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 University of San Francisco Dons guard Khalil Shabazz Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Khalil Shabazz, San Francisco, Guard

Shabazz is one of the best one-two punches in the conference playing alongside Jamaree Bouyea. Shabazz earned 2nd All-WCC-Team honors last season and had one of the highest usage rates in the conference. The speedy guard had a bit of a tough time with his efficiency, shooting 36.6% from the field and 33.2% from outside. But that was in large part because of how much Golden had to lean on him and Bouyea. With the added help, there is plenty of confidence that Shabazz’s shooting sees a resurgence closer to his freshman season numbers where he shot 41.6% from the field and 37% from three.

Shabazz is also one of the best on-ball defenders in the conference, averaging nearly 2 steals a game. He showcased those pickpocketing skills in conference, racking up 5 steals against Santa Clara and 6 against Loyola Marymount, and averaged 2.33 in conference play. His elite acceleration also makes him and Bouyea a dual-threat in transition. The addition of Stefanini should also help disperse offense initiating duties and offer further opportunities for Shabazz to play without the pressure to carry his rotation at times.

9. Logan Johnson, Saint Mary’s, Guard

Much like backcourt partner Kuhse, Johnson is a crafty guard that helps pace Bennett’s slow churning half-court offense and frustrating opponents on the other end. Johnson led the team in scoring last season, averaging 13.3 points per game, and is poised to maintain that duty. He proved plenty capable last season, unlocking playing time that wasn’t made available while he was with Cincinnati or his first year with the Gaels.

As an upperclassman, he’s learned a great deal in terms of operating Bennet’s heavy screen offense that operates almost as a plotting soccer club looking for the right moment to strike. The system often relies on him getting a solid look in the midrange and driving, or off of screens or helping push the ball in towards the big men spotted in an ideal angle on the roll.

He’s expected to make another big step forward as a senior returning with an entirely familiar roster with everybody back from last year. For Saint Mary’s to return to the battle at the top of the conference, he will need to take that step. His pairing with Kuhse will be another season of two penetrators making the right decision. He finished the season strong, averaging 15.5 points in conference play.