WCC Basketball: Way-too-early preseason 2019-20 power rankings

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: Zach Norvell Jr. #23 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts to a play against the Baylor Bears during their game in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

3 of 11

STOCKTON, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Jeremiah Bailey #13, Zach Cameron #35 and Roberto Gallinat #4 of the Universisty Of The Pacific Tigers celebrates after a teammate hit a three-point shat against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half of their NCAA basketball game at Alex G. Spanos Center on February 28, 2019 in Stockton, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

9. Pacific Tigers

2018-19 season record: 14-18 (4-12)

Pacific was much tougher than their record says, making opponents work for baskets on the defensive end. It was their offense that failed them most of the time, struggling to get anything going outside of Roberto Gallinat. He led the team with 15.2 ppg but as a team, they were ranked in the 300s in scoring with 66.8 ppg.

Gallinat along with key frontcourt player Anthony Townes are major losses, as Pacific lacks both scoring and size on the roster due to the loss scholarships because of infractions from the previous coaching staff. But the sanctions are finally done, allowing the program to fill out their roster. They brought in three-star prospect Jonathan Salazar, a player who should contribute out the gate next season.

The big concern for the Tigers will be how much offensive production they’ll get out of their guards. Lafayette Dorsey averaged over 20 ppg per 40 minutes (10.7 ppg in 21 mpg on eight starts) had 31 points against Long Beach State but tailed off in WCC play. He’ll need to come up big since the other guards (Khy Kabellis, Kendall Small, and Ajare Sanni) have transferred already. He’s not much of a facilitator so the team’s best overall returning Jahlil Tripp will have to become an All-WCC player to keep Pacific in the game.

Barring unexpected offense coming in, the Tigers aren’t going to be competing for a top-tier finish in the conference next year but can finally operate normally with a full roster ahead. Pacific might be listed next to Portland in the early standings but these programs are far apart. A small setback for them in 2019-20 could set them up for a big push in future seasons.