WCC Basketball: Breakout candidates from each team for 2020-21 season

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: A logo for the West Coast Conference basketball tournament is shown on the court before the championship game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 10: Joel Ayayi #11 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

WCC Basketball breakout candidate – Joel Ayayi (Gonzaga)

Gonzaga is the best team in the country entering the season, but with the deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft pushed back until August, the Bulldogs’ roster could still look different. Head coach Mark Few prepared his team for any holes left by unexpecting declarations by bringing in the 12th best-recruiting class in the country according to 247sports. The class is headlined by five-star guard Jalen Suggs and also includes forward Julian Strawther and Dominick Harris.

One guy who should be back in Spokane for his junior season is 6-5 guard Joel Ayayi. The native of Bordeaux, France was one of six Bulldogs to average double figures last season with his 10.6 and his 6.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists were both second-best on the club. After attempting just 32 field goals as a freshman, he took a big leap forward as a sophomore, including stepping up big in the final three games of the season, the regular-season finale against Saint Mary’s, and the two conference tournament wins over San Francisco and the Gaels.

Ayayi averaged over 14 points and eight rebounds in those games and with the spotlight likely to be extra bright at Gonzaga next season, the guard could be one of the brightest shining stars on the floor.