WAC Basketball: Who is the star player on each team in 2017-18?

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Members of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrate after defeating the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 70-60 to win the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 12: Joshua Braun /

Grand Canyon Antelopes – SR Joshua Braun

The Antelopes enjoyed having the best player in the conference last season with Dewayne Russell. The WAC Player of the Year scored over 21 points a game and will be difficult to replace. Returning senior Josh Braun will do his best to do so.

Last season, Braun scored around 17.5 per game to form a great one-two punch with Russell. Unfortunately for Josh, injuries kept him in and out of the lineup throughout the year. He missed crucial conference games with both New Mexico State and Cal State Bakersfield, who finished ahead of them.

When he was in the lineup Braun could not only score, but do so in an efficient way. Even though he’s 6’4, Josh can be an effective fourth guard who can play in the post. His shooting percentages of 45 from the field and 42 from three-point range make him a dynamic and versatile threat.

This is Grand Canyon’s first year of eligibility for the NCAA Tournament and to participate in the conference tournament as well. The Antelopes have all the pieces to be a dominant mid major program and, if Joshua Braun can lead them to the promised land in their first year, the sky is the limit for the program.