WCC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Sep 9, 2023

Mar 9, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24), guard Julian Strawther (0), guard Jalen Suggs (1) and forward Drew Timme (2) celebrate after defeating the the BYU Cougars in the West Coast Conference Tournament championship game at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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WCC Basketball Saint Mary’s Gaels guard Joe Rahon Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Joe Rahon

A 6’2 point guard from San Diego, Rahon actually got his college career started on the opposite coast, landing at Boston College. After two solid years as a starter with the Eagles, he decided to transfer after Steve Donahue was fired in 2014, landing back in his home state at Saint Mary’s. Rahon would become an impactful presence in the backcourt for his final two collegiate seasons.

In his junior season, Rahon averaged 10.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, showing few signs of rust after sitting out the previous season. He helped lead the Gaels to a regular season title in the WCC and a pair of wins over Gonzaga, though they settled for the NIT. He’d put up consistent numbers in his senior year as well, guiding the Gaels to a second straight 29-win season. This time Saint Mary’s was picked for the NCAA Tournament, with Rahon scoring 16 points in their first round win over VCU.

Rahon was WCC Newcomer of the Year in that first season and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, earning First Team All-WCC honors in both seasons as well. He was a consistent ballplayer and talented point guard, leading the conference in assists as a senior. Rahon was never a top-level scorer, but he did the little things that set up Saint Mary’s for success, with a 58-11 mark during his time in Moraga.