Conference Tournament Preview: The WCC

Where: Orleans Arena -- Las Vegas, NV

When: Friday, March 5th - Monday, March 8th

Championship: 3/8 - 9:00 pm: ESPN


The Favorite: #1 Gonzaga

Its the WCC. This league is Gonzaga's to lose until, well, they lose. Despite the gaudy records, the Zags don't have the same aura of invincibility that they normally do around this time. Losses to San Francisco and Loyola Marymount will do that to you. What is for sure is that Gonzaga is the most talented team in the conference. Matt Bouldin was the league's POY, and Elias Harris was voted newcomer of the year and played his way into the brains of every NBA GM. Steven Gray is as underrated as anyone in the country, Robert Sacre is a high-major caliber seven-footer, and the Zags have a bevy of capable subs. Its tough to get a gauge on how good Gonzaga is nationally, but its safe to say that they are the favorite in this tournament.

Elias Harris is as athletic as anyone in the WCC.
(photo credit: ESPN)

And if they lose?: St. Mary's

Matt Bouldin may have won the conference player of the year award, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's the best player in the league. If you haven't seen Omar Samhan play, you are missing out. He may look like Shrek and be built like an 12 year old overeater, but Samhan has a great touch around the rim, deceivingly quick feet, and a great understanding of the game. He is pretty much a lock for 20 and 10 on any given night. The problem for the Gaels is what they get from the guys around him. Gone are Patty Mills and Diamon Simpson. In are Mickey McConnell, Matthew Dellavedova, and Ben Allen. How well those three play will determine how well St. Mary's does in the WCC. With wins over San Diego State and Utah State, but not much else, the Gaels probably need to earn the auto-bid in the don't want sweat out Selection Sunday.


Don't discount: Portland

If you remember, early in the season the Pilots were the team every was talking about. They had beaten Minnesota and UCLA and earned a trip to the finals of the 76 Classic. But a couple bad losses, a less than stellar performance in the WCC regular season, and the loss of leading scorer has led to Portland being written off by some. But this is a team with size, shooters, and a very good point guard.


Sleeper: Loyola Marymount

The Lions have been injured throughout much of the season. When they are healthy, they are quite talented. Wins at USC, at Notre Dame, and against Gonzaga prove that. The Lions have won five of their last seven games heading into the WCC tournament, which includes the Gonzaga win and a win over Portland.


Names you need to know:

• Vernon Teel, Loyola Marymount: I'll let the Slipper Still Fits explain:

  The up and coming Lions of Loyola Marymount have been bolstered by the outstanding play of their junior guard from Jamaica, New York. Teel has grown into a complete package in the WCC. He's averaging nearly 15 points a game and leads the conference in assists per game with almost six. Forward Drew Viney has gotten most of the attention this season at LMU but don't sleep on Teel.

• Dior Lawhorn, San Francisco: The Texas Tech transfer has put up impressive numbers since his move to the WCC, but the Dons have never made a splash in the postseason. Lawhorn is a senior and his last chance. Is this the year?


• Keion Bell, Pepperdine: The Waves are not all that good this year, but Bell may be the most fun player in the country to watch. He is a high flying scoring guard that has the ability to single-handedly take over a game. Pepperdien nearly upset Gonzaga last month, and Bell has 34 of his 37 points in the second half.