Busting Brackets
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WCC Basketball: Gonzaga finally has challengers

By Doug Winkey

March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few speaks to the crowd against the Saint Mary's Gaels after the game in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few speaks to the crowd against the Saint Mary's Gaels after the game in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Nick Emery (4) dribbles the ball while being guarded by Portland Pilots guard Jazz Johnson (22) during the second half at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won 99-81. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Nick Emery (4) dribbles the ball while being guarded by Portland Pilots guard Jazz Johnson (22) during the second half at Marriott Center. Brigham Young Cougars won 99-81. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

3. BYU Cougars

2015-2016 record: 26-11 overall (13-5 WCC)

Head coach: Dave Rose

Key losses: Kyle Collinsworth, Chase Fischer, Zac Seljaas, Nate Austin

Key returning players: Nick Emery, Kyle Davis, Corbin Kaufusi, Jamal Aytes

Newcomers: Four-star guard T.J. Haws, Steven Beo, Colby Leifson, three-star forward Yoeli Childs, three-star center Payton Dastrup, Eric Mika (completed LDS mission), L.J. Rose (transfer from Houston), Elijah Bryant (transfer from Elon)

BYU dominated the Mountain West for years, but hasn’t won any trophies since moving to the WCC in 2011-2012. On top of that, the Cougars lost what might have been the program’s best player ever in Kyle Collinsworth.

Despite the lack of expectations, Dave Rose’s team will still be among the league leaders again this season.

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Expect returning players Kyle Davis and Nick Emery to lead right out of the gate. Both averaged double digits last season and were efficient from the field. Point guard and small forward are perfectly settled in their hands.

Unfortunately, not much else comes back from last season. As a result, BYU will rely on a combination of transfers, freshman and returned missionaries.

Of the seven new faces in Provo, five should make an impact this year. Forward Eric Mika returns from his LDS mission and could slide right into the front court at either power forward or center.

L.J. Rose and Elijah Bryant are also key perimeter pieces after transferring from their previous programs. Freshman T.J. Haws, Yoeli Childs and Payton Dastrup all have high marks entering college and will contribute in their own ways.

BYU is still dangerous. However, it is more realistic to expect an NIT bid than a trip to the Big Dance.