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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Feb 18, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Pacific Tigers head coach Ron Verlin (L) is healed back by Pacific Tigers guard Ray Bowles (22) after a call against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Verlin would be ejected during the game. The Bulldogs won 90-68. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Pacific Tigers head coach Ron Verlin (L) is healed back by Pacific Tigers guard Ray Bowles (22) after a call against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Verlin would be ejected during the game. The Bulldogs won 90-68. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Pacific Tigers

2015-2016 record: 8-20 overall (6-12 WCC)

Head coach: Damon Stoudamire (first year)

Key losses: Alec Kobre, Eric Thompson

Key returning players: Ray Bowles, T.J. Wallace, Jacob Lampkin, Tonko Vuko, Ilias Theodoru, D.J. Ursery, Maleke Haynes, David Taylor, Anthony Townes

Newcomers: Three-star guard K.J. Smith, Keshon Montague, Jack Williams (transfer from Long Beach State)

NBA veteran Damon Stoudamire inherits a roster filled with potential. The Tigers haven’t been the strongest team for a few years, but Stoudamire brings experience and integrity to try and move the program forward. Getting consistency out the slow and inefficient offense is the priority in year one.

Pacific’s talent won’t blow anyone away, but shooting guards Ray Bowles and T.J. Wallace are capable scorers. They are among the nine regular producers back from 2015-16.

In addition to their scoring, both Bowles and Wallace can pass decently with 2.3 assists per game each last season.

The rest of the rotation is a true mishmash of pieces that could benefit from more playing time. However, none scored more than seven points per game last season.

The newcomers will help a great deal towards putting Pacific back in striking position. Jack Williams was a talented recruit out of high school and is a solid body after transferring from LBSU. K.J. Smith will also compete for a starting position as the highest-rated recruit in the class and the son of former NBA champion Kenny Smith. Stoudamire is in a strong position to improve the Pacific program, but it will take some strong performances to get the Tigers to the postseason this year.