WCC Basketball: BYU, Pacific rises in latest 2020-21 power rankings

Jan 7, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Matt Haarms (3) reacts after being called for a foul during a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half of a WCC men’s basketball game at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 6

WCC Basketball San Francisco Dons James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Pacific Tigers (5-1, 2-0)

Multiple covid-related pauses have limited what we’ve seen from the Tigers this season. But what we have seen so far has been impressive, including home wins over both Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount. They’ll surely be tested in the next couple of weeks with three straight road games but head coach Damon Stoudamire has built a program and culture that’ll make them a tough out against even the best of the WCC.

Despite losing star forward Jahlil Tripp from last season’s 23-win team, Pacific was able to replace his scoring production (Daniss Jenkins at 15.0 ppg) and frontcourt rebounding and interior presence (Jeremiah Bailey at 12.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg). Broc Finstuen and Jordan Bell have been great producers as well in the starting lineup. If Pierre Crockrell and Justin Moore provide a bit more scoring in the backcourt, then the Tigers will be an even bigger threat than expected.

3. San Francisco Dons (9-7, 3-3)

The lone team in the WCC to not have games affected much, the Dons have beaten Portland twice and San Diego once, while losing to LMU, BYU, and Gonzaga. An argument can be made to drop them down a bit but I can’t punish San Francisco for playing more games than others.

Guards Khalil Shabazz and Jamaree Bouyea have been outstanding, combining to average 33 ppg and over five assists a night. But outside of forward Dzmitry Ryuny (10.3 ppg and 6.0 rpg), no one else for San Francisco is averaging more than seven points a night. The heavy reliance on the guards is problematic when taking on defensive teams in the WCC. They’ll be tested even more against Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s coming up.