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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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Manny Chibuogwu /

Seattle Redhawks – JR Aaron Menzies

Losing leading scorer Brendan Westendork will be an issue to deal with for the school, as they find finished sixth in the league. The Redhawks do have someone of value that very few teams in the country have — a 7’3 behemoth.

Aaron Menzies hails from Manchester, England and the 300-pounder is the literal anchor of the team. His numbers may not seem too impressive as he only averaged 12 points and six rebounds, but his defensive presence led to several low scoring victories.

The big man’s career high came last year against Louisiana Monroe, where he dropped 35 points to go along with 11 rebounds. He has both a high ceiling but a low floor as well.

First off, Menzies only played 14 games last season before a knee injury took him down. While he should be ready to go this season, there’s no telling how a big reacts to an injury like that and how long it will take to get back in-game shape.

Speaking of shape, his ability to stay on the court is something to look at as well. Aaron only played just 22 minutes a night before the injury, so upping it to 28-30 would be a huge boost for the team.

The Seattle big is part of a dying breed. He attempted zero three-point shots and doesn’t appear to go anywhere outside the block. His health and development will be key for Seattle this year.