WCC Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

This offseason Pepperdine made one of the best coaching hires in the country, bringing in Lorenzo Romar to help turn the program around. Romar previously coached Pepperdine from 1996-99, before spending time with Saint Louis and Washington. Don’t let the 7th spot on this list fool you, Romar is already making moves.

After finishing in last place during the 2017-18 season, the Waves are poised to jump into the middle of the WCC. Led by sophomore standout Colbey Ross, Pepperdine will have plenty of young talent this season, which could have a high ceiling.

While Ross will be the focal point of the Waves offense, providing efficient scoring and solid ball distribution, he will have a strong core around him. Kameron Edwards and Eric Cooper are both solid scorers coming off injury-shortened season and, if fully healthy, have the ability to matchup against almost any backcourt in the WCC.

Senior wing Darnell Dunn completes the Waves returning core, and is the only player besides Ross to play in all 32 games last season. The Waves also return Jadé Smith and Kaijee Yee-Stephens who will look to improve upon their freshman campaigns and earn more permanent roles in the Waves’ rotation.

Recruiting is the area Romar has traditionally excelled, bringing in top recruits everywhere he’s coached. He took very little time to do the same in his second stint with the Waves, adding Andre Ball, Darryl Polk, Jackson Stormo, and Victor Ohia Obiaha to a recruiting class that previously consisted of only Kessler Edwards. He also brought in transfers Michael Cage and Keith Smith from Oregon, who will sit out next season per transfer rules.

This season should mark a turning point for Pepperdine, which looks like a team that could compete in the WCC moving forward.