Ranking the Pac-12鈥檚 best basketball players at midway point
4. Branden Carlson, C, Utah
Utah is having a nice season and a big reason why is its skilled big man, Carlson, who returned to Salt Lake City for his senior season despite some NBA draft buzz last year. Carlson has lived up to the hype in his senior year as he is averaging 16.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and two assists. The 7-footer is shooting just over 47% from the field in 2023-24 and has also proven capable of stretching the floor with an increasingly effective 3-point shot that he shoots at nearly 35%. On the other side of the court, Carlson is an important defensive presence in the post for the Utes and blocks 1.5 shots per game. The Utah native has gotten better and better during his five seasons with the Utes and should finish his career strong during the season鈥檚 second half.
