The Pac-12 announced it's all 2015-16 conference teams for men's basketball today. Among the player's chosen were Jakob Poeltl, Brandon Taylor and Jordan Loveridge. Poeltl was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team, while Taylor and Loveridge made All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. The all-conference teams are voted on by the conferences head coaches.
This marks the third straight year Larry Krystkowiak has had a player named to the All-Pac-12 First Team. Delon Wright was named to the first team in both 2014 and 2015 and Poeltl's selection this year continues the streak for Utah. Jordan Loveridge earned his first all-conference honor with his selection and Brandon Taylor makes a second consecutive appearance on the all conference list after being named second team last season.
Poeltl's selection was merely a formality after turning in the best season for a big man in the Pac-12. He finished Pac-12 player of the week four times, twice more than any other player in the conference. He finished the season with 14 double-doubles, led the conference in shooting percentage (.660 field goal percentage), was second in points per game (17.6) and finished third in conference with 9.1 rebounds per game. He was second in total points (543) and field goals made (202). Poeltl was also named a Pac-12 All Defensive team honorable mention selection. He led Utah with 50 blocks this season, ranking him fourth in the Pac-12.
Taylor who struggled early in conference play before turning his season around, finished ninth in conference with 3.9 assists per game and finished eighth in the league in total assists with 120 to be named All-Pac-12 honorable mention. Taylor made his way onto the Pac-12 All- Defensive First Team this season, after being selected for honorable mention last season. His 1.5 steals per game ranked him fourth in the Pac-12.
Jordan Loveridge capped his final regular season at Utah being named to his first All-Pac-12 team earning honorable mention with Taylor. Loveridge was third in the conference in three pointer made (79) and shot 40.7 from behind that arc. Loveridge played a critical role in Utah's second place finish in the Pac-12 this season.
Tonight the conference will reveal player of the year, freshman of the year, defensive player of the year, most improved player of the year, scholar athlete of the year and coach of the year. Jakob Poeltl is a candidate for Player of the Year and Larry Krystkowiak for coach of the year. The winners will be revealed on Pac-12 Networks at 7pm MT.