Busting Brackets
Fansided

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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Dec 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Toreros guard Olin Carter III (3) is defended by Denver Pioneers guard Thomas Neff (15) during the first half at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Toreros guard Olin Carter III (3) is defended by Denver Pioneers guard Thomas Neff (15) during the first half at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

10. San Diego Toreros

2015-2016 record: 9-21 overall (4-14 WCC)

Head coach: Lamont Smith

Key losses: Duda Sanadze, Vasa Pusica, Jito Kok, Marcus Harris, Brandon Perry

Key returning players: Olin Carter III, Brett Bailey, Cameron Neubauer

Newcomers: Nassir Barrino, Mark Carbone, Juwan Gray, Frank Ryder, Jose Martinez

There just isn’t enough talent for the Toreros to move upward in the WCC. Just three players that averaged four points or better return for San Diego. Point guard Olin Carter III and wing Brett Bailey form a decent combination, along with stretch forward Cam Neubauer, but every other contributor from last year transferred or graduated.

This means that freshman could play an immediate role going forward. Front court guys Jose Martinez, Juwan Gray and Frank Ryder all had excellent high school careers and add immediate depth on a team with so little returning production. Nassir Barrino and Mark Carbone are also capable of doing work from the perimeter.

Of last season’s reserves that might see more time, guard Tyler Williams had high accolades coming out of Texas. He averaged just 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17.9 minutes an evening last year, but the former 3-star recruit could start if he improved over the summer. The Toreros will certainly need more points after finishing last in the WCC in total offense.