WCC Basketball: Way-Too-Early West Coast Conference power rankings

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2) Gonzaga Bulldogs

One year removed from a National Championship loss, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will put an entirely new roster on the floor. While returning key contributors Johnathan Williams, Josh Perkins, Silas Melson, and Killian Tillie, their major losses justify a certain level of caution when assessing the team.

Some new faces look to lift the Zags into the top spot once again, but they must first prove they can compete. Zach Norvell is the most exciting addition to the Zags after he sat out last season on a redshirt year. Joining him are true freshmen Corey Kispert and Jesse Wade, as well as redshirt freshman Jacob Larsen. Sophomore Rui Hachimura may also see an increase in minutes after he impressed at the FIBA U19 World Championship.

Mark Few is still pursuing a couple highly rated grad transfers, that could push Gonzaga to the top of these rankings.

1) Saint Mary’s Gaels

After they finished second in the WCC behind the Gonzaga Bulldogs, this may finally be the Gaels’ year. Led by All American candidate Jock Landale, Randy Bennett’s team has what appears to be the most talented starting lineup in the conference. Landale is one of four returning starters from last year’s tournament team, along with Evan Fitzner, Calvin Hermanson, and Emmett Naar.

It will be interesting to see how Bennett handles the loss of defensive stalwarts Joe Rahon and Dane Pineau, as Saint Mary’s slow and methodical play requires a strong team defense.

Next: Ranking top coaching moves of the offseason

Sophomores Tanner Krebs and Jordan Ford, as well as grad transfer Cullen Neal, all look poised to replace Rahon. Lack of depth behind Landale and Fitzner, however, needs to be addressed, with either junior Jordan Hunter or freshman Jock Perry stepping up.