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

By Tuck Clarry | Oct 17, 2021

Apr 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) celebrates during the first half against the UCLA Bruins in the national semifinals of the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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WCC Basketball San Diego Toreros Yauhen Massalski James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Julian Strawther, Gonzaga, Forward

Strawther is poised for a big sophomore season now that All-American and team-leading senior Corey Kispert has moved on to the NBA. His quiet freshman campaign was far more due to Kispert’s greatness than not being ready for the moment. Strawther is a dangerous threat at all levels of the offense which is fairly rare for a wing of his size (6-foot-7).

If he is able to reach his potential as a perimeter threat, he will absolutely feast as defenders collapse to deal with Timme and Holmgren. Because of the conference’s style of three-guard lineups, for the most part, it will be interesting to see how Strawther takes advantage of potential mismatches.

21. Seneca Knight, Bringham Young, Guard

Another newcomer to the conference, Knight takes the already high-tiered Cougars to another level. He’ll likely come off of the bench to start the season but it will be interesting to see how coach Mark Pope utilizes George and Knight as two productive wings (in their own ways). He’s an adept scorer, able to create his offense at multiple levels.

He instantly becomes the best scorer in the frontcourt and could play a small-ball four if needed. With Knight’s offense, BYU becomes not only a top competitor within the WCC but will fight for higher seeding as the NCAA tournament comes around.

20. Yauhen Massalski, San Francisco, Forward

Massalski is one of four transfers coming into the Dons program and is a familiar face to the WCC after playing for the San Diego Toreros. Head coach Todd Golden is hoping Massalski can lift the Dons defense like he did when he protected the paint last year. In an abbreviated season, the 6-foot-10 Belarussian put up absurd rebounding statistics.

He grabbed 2.5 offensive rebounds per game and averaged 8.3 rebounds in 10 games played, second-most in the conference. Massalski is incredibly active on both ends of the court and especially in loose ball situations. His physicality is going to help elevate the dynamic guard play that makes the Dons a threat this year.