Pac-12 Conference 2015-16 NCAA Basketball Betting Preview

Having previously tackled a College Hoops odds season preview of conferences like Missouri Valley and the Mountain West, let’s take a step further and find out what is likely to become of the expanded Pac-12 conference in the online sports betting 2015-16 college basketball lines.

Pac-12 Conference 2015-16 NCAA Basketball Betting Preview

Pac-12 Champion 2015-16: Arizona Wildcats

No. 11 @APlayersProgram preview: Wildcats still Pac-12 favorites, by @SIPeteThamel https://t.co/kcSl9bCQb1 pic.twitter.com/RoKzUvla9q

— SI College Hoops (@si_ncaabb) November 12, 2015

Sporting a 2-0 record in their first two games, including a 30-point blowout win over Bradley in their last game, the Wildcats are showing that they mean business in the Pac-12. Given the pedigree of head coach Sean Miller, the Wildcats’ solid home court advantage in the conference, and the fact that Arizona has a dangerous group of newcomers that are joining a couple of solid familiar names; there’s no doubt that this Arizona team is worthy of its NCAAB odds as Pac-12’s favorite.

Pac-12 Runner-up 2015-16: Oregon Ducks

Led by lethal five-star recruit Tyler Dorsey and an experienced returning core, the Ducks have one of their most complete rosters in recent years, giving them a solid chance to challenge Arizona for the conference title. Not to mention, Oregon has a magician on the sidelines named Dana Altman, hence swimming it deep into the waters of conference title contention should be very possible for the Ducks, who are currently 2-0 after two games.

Pac-12 Dark horse 2015-16: Utah Utes

Even without Delon Wright in the fold, the Utes (2-0 after two games) are looking as solid as ever. This is majorly best on the fact that Utah returns 9 of its top 11 scorers from last season, offering the Utes a strong group to work with. There have, however, been a number of concerns on the defensive side of things, something that will need to be sorted out if the Utes are to go it far in Pac-12’s title contention.

Pac-12 Coach of the Year: Cuonzo Martin (California)

With a 2-0 record to their name, and a strong team spirit being witnessed on both ends of the field, Coach Martin and the Bears are looking right on track to make amends for their disappointing second-half campaign in the 2014-15 season. It’s probably too early to tell whether or not they’ll collapse again, but from the current look of things, Martin and his California team are poised for a big year, one that will most likely earn the coach the COY award, if Arizona’s Miller doesn’t run away with it again.

Pac-12 Player of the Year 2015-16: Ryan Anderson (Arizona)

Most of the off season was spent talking about Anderson and how he’d influence the Wildcats in their campaign this season. Two games into the year, everyone is already praising Coach Miller for the mega display by his star forward, who is mercilessly tearing down his opponents and is showing commendable vibrancy and athleticism in the offense, thanks to his weight loss and reported dedication to strength training. If Anderson continues with his surging performances, and the ‘Cats finish the season as Pac-12 champs; the POY award will most likely go their basketball gem.

Pac-12 Rookie of the Year 2015-16: Jaylen Brown (California)

A big reason behind Cal’s resurgence so far is the stellar talent of Brown, who is so far the best-looking talent in the Pac-12 freshman class. And with the Bears seeming ready to give Brown plenty of opportunities to star for them, it would not be a surprise if Brown continues to hold his own end of the bargain by impressing for the team en route to the esteemed ROY award.