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5 Things We’ve Learned About Pac-12 Basketball So Far In 2014-15

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By @Alex_Drude

5 Things We’ve Learned About Pac-12 Basketball So Far In 2014-15

A Utah Utes cheerleader performs during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah won 71-39
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Pac-12 basketball seems to be more jumbled this year than it has in a while, and that’s because some teams expected to populate the bottom half of the conference have made noise. The second half of the season promises to be wildly entertaining.

5. UCLA Is An Enigma

UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford talks to UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) during a second half timeout against the California Golden Bears at Pauley Pavilion.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

5. UCLA Is An Enigma

UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford talks to UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) during a second half timeout against the California Golden Bears at Pauley Pavilion.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

This was originally entitled “UCLA is a major disappointment” until the Bruins upset No. 11 Utah. Now, the Bruins are an enigma. If UCLA played like they did against Utah all the time, then the Bruins would be,if not contenders, then at least NCAA-likely. But now that we know UCLA can play like that, the question is, why don’t the Bruins play that well all the time?

4. Ernie Kent Can Still Coach

Washington State Cougars head coach Ernie Kent looks on against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ernie Kent Can Still Coach

Washington State Cougars head coach Ernie Kent looks on against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

With most of the same players from a team that got only three conference wins last season, the Washington State Cougars have already equaled that mark with about half the season to go. Perhaps a four-year break was the best thing that could have happened to the long-time Oregon head coach. He’s come back rejuvenated and eager to prove he still can help a team; he’s doing a heck of a job so far.

3. Arizona Is Who We Thought They Were

Arizona Wildcats guard Gabe York (1) celebrates after making a shot during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at McKale Center. Arizona won 57-34.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

3. Arizona Is Who We Thought They Were

Arizona Wildcats guard Gabe York (1) celebrates after making a shot during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at McKale Center. Arizona won 57-34.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Wildcats were the preseason favorites and have done nothing to change anyone’s mind there. They had solid wins over everybody in conference play except the Oregon State upset, and the Wildcats held OSU to 34 points total in the rematch. While not on many people’s Final Four watch lists yet, Arizona is the class of the conference.

2. Utah Is Better Than Advertised

Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) walks to the sideline during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Arizona won 69-51.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

2. Utah Is Better Than Advertised

Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) walks to the sideline during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Arizona won 69-51.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

But that’s not to short the second-best team around, the Utah Utes. The Utes have gone made great strides thanks to Delon Wright. The first Ute ever named to the all-conference team last year, Wright has sparked the team to heights not seen since the Keith Van Horn/Rick Majerus glory years of the late 1990’s. The Utes, despite the UCLA loss, are poised to make noise in March.

1. Oregon State’s Wayne Tinkle Is Coach of the Year

Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) talks with Oregon State Beavers head coach Wayne Tinkle during a game against the Washington State Cougars at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The Beaver won 62-47.
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oregon State’s Wayne Tinkle Is Coach of the Year

Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) talks with Oregon State Beavers head coach Wayne Tinkle during a game against the Washington State Cougars at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The Beaver won 62-47.
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

There's no reason to even vote. What Tinkle has done is nothing short of remarkable. When OSU fired Craig Robinson late in the offseason, it appeared like the Beavs were scrambling when they nabbed the Montana coach despite his great success in Missoula. OSU is two wins away from equaling last season’s 16-16 mark with half the conference season to go. The Beavs have been the surprise of the league and Tinkle deserves every award possible.

Alex Drude is a Pac-12 writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Alex_Drude. “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.

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