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WCC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

By Tuck Clarry

Mar 9, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) is defended by BYU Cougars forward Caleb Lohner (33) in the first half of the West Coast Conference Tournament championship at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) is defended by BYU Cougars forward Caleb Lohner (33) in the first half of the West Coast Conference Tournament championship at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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WCC Basketball Brigham Young Cougars Caleb Lohner Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
WCC Basketball Brigham Young Cougars Caleb Lohner Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. BYU

BYU was legitimately one of the best teams in the west last year. Finishing in the top 30 in both offense and defense according to KenPom, the Cougars earned an at-large bid, losing in the round of 64 to eventual Final Four team UCLA. Their biggest addition this offseason was simply securing Alex Barcello to return for one last season in Provo. Barcello was given an honorable mention for All-American and is one of three honorees to return to college this season.

Barcello is a rare point guard that has elite passing and the ability to go unconscious from outside. He averaged 16.1 points and 4.3 rebounds last season while shooting 47.6% from outside. The other major additions head coach Mark Pope made was through the transfer portal, filling needs with senior guard Te’Jon Lucas from Wisconsin-Milwaukee and senior Seneca Knight, who last played for San Jose State.

Lucas is a dynamic point guard who is able to score but shows great skill in facilitating. If he shows proficiency early for Pope, then Barcello can be freed up for off-ball looks that leverages his elite sharpshooting skills. Lucas is speedy and protects the ball well, making him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for sophomore Caleb Lohner.

Knight offers a versatile scorer who can play multiple positions for the Cougars. He helps Pope plug in some instant offense if he has trouble finding any help from his frontcourt. Knight can play down low and score in the midrange and from outside. He’s a great depth for senior Gideon George, who is an athletic stud defender but is still unlocking a lot of his tremendous potential on offense.

The aforementioned Lohner will look to build off an All-Freshman season where he averaged 7 points and 7.1 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game. Lohner is a bouncy four who can outmuscle his way to fight on the glass and finish above the rim. He may be asked to play the center position at times because of the lack of offensive strength from the rest of the other options, and it could allow Knight and George to play together.

With that level of offensive options, the biggest factor will be how the Cougars guard the cup against elite big men if they want to match up against the elite nationally. The conference has talented bigs throughout it and defense will be at a premium this season. If Richard Harward or Gavin Baxter show some dependable play, the Cougars could challenge the Zags, and subsequently the rest of the country.