Sunday, November 9, 2008

College Basketball: West Coast Conference Predictions

The West Coast conference gets plenty of attention thanks to the run Gonzaga has been on the last decade and received more last season when Eddie Sutton resurfaced at San Francisco to win his 800th game. It's Gonzaga's to win again this season.

Best Team In The West Coast Conference: Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga has the best talent in the league and should win the WCC easily. What I really respect about the Bulldogs is that they aren't afraid to challenge any team. This year Gonzaga has road games with Washington State, Utah and Tennessee plus have games with Oklahoma State and Connecticut. With Jeremy Pargo, Matt Bouldin and Josh Heytvelt on the roster, Gonzaga should make a deep NCAA tournament run, Final Four this year?

Best Player In The West Coast Conference: Jeremy Pargo - Gonzaga
Pargo is one of the most talented guards in the country. He won the WCC Player of the Year last season and should make it back to back.

Team That Could Surprise - San Diego
All 5 starters return from a team that upset Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament Final and Connecticut in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Toreros have been in the heat of battles over the years and while they might not overtake Gonzaga, San Diego could be the runner up and sneak in the NCAA's again. One thing is for sure in Gonzaga's perspective, San Diego won't be fun to play against.

Teams That Will Go Dancing: Gonzaga

Who Will Play For Number 66: San Diego

West Coast Conference Notes:
3 new coaches join the WCC. Bill Bayno takes over at Loyola Marymount, Tom Asbury returns for another tour of duty at Pepperdine and Rex Walters is the new head coach at San Francisco. Walters has some talent to work with but will have to change the Dons reputation of not playing as a team.

West Coast Conference Predictions

1. Gonzaga
2. San Diego
3. Saint Mary's
4. San Francisco
5. Santa Clara
6. Portland
7. Loyola Marymount
8. Pepperdine

Photo Courtesy: AP

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