Ncaa West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Teams
Introduction
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in America, and the NCAA West Coast Conference (WCC) Men's Basketball Teams are some of the best in the country. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard basketball enthusiast, knowing the teams in the WCC can help you stay up-to-date on the latest news, scores, and highlights.
In this article, we'll give you a breakdown of each team in the WCC, including their history, strengths, and players to watch. We'll also provide some tips on how to follow the conference throughout the season and during tournament time.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the WCC, and they've had a lot of success in recent years. They've made the NCAA Tournament every year since 1999, and they've reached the Final Four twice in the last four years. In 2021, they were the top-ranked team in the country for much of the season.
One of the strengths of the Bulldogs is their offense. They led the nation in scoring in 2021, averaging 92.1 points per game. They also had one of the best shooting percentages in the country, making over 55 percent of their field goal attempts.
Key players to watch on the Bulldogs include guard Jalen Suggs and forward Drew Timme. Suggs was named the WCC Freshman of the Year in 2021, and he's projected to be a top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Timme was an All-American in 2021, and he led the team in scoring with 19.0 points per game.
BYU Cougars
The BYU Cougars have a long history of success in men's basketball, and they've been a consistent presence in the WCC since joining the conference in 2011. They've made the NCAA Tournament six times in the last ten years, and they reached the Sweet 16 in 2011.
One of the strengths of the Cougars is their three-point shooting. They made over 10 threes per game in 2021, which was one of the best marks in the country. They also have a balanced offense, with four players averaging double-digit points.
Key players to watch on the Cougars include guard Alex Barcello and forward Caleb Lohner. Barcello was an All-WCC First Team selection in 2021, and he led the team in scoring with 15.9 points per game. Lohner was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team in 2021, and he's a versatile player who can contribute in a variety of ways.
Saint Mary's Gaels
The Saint Mary's Gaels are another team with a solid history in men's basketball. They've made the NCAA Tournament four times in the last ten years, and they reached the Sweet 16 in 2010. They're known for their slow-paced, efficient offense.
One of the strengths of the Gaels is their defense. They held opponents to just 64.2 points per game in 2021, which was one of the best marks in the WCC. They also have a balanced offense, with four players averaging double-digit points.
Key players to watch on the Gaels include guard Logan Johnson and forward Matthias Tass. Johnson was an All-WCC Second Team selection in 2021, and he led the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game. Tass is a skilled big man who can score both inside and outside.
San Francisco Dons
The San Francisco Dons may not have the same history and tradition as some of the other teams in the WCC, but they've been a competitive program in recent years. They made the NCAA Tournament in 2014, and they've had several players go on to play professionally.
One of the strengths of the Dons is their guard play. They have several talented guards who can score and distribute the ball. They also have a solid defense, holding opponents to just 65.2 points per game in 2021.
Key players to watch on the Dons include guards Khalil Shabazz and Jamaree Bouyea. Shabazz was an All-WCC First Team selection in 2021, and he led the team in scoring with 15.1 points per game. Bouyea was an All-WCC Second Team selection in 2021, and he's a versatile guard who can play multiple positions.
Loyola Marymount Lions
The Loyola Marymount Lions are another team with a rich history in men's basketball. They reached the Elite Eight in 1990, and they've had several players go on to successful careers in the NBA. In recent years, they've been a competitive team in the WCC.
One of the strengths of the Lions is their balanced offense. They have several players who can score and contribute in different ways. They also have a solid defense, holding opponents to just 67.2 points per game in 2021.
Key players to watch on the Lions include guard Eli Scott and forward Dameane Douglas. Scott was an All-WCC First Team selection in 2021, and he led the team in scoring with 16.2 points per game. Douglas was an All-WCC Freshman Team selection in 2021, and he's a talented young player with a bright future.
Conclusion
The NCAA West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Teams are some of the best in the country, and each team brings its own unique strengths and style of play to the court. Whether you're a fan of high-scoring offenses or suffocating defenses, there's something for everyone in the WCC.
As the season progresses and we head towards tournament time, make sure to keep an eye on these teams and their star players. Who knows, maybe this will be the year that one of them makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
