With the start of the 2012-13 college basketball season fast approaching, ESPN Insider is looking at the five burning questions facing each of the major conferences. In this edition, Miles Simon gives his take on the Pac-12.
1. Who will win the Pac-12?
Since 1985, either Arizona or UCLA has won or shared the conference title 20 times. When the Pac-10, now the Pac-12, was at its best, these two programs were usually at the top. Expectations are the highest they've been in the last few years in Tucson and Westwood -- and for good reason.
UCLA coach Ben Howland brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in the country this year, led by Shabazz Muhammad (No. 2) and Kyle Anderson (No. 5). The only problem right now is that both players have yet to be cleared to play by the NCAA. Both players are projected as starters and would make a huge difference in how good this UCLA team can be. If they are eligible, they make the Bruins a Final Four contender.