WCC Basketball: 2023 conference tournament preview and predictions

Key Players

There are a number of players to keep an eye on at the WCC Tournament, even beyond those top two teams.

Drew Timme – Gonzaga

Timme has been an important piece for the Bulldogs each of the last three seasons, averaging 21.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, setting career highs in both categories. He’s shot 64% from the field this year and is the dynamic backbone of the Bulldogs’ offense. He’s certainly one of the best frontcourt pieces in any mid-major conference and could very well repeat this season as WCC Player of the Year. He’s not the only threat on Gonzaga, but slowing down Timme is key for any team looking for the upset

Aidan Mahaney – Saint Mary’s

It’s wild how this freshman guard became such a key to Saint Mary’s claiming the regular season title in the WCC. Mahaney has been a revelation for the Gaels, averaging 14.6 points per game and really stepping up all season long. He’s just a hair under Logan Johnson in scoring (he’s a force as well), but what this freshman has shown this season has been outstanding, shooting nearly 41% from beyond the arc and keying Saint Mary’s excellent position.

Cam Shelton – Loyola Marymount

Two years after being a scoring machine at Northern Arizona, Shelton has returned to form in his final collegiate season with these Lions. He’s averaged 21.2 points per game and has had some fantastic performances this season, with efforts of at least 27 points in Loyola Marymount’s upset wins over both Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s this season. A scoring machine who runs the offense, his metrics are phenomenal; he takes care of the ball, makes 40% of his 3’s, and he’s going to be the force if LMU makes a run in this tournament.

Brandin Podziemski – Santa Clara

Santa Clara was picked 6th in the preseason, but the rise of Podziemski is part of the reason they’re sitting in a much more ideal position. After playing very limited minutes as a freshman at Illinois, Podziemski has exploded onto the scene as a sophomore with the Broncos, averaging 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this season. He’s likely the best long-range shooter in the WCC (45.5%) and his efficiency and leadership have been important as Santa Clara tries to break past those top teams in the league. If they can do that, expect big things from Podziemski.