WCC Basketball: 2022 conference tournament preview and predictions

Players to watch

Andrew Nembhard, Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga)

The three marquee names on a deeply talented Gonzaga team are going to be your conference tournament MVP favorites considering the odds Gonzaga has to win the tournament. Nembhard has had a spectacular conference season that has gone understated because of the talent surrounding him. Nembhard is a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award for the nation’s best point guard and has the second-best assist rate, third-highest Offensive Rating (126.7), ninth in steal rate, and shooting 52.9% from two, and 38.3% from three.

Timme and Holmgren are worth watching not only for their obvious ability to dominate the game, put up absurd numbers, and win the MVP award but also to see how they respond to a subpar close to the season in Moraga. The third and fourth-ranked players in KenPom shot a combined 5 for 17 from the field on Saturday night. Their two potential games in Las Vegas could be a great opportunity for them to bounce back.

Alex Barcello (BYU)

While BYU may be on the outside looking in prior to the tournament starts, they still have a plausible path to playing in the national tournament. That path calls for a Herculean effort from Barcello. Barcello returned to Provo with unfinished business and a torrid run could help close the book on a remarkable college career.

Barcello’s 16.7 points per game and 41% three-point shooting in conference play are both career bests and it would be a shame for injuries in the supporting cast to dash the potential of a possible folk tale of a tournament appearance in two weeks. His offense is essential for Mark Pope’s team to continue to play.

Jamaree Bouyea (San Francisco)

Nothing is guaranteed for mid-majors without an auto bid and the Dons’ postseason hopes are no different. Bouyea has been sensational this year as the leader of a talented team. His 36.4 minutes per game was the highest of the conference and his impact on both ends of the floor cannot be understated.

Bouyea 4.3 assists and 1.9 steals are career-highs for him in conference play. Having an entire week off may revitalize and boost the 16.6 points per game point guard that is capable of taking a game or a tournament over.

Jalen Williams (Santa Clara)

Perhaps lost in the shuffle after a shocking final weekend is that the Santa Clara Broncos finished third in the conference and need to win just three games to punch their own ticket. For them to get there they will need not just a great play by Vrankic but a dominant showing from Williams as well. Williams may be the most underrated player in not just the conference but in the nation.

He shot 40.9% from the perimeter in conference play and averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. It’s hard to find a better way for Williams to arrive on the national scene than to shock the league on his way to helping the Broncos cut down the nets.

Matthias Tass (Saint Mary’s)

There are a couple of guys that could be the difference-makers for Saint Mary’s in continuing their four-game winning streak and improving their seeding for the big dance. While seniors Tommy Kuhse and Logan Johnson are vital in controlling the game and style that head coach Randy Bennett likes to run, Matthias Tass is what determines this team’s ability to play against elite competition.

It was evident on Saturday against Gonzaga when he held Timme to just 6 points and 20% shooting while scoring 13 points himself. For the Gaels to win this tournament they will need to own the paint once again.