Busting Brackets
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WCC Basketball: Early grades for each teams 2023 offseason moves

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 28, 2022; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) celebrates after a Bulldogs three-point basket against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2022; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) celebrates after a Bulldogs three-point basket against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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WCC Basketball Loyola Marymount Lions forward Keli Leaupepe Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
WCC Basketball Loyola Marymount Lions forward Keli Leaupepe Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports /

4. LMU Lions – Grade: A+

Next to Drew Timme, the biggest player departure in WCC Basketball is Cam Shelton, who averaged over 20 ppg this past season. He and Jalin Anderson are gone but the team landed four perimeter transfers, including 16 ppg transfer, Justin Wright. The most notable name among the newcomers is Dominick Harris, who spent three years at Gonzaga.

With star forward Keli Leaupepe back for a 5th year and joined by Cal transfer Lars Thiemann, LMU’s roster has the case of being the best not named Gonzaga or Saint Mary’s. Despite losing its star player, it’s been an awesome offseason for the Lions.

3. Santa Clara Broncos – Grade: B+

The Broncos lost its top five scorers this offseason, including star guard Brandin Podziemski and Carlos Stewart, who is now at LSU. But to the program’s credit, they did land five good transfers to replace them. In the frontcourt is UVA center Francisco Caffaro, and former American forward, Johnny O’Neil.

Charleston Southern wing Tyeree Bryan is a double-digit newcomer, while Jalen Benjamin averaged 16.0 ppg at Mount St. Mary’s. And if Arizona transfer guard and former top-50 prospect Adama Bal become the latest breakout star for the Broncos, they’ll be right back in WCC contention.