend is ready to tear through the conference in what may be his only season at Washington. He is an explosive point guard at 6'5", who has vision that many NBA point guards don't even possess.

First Team: Reeves Nelson, UCLA

The star of the UCLA Bruins this season is supposed to be the 6'8", 235-pound power forward. On the court, he has a non-stop motor and uses his athleticism to overpower defenders on the post and block shots on the defensive end of the floor.

However, his attitude is what limits him. He already has endured a suspension by Ben Howland this season. If he gets his act together, he could have a monster season for UCLA.

First Team: Solomon Hill, Arizona

The 6'6", 230-pound junior is set for a breakout season at Arizona. The powerful junior is capable of posting huge point and rebound totals after spending two seasons polishing his game in the desert. He is a veteran leader on the Wildcats this year, and his game should blossom.

First Team: Andre Roberson, Colorado

You won't find many player's more athletic than the 6'7" swingman. The sophomore will fill the role of "star" for the Buffaloes in their first Pac-12 season. He is a highlight waiting to happen and will have his fair share of them while lighting up west coast opponents.

First Team: Kyle Fogg, Arizona

The 6'3" senior is a natural-born scorer. He will reap the benefits of Derrick Williams exiting for the NBA after last season. He should become a 20-point scorer for the young Arizona Wildcats on a nightly basis.

First Team: Terrence Ross, Washington

The sophomore is poised to breakout this season after showing flashes of his potential throughout his freshman year. The 6'6" shooting guard is an athlete who has a quick first step and thrives when finishing around the hoop. 

First Team: Jared Cunningham, Oregon State

Despite being the focal point of opposing teams' defenses all of last season, Jared Cunningham averaged 14.2 points per game. The 6'4" shooting guard is extremely quick and uses his wiry frame to get into the lane and finish plays. He is also a creative passer who likes to get his teammates involved.

First Team: Allen Crabbe, California

The 6'6" sophomore shooting guard has great size for the position. What he lacks in athleticism and quickness, he makes up for in shooting prowess.

He is a crafty player who will continue to succeed this season while Pac-12 defenses try to contain him and Jorge Gutierrez in the loaded Cal backcourt.

Pac-12 Player of the Year: Jorge Gutierrez, California

If you are looking for a warrior of a player with a motor that never stops, as well as a drive to be the best player he can become, look no further than Cal's 6'3" combo guard, Jorge Gutierrez.

The stat-stuffing senior does anything and everything he can for head coach Mike Montgomery, and his recipe seems to be working. Last season, he earned All-Pac 10 First Team honors, and this season he is looking to take home the first-ever Pac-12 Player of the Year award.

With a nucleus of himself, Allen Crabbe and Harper Kamp, the Golden Bears have the firepower to win a Pac-12 title, and with a leader like Jorge Gutierrez, they have to like their odds.