Arizona Basketball: Five bold predictions for Pac-12 conference play

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 15: A Pac-12 basketball logo is displayed on the court before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 15: A Pac-12 basketball logo is displayed on the court before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 01: Brandon Childress #0 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons guards Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game during the Wooden Legacy at the Anaheim Convention Center at on December 1, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 01: Brandon Childress #0 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons guards Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game during the Wooden Legacy at the Anaheim Convention Center at on December 1, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Arizona Basketball has completed its non-conference schedule and now moves onto Pac-12 play. Here are our five bold predictions.

Pac-12 conference play. It’s that time of the year when all 12 teams gear up and prepare for a grueling couple of months of conference basketball. This season compared to last season is much stronger, with every team having a shot to make some noise. There are though a few teams that stand out, including Arizona Basketball. We breakdown five bold predictions for the Wildcats this upcoming Pac-12 schedule.

Last season the Wildcats finished with a conference record of 8-10 and lost in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament. That is one season many would like to forget. This time around, expectations are high for this team because of the incoming talent, plus transfers and returning from last season. Unfortunately though, based on their recent play, many are beginning to doubt they can meet those expectations this season. Adversity is nothing new for this program.

For the Wildcats to have a chance to contend for the Pac-12 title, many things will need to be improved. Shooting, rebounding, limiting mental lapses on defense and communication on both ends of the floor.  When conference play does begin on January 4th against ASU at home, the Wildcats need to send a statement early on to everyone that they belong among the top of the Pac-12 conference.

When we breakdown and take a look at five bold predictions for the Wildcats during conference play, we must keep in mind these are bold for a reason. They may not all come true but based on the versatility, depth, and experience that this team has they certainly may.

Without any further ado, let’s get into it starting with bold prediction No.5, focusing on the freshman trio.