WCC Basketball: Top 10 Sophomores for 2018-19

By Connor Hope | Jul 30, 2018

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 05: Zach Norvell Jr. #23 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the San Francisco Dons during a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 5, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

HONOLULU, HI – DECEMBER 23: Charles Minlend #14 of the San Francisco Dons gets past Phil Fayne #10 of the Illinois State Redbirds and shoots the ball during the second half of the Diamond Head Classic NCAA college basketball game at Stan Sheriff Center on December 23, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Two years ago, the San Francisco Dons were the biggest surprise in the WCC, and freshman Charles Minlend was a big reason why. Minlend only shot 30% from three, but he was one of the highest scoring freshmen in the school’s history.

Although Minlend was the Dons player tabbed to make the biggest impact last year, he utilized his redshirt season. An extra year of development could go a long way towards improving Minlend’s efficiency, while his other skills will be crucial to San Francisco’s success.

Even though the backcourt was the source of Santa Clara’s limited success last season, Josip Vrankic still played a pivotal role. While he may have been a bit too inefficient to play an overly effective stretch four role, his presence as a pick-and-pop man allowed KJ Feagin to utilize the screen to his advantage.

Vrankic’s three-point shooting was not incredibly efficient but was able to finish efficiently closer to the basket. The expectations for the Broncos this season may rest on the play of Feagin, but a sophomore leap from Vrankic can go a long way in moving Santa Clara up in the standings.