Oregon stakes its claim to title of Pac-12 favorite with win at UCLA

Glenn Robinson III (24), Michigan. There is another freshman Wolverine averaging more points – that would be deadeye shooter Nik Stauskas. But Robinson can do more things and is more vital to coach John Beilein's system – which is why he's sat out a total of just 10 minutes in Michigan's last three games.

Marcus Smart (25), Oklahoma State. His scoring average is good (13. 3 per game), but it only begins to tell the story of Smart's contributions to the Cowboys. He's second on the team in rebounding (5. 4), first in assists (4. 4) and first in steals (2. 8). Smart doesn't shoot well (40 percent overall, 29 from 3), but he's got the clutch gene – his shots seem to go in more often at the end of close games.

Five players who are out of uniform for undetermined (or undisclosed) periods of time. Their teams need them back to reach their potential:

Ryan Kelly (26), Duke. Why he's out: foot injury. How many games he's missed: two and counting. Record without him: 1-1. Impact of his absence: Kelly has developed into a classic Krzyzewski big man, capable of dragging opposing big men outside to honor his perimeter shooting. His absence has meant more minutes for freshman Amile Jefferson and a bigger workload for Mason Plumlee. Kelly probably won't be back for the Blue Devils' trip to Miami on Wednesday. Laurence Bowers (27), Missouri. Why he's out: knee injury. How many games he's missed: three and counting. Record without him: 1-2. Impact of his absence: Losing your leading scorer and no. 2 rebounder has certainly not helped the Tigers adjust to life on the road in the SEC. Without Bowers, Mizzou was steamrolled from the start at both Mississippi and Florida. Missouri's offense is much easier to guard inside when the fifth-year senior is out of the lineup. Bowers is likely out for the Tigers' home game against South carolina on Tuesday.

James Southerland (28), Syracuse. Why he's out: indefinitely suspended for an "eligibility issue, " reportedly related to a lengthy and wide-ranging NCAA investigation of the Orange program. How many games he's missed: three and counting. Record without him: 3-0. Impact of his absence: The lanky forward has been a versatile and consistent scorer this season, averaging 13. 6 points, but Syracuse has compensated well. Freshman Jerami Grant in particular has been called upon to fill the void. Nobody knows when (or if) Southerland will be back.

Willie Cauley-Stein (29), Kentucky. Why he's out: an undisclosed surgical knee procedure. How many games he's missed: one. Record without him: 1-0. Impact of his absence: The Wildcats are not as deep inside or as imposing defensively without the 7-footer, but if it translates to more minutes for sophomore Kyle Wiltjer that should improve their offense. Wiltjer played 29 minutes Saturday at Auburn – his highest total since November – and responded with 17 points, five assists and four rebounds. It's unclear when Cauley-Stein might return.

Reggie Johnson (30), Miami. Why he's out: broken thumb. How many games he's missed: eight. Record without him: 6-2. Impact of his absence: He was averaging a double-double, and the Hurricanes have had to make do without a back-to-the-basket offensive threat and a guy who can control the paint defensively and on the glass. Yet Miami has gotten elevated play from seniors Kenny Kadji and Julian Gamble to fill the void. Johnson will not play against Duke on Wednesday, but is back doing some basketball drills one month after the injury. The original prognosis was that he would miss at least six weeks.