SAN FRANCISCO — Members of the media who cover the Pac-12 Conference tabbed Arizona as the clear favorite to win the title in men’s basketball this year.
As far as Colorado junior Spencer Dinwiddie is concerned, it’ll be the Buffaloes sitting on top by season’s end.
“We don’t view Arizona as the top, the cream,” Dinwiddie said during Pac-12 media day on Thursday at the Pac-12 Studios. “We view ourselves as the cream and everybody else can fight for the rest of the spots. That’s how we’re going to approach the season and we’re going to try to win all of our games.”
The annual media poll was released on Thursday with Arizona getting 21 of the 23 first-place votes and 273 points overall. UCLA (212 points) edged Colorado (211) for second place, with both teams receiving one first-place vote.
Oregon, California and Stanford round out the top half of the poll. Arizona State came in at No. 7, followed by Washington, Utah, Oregon State, Southern Cal and Washington State.
A Sweet 16 team a year ago, Arizona lost several key players from last year. However, the Wildcats are viewed as an elite team with the return of junior guard Nick Johnson and the addition of outstanding freshman forward Aaron Gordon.
Arizona head coach Sean Miller likes his team’s chances, but said the Wildcats have a ways to go.
“We’re not experienced enough to be head and shoulders above the field,” Miller said. “We have a lot of parts, and I think that if we have some health on our side and some good fortune, we might be able to get there and be a special team down the road.”
As always, Colorado coach Tad Boyle said he doesn’t worry about preseason polls.
“We’re excited to be in the hunt, we’re excited to be in the conversation of one of the better teams in this league,” Boyle said. “Now we’ve got to go out and prove it.”
One of the best
CBSSports.com revealed its list of the top 100 players for the 2013-14 season, and Dinwiddie is among the elite. Dinwiddie is listed at No. 21 overall and No. 1 among juniors.
Contact staff writer Brian Howell at howellb@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/BrianHowell33.
Pac-12 media poll
Team (1st Place Votes) Pts.
1. Arizona (21) 273
2. UCLA (1) 212
3. Colorado (1) 211
4. Oregon 196
5. California 194
6. Stanford 166
7. Arizona State 159
8. Washington 121
9. Utah 68
10. Oregon State 67
11. USC 63
12. Washington State 39
