NCAA Tournament 2017 Sweet 16: Grading Each Team’s Title Hopes

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) and guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) react against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) is greeted by center Dusan Ristic (14) and forward Lauri Markkanen (10) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Wildcats (2) – West Region

Possibly because they play in the same conference as LaVar Ball’s son and the UCLA Bruins, the Arizona Wildcats feel like they don’t get the shine that they likely deserve. Allonzo Trier and Lauri Markkanen are both primetime players with the ability to take over games. What’s more, this might be one of the deeper overall teams that Sean Miller has coached since arriving in Tuscon. At their best, they can beat just about anyone.

This Arizona team isn’t elite on either offense or defense, necessarily. However, what they are is well above-average in both regards. According to KenPom, the Wildcats rank in the top 25 in both Adjusted Offensive and Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They put both on display against a technically sound and dangerous Saint Mary’s team in the Second Round. After putting up 100 points in the First Round win over North Dakota, it was refreshing to see them grind out a win over the Gaels.

If Trier and Markkanen are able to step up in the big moments, there’s no question that Arizona could win a title. However, the question that many people have about this team is whether or not those two stars are wired for that type of pressure and moment. Because of that, there’s a variance in how things could play out for the Wildcats.

Chances: High, But Volatile

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