• After I engaged in a spirited discussion with some of my followers about Pac-12 Player of the Year yesterday, here's some fuel for Jakob Poeltl backers: He's No. 10 in NBC Sports' rankings for Players of the Year. Poeltl has had five straight games in double figures during Utah's winning streak, including three of 20-plus. Of course, it's one thing to be in the conversation — it'll be pretty tough to unseat Oklahoma's Buddy Hield, who has redefined expectations for 3-point shooting.
• Ken Pomeroy has a thought-provoking blog on Washington's defensive strategy, which is an all-out block party with almost absolute disregard to foul trouble.