At this point in the year, the question most people are asking about the West Coast Conference is: How many games will sit between Gonzaga and whomever comes in second-place?
It’s a fair question, honestly. The Bulldogs and head coach Mark Few have assembled a juggernaut roster, led by perhaps the nation’s best frontcourt, and face a conference slate that lacks an obvious contender. Nonetheless, here’s our WCC Preseason Preview.
WCC Champion: Gonzaga Bulldogs
This is a potential top-five team in the country and legitimate threat to make a Final Four run in March. No one else in the conference has the dogs to keep up with them underneath, and Few’s reputation as a tactician should shore up whatever growing pains they experience on the perimeter
WCC Runner-Up: BYU Cougars
Kyle Collinsworth, the NCAA all-time leader in triple-doubles, should lead another potent BYU offense attack. The question for this team is who will step up between Nick Emery and Chase Fischer?
WCC Dark Horse: Pepperdine Waves
A team that won 18 games, returns all of its production, and has one of the conference’s best players in Stacy Davis? Yeah, this is a no-brainer.
WCC Player of the Year: Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga
If I thought that the Zags had a chance to really be pushed by BYU for the conference crown, I would have gone with Kyle Collinsworth here. However, it’s hard not to pick the best player from the team I’m predicting to go undefeated in WCC play.
WCC Defensive Player of the Year: Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga
Big men should not be as fluid as he is switching screens, rotating to the help side, and blocking shots from off-ball positions. I think he takes a big step forward this year on the defensive end, and his rebounding/blocks statistics should back up this selection.
WCC Coach of the Year: Mark Few, Gonzaga
If he goes undefeated, how can you not give it to him? If he doesn’t, watch out for Marty Wilson here.
