Sweet 16: Wayslow1 vs. Naterb

Due to an ineffective bench, the roles of four Arizona starters were grossly over-exaggerated, which created a debate over whom is the MVP for Arizona this year. Jordan Hill and Nic Wise were the epitome of this scenario. Both were solid players, and the team suffered without them as nobody effectively filled the fifth spot on the roster; However, being vital because there is no legitimate back-up at your position doesn’t make you the MVP.

A legitimate argument could be made for Chase Budinger. Budinger was a well rounded player that Arizona ran off screens the entire season. When he was aggressive Arizona was incredible. Unfortunately, Budinger had a downside: soft defense and he didn’t always show up to play. Budinger’s downside prevented him from being worthy of the team MVP.

The MVP for Arizona this year is clearly Jerryd Bayless. He’s a well rounded player with everything you want in your star. He got teammates involved (4.1 apg), could score from anywhere on the floor (19.7ppg, 45.8% fg, 40.7% 3pt), and was always a threat. The greatest testament for Bayless isn’t with what he did, but what opponents did. Opponents would focus primarily on Bayless throwing junk defenses at him, putting their best defender on him regardless of other mismatches. Between opponents approach, and Bayless’ performances, and Arizona’s dismal 1-4 record without him, there is no doubt he was the team’s MVP.