Jon Rothstein: WCC Preview

[RenoZag]

LINK: https://collegehoopstoday.com/index....eason-preview/

Which Gonzaga player is about to become a national star?

Drew Timme. Gonzaga lost a first-team All-American when Filip Petrusev opted to play professionally rather than return to school for his junior season, but his departure opens the door for Timme to break out. The 6-10 big man averaged 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in just 20.5 minutes last season as a freshman while shooting an astronomical 62.1 percent from the field. Expect Timme’s numbers to spike as a sophomore as he becomes a featured interior presence on each and every possession.

[Zag_Dad]

Fun article. Interesting that Oumar Ballo is not listed in ANY category at end of story. I expect he'll be a "breakout player"

[Kiddwell]

Pre-season Prediction Time -- such fun!

Rothstein knows the WCC better than most, pays more attention. His pick for the WCC's #5 team, St. Mary's, thus generates for this fan some surprise. Randy Bennett always seems to exceed expectations when losing a lot of valuable pieces and "reloading." Here's hoping the Bennett magic works again with a really competitive (and healthy) team. If so, and if Rothstein's SMC ranking still proves true, the WCC will be strong.

On the other hand, if this's the year Bennett doesn't perform his usual magic, no telling how the league's top teams fare on the national stage. Pepperdine looked solid last year, then had two big-time injuries. Here's hoping for a healthy Waves team this time round and the success this season that this fan thought Pepperdine would have last season. LMU's going to be really fun to watch. It seems to be getting a lot of positive press. And the expectation that BYU will now be an annual player on the national level, with Coach Pope, can only be a boost to the conference and its top teams's recruiting.

Thanks for sharing, Reno.


:]

[Martin Centre Mad Man]

Fun article. Interesting that Oumar Ballo is not listed in ANY category at end of story. I expect he'll be a "breakout player"

Ballo will be a breakout player on the national stage, not just within the WCC.

[Malastein]

Timme is the easiest sure thing for writers to mention. His stats are great in limited minutes, and he is clearly about to be getting a lot more minutes. Oumar Ballo has been out of the spotlight since arriving on campus. He’ll have major impact as well, but don’t discount Zakharov either. The quality of the front court is going to be depth as much as any one player starring.

[MDABE80]

We have the talent for a FF run. Beyond the S 16 we’ll need luck to go with all this superior talent. We being as no 1 -3. Let’s not disappoint such a great season coming up.

[RenoZag]

Few on Rothstein's College Hoops Today podcast:

https://soundcloud.com/compass-media/college-hoops-today-with-jon-rothstein-gonzagas-mark-fewwest-coast-conference-preseason-preview

Interview starts around the 5 minute mark

[RenoZag]

Mark Few was Jay Wright's podcast guest on "Talking Villanova Basketball."

Link is here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48z...QQKdz7Ul6azIgw

[hockeyzag]

Lots of Timme love from Few: https://collegehoopstoday.com/index....or-a-big-year/

[ZagNation]

Drew Timme > Filip Petrusev

Just ask Dick Vitale.

[jazzdelmar]

Drew Timme > Filip Petrusev

Just ask Dick Vitale.

Or anyone with even two eyes.

[Zags11]

So pumped Hoops is happening.

[ZagsObserver]

So pumped Hoops is happening.

Yes, pumped indeed.

Let me digress, however. Every time I visit this site I am saddened. Mostly, it’s because it’s a shadow of what it once was, and none of it relates to the team’s performance. Rather, divisions manifested themselves within this community. Some left, others stayed, but the “magic” of community has been sullied to some extent. I hope these divisions can be overcome.

[MDABE80]

Well there were ones who left. Many different reasons. COVID didn't help.

[MDABE80]

Well there were ones who left. Many different reasons. COVID didn't help.

Arguing over a disease was very wrong. Ended up being a Crosby Board discussion. Blew up the boards and generated I’ll will. I do hope time will do what time does: heals all wounds.