5. Arizona Wildcats (7-3) LW: 2
The Arizona Wildcats might not be a powerhouse in 2018, but they certainly remain competitive.
Sitting at a 7-3, two of their losses came at the hands of top-10 teams (Gonzaga and Auburn) while the third was a 19-point comeback effort that fell just short against Alabama.
Regardless, when this team is clicking, it can be dangerous. Led by guard Brandon Randolph, the 6-foot-6 sophomore has been coach Sean Miller’s go-to-guy, averaging 17 points per game on 34 percent shooting from beyond the 3-point line.
But the Wildcats’ primary strength is their depth. Guards Brandon Williams and Justin Coleman along with forward Chase Jeter combine for 36 points per game, leading a much-needed, three-pronged scoring attack for UA.
Through 10 games, another key to success revolves around the bench and its collective production.
Away from Tucson, the bench has posted double digits in six of seven wins. In losses, the Wildcats have failed to exceed nine points in three tries.
Following the return of sophomore guard Emmanuel Akot, forward Ryan Luther rejoins the bench, giving the second unit its top scorer back. Behind Luther’s 6.7 points per game, the Wildcats average 25 bench points per contest. While Luther was a part of the starting unit, the bench scored just 13 points per game.
Randolph and Williams lead the team playing just over 29 minutes per game, Coleman receives 28, followed by Jeter (25) and Akot (19).
Jeter and Arizona are set to take on Baylor and Montana on the Dec. 15 and Dec. 19. After scraping by Utah Valley and falling to Alabama, the matchups could be a pivotal swing in the right direction as Pac-12 play nears.