My 2010-11 Pac-10 Basketball Writers Survey
Every year, Jeff Faraudo of the Oakland Tribune puts together a survey with the writers of the Pac-10, with all-conference picks, etc. Here's mine:
Who is your choice for Pac-10 Player of the Year and why?
Derrick Williams, Arizona
Only Wildcat in double-figures (19 ppg), top-five in the conference in several categories, but more importantly, Arizona would be just average without him.
Name your five-man all-Pac-10 team (roughly by position: in other words, don't give us four power forwards or five point guards):
Washington G Isaiah Thomas
Washington State G Klay Thompson
Arizona F Derrick Williams
UCLA F Reeves Nelson
USC F Nikola Vucevic
Who is the league's most underrated player? Why?
Cal G Jorge Gutierrez
One of the league's best defenders, plays with incredible hustle for entire game, underrated offensive player.
The most overrated? Why?
UCLA F Tyler Honeycutt
Has the potential to be the best player in the league, but plays recklessly and casually too often.
Which Pac-10 player is most fun to watch? Why?
Derrick Williams, Arizona
Who will eventually be the best NBA player?
Joshua Smith, UCLA
Who deserves Pac-10 Coach of the Year and why?
Sean Miller, Arizona
With only one player in double-figures - albeit a great one in Derrick Williams - Miller has guided the Wildcats back to the top of the conference in only two years.
You have one game to play and one week to prepare. Who do you want as coach?
Ben Howland, UCLA
Which team was the biggest surprise?
Arizona
The biggest disappointment?
Washington
Given how Oregon decorated the playing surface at the new Matthew Knight Arena, what design should UCLA feature on its floor after Pauley Pavilion is renovated next season? Please explain.
A huge silhouette of John Wooden and Nell Wooden. No explanation necessary. Just no trees. Please, no trees.
Can any team, aside from Arizona, UCLA or Washington, win the Pac-10 tournament? If so, which one?
No.
Will either Utah or Colorado finish in the upper division of the Pac-12 standings next season?
No.
Which team will win the 2012 Pac-12 title?
UCLA
Jon:
Nice picks on All-Pac10, and I'm usually at odds w/a lot of these. In fact, solid down all the way to bottom, including (ouch) our most overrated entry.
WSU up in 1 minute: Go Bruins, we need a big one like against Arizona, only on the road this time ...