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

2. Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga, Forward

The WCC conference had an incredible offseason raising the level of competition for all 10 teams in the conference. The only issue for optimism for all of these teams is that somehow the number one ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs also somehow got better. The Zags landed their first number one overall recruit in Holmgren who looks to bring more firsts in a national championship at the end of the year. The 7-foot-1 unicorn has NBA-level skills that make him a mismatch for whoever is tasked with guarding him in college.

He has an entire bag of moves, stretching the court with his plus perimeter shooting and ballhandling abilities. He’s got a solid mid-range jumper and is comfortable finishing at the rim, although we’ll see once he is matched by physical college bigs. He’s a solid passer out of the block as well and will be a nightmare to deal with when paired with fellow big Timme.

But it’s the defensive end that is Holmgren’s calling card. He’s already seen as one of the best natural shot blockers to come out of high school, and instantly one of the best in Division I. The freshman may have the greatest impact on both ends of the court in all of college basketball.

1. Drew Timme, Gonzaga, Forward

A returning Second Team All-American, Drew Timme was the best scorer in all of Gonzaga basketball last year. He was KenPom’s Player of the Year last season and was incredibly efficient even while having the highest usage on the team. The Texan averaged 19 points and 7 rebounds, scoring double digits all but once in a game where he played just 19 minutes against Dixie State.

He had an effective field goal percentage of 66.5% thanks in part to his immaculate footwork that helped him skirt past defenders no matter the level of competition. That footwork paired with his vision and feel makes him nearly unstoppable down low with hesitation and pump fakes.

He feasted in the post but is working on expanding his shot to incorporating a mid-range and perimeter stroke that will help guarantee checks in the association. He is an adept passer, averaging 2.3 assists per game which will help as he continues getting double coverage.

And with the addition of Holmgren, Timme has a fellow post player that excels at floor spacing. He also is the leader of a team dedicated to amending the collapse in the national championship game. While his usage may take a dip with Holmgren now in the fold, expect to still see the dynamic efficiency monster that makes him the likely National Player of the Year.