WCC Basketball: Ranking of the top 25 players for 2021-22 season

WCC Basketball is in the best shape it’s been in in years. The top half of the conference is led by the number one team in the country Gonzaga as well as four teams that have their eye on the NCAA tournament. Additionally, the level of play from the bottom half will be as competitive as it has ever been thanks to a hyperactive transfer portal and the utilization of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility because of COVID.

The conference has two of the three returning All-American honorees from all of college basketball and has gained some of the most efficient and high-usage guards found in the transfer portal. Here are the guys that are going to make a season of some of the best basketball this side of the Rocky Mountains.

Honorable Mentions

Nolan Hickman, Gonzaga, Guard

Anton Watson, Gonzaga, Forward

Both Hickman and Watson have the talent to start on most Division I teams but will be coming off the bench for a loaded Gonzaga team that sits at number one in the preseason polls. Watson moves to the bench to make way for freshman unicorn Chet Holmgren but will likely see plenty of playing time as the first forward off of the bench.

Watson will likely eat in those rotations against second-team bigs that normally aren’t to his caliber and he is a dependable scorer (shot 71% last season) but Gonzaga’s offense is heavily armed enough it isn’t a necessity. Spelling Drew Timme and playing alongside Holmgren may make for one of the best interior defenses in the country.

Hickman’s freshman season could be really interesting. He’s slotted in as the likely backup point guard for senior Andrew Nembhard and that should serve him a healthy amount of minutes. He’s an absurd passer with elite court vision and handles. But what may unlock more playing time is his shooting. Hickman as it stands is likely the best perimeter shooter on the team due to sophomore Dominick Harris being sidelined indefinitely due to injury. Hickman with an expanded role in a loaded backcourt could vault him higher up the list.

Dameane Douglas, Loyola Marymount, Forward

If Douglas returns fully healthy, this honorable mention could be a massive regret. The 6-foot-7 wing is returning from a second season cut short by injury. After missing all of 2019-2020, he joined Eli Scott as the two big scoring weapons for the Lions early in the season. He averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 36% from outside. His length and body control makes him a polished driver. If Douglas can stay healthy, the already respected LMU Lions could even top the already high expectations.