2019-20 WCC MBB POW Thread

[RenoZag]

Senior guard Isaiah White averaged 22.0 points and 5.5 assists per game in leading the Pilots to wins at Portland State on Wednesday and at home against UC Davis on Saturday. The Ellicott City, Maryland, native dropped 21 points and eight assists as the Pilots snapped a nine-game road losing streak and overall three-game losing streak to the Vikings with an 82-75 victory.

He was 7-for-14 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point range and added two rebounds and a blocked shot. Against PSU’s high energy, full-court pressure, White was able to rack up eight assists with just one turnover as a primary ball-handler. He then established a season high of 23 points in Saturday’s 72-62 win against the Aggies. White was 8-of-12 from the field, made 4-of-5 three-pointers and 3-of-4 free throw attempts. He added two emphatic blocked shots as well in 39 minutes of action.

Overall, White shot 58 percent from the field, 75 percent from three-point range and 67 percent at the foul line in the two wins.

Also Nominated: Jamaree Bouyea, San Francisco; Colbey Ross, Pepperdine; Eli Scott, LMU; Killian Tillie, Gonzaga; Jahlil Tripp, Pacific

[RenoZag]

Senior guard TJ Haws led the Cougars to a 3-1 record and a third-place finish at the Maui Jim Maui Invitational while averaging 16.5 points and 4.8 assists and shooting 54.8 percent from the field, 54.2 percent from 3-point range and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Against UCLA, Haws helped BYU pull away with a big second half. With his team leading 53-52 with 9 minutes to go, he scored inside, assisted a 3-pointer and hit a 3-pointers of his own to push the lead to 61-52. He added eight more points to help the Cougars close out the 78-63 win against the Bruins.

In a loss to No. 4/5 Kansas, Haws scored a team-high 16 points and added five assists and three rebounds.

In BYU’s final game in Maui, Haws totaled 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field and 4 of 7 from 3-point range against Virginia Tech. With BYU trailing 46-43 in the second half, Haws went on a personal 13-2 run that included three 3-pointers and gave the Cougars a 56-48 lead. He added four more points, an assist and a steal the rest of the way to help the Cougars win 90-77 and claim third in the Maui Invitational.

In BYU’s final game of the week against Montana Tech, Haws scored 15 points and dished out six assists to help the Cougars win 98-63.

Also Nominated: Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s; Seikou Sisoho Jawara, LMU; Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga; Josip Vrankic, Santa Clara

[willandi]

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference has named its Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for December 2, 2019.

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – TJ HAWS, SR., G – BYU

Senior guard TJ Haws led the Cougars to a 3-1 record and a third-place finish at the Maui Jim Maui Invitational while averaging 16.5 points and 4.8 assists and shooting 54.8 percent from the field, 54.2 percent from 3-point range and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Against UCLA, Haws helped BYU pull away with a big second half. With his team leading 53-52 with 9 minutes to go, he scored inside, assisted a 3-pointer and hit a 3-pointers of his own to push the lead to 61-52. He added eight more points to help the Cougars close out the 78-63 win against the Bruins.

In a loss to No. 4/5 Kansas, Haws scored a team-high 16 points and added five assists and three rebounds.

In BYU’s final game in Maui, Haws totaled 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field and 4 of 7 from 3-point range against Virginia Tech. With BYU trailing 46-43 in the second half, Haws went on a personal 13-2 run that included three 3-pointers and gave the Cougars a 56-48 lead. He added four more points, an assist and a steal the rest of the way to help the Cougars win 90-77 and claim third in the Maui Invitational.

In BYU’s final game of the week against Montana Tech, Haws scored 15 points and dished out six assists to help the Cougars win 98-63.

Also Nominated: Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s; Seikou Sisoho Jawara, LMU; Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga; Josip Vrankic, Santa Clara

2019-20 #WCCHOOPS Men’s Basketball Player of the Week

December 2 – TJ Haws, BYU
November 25 – Isaiah White, Portland
November 18 – Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga
November 11 – Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s

Both Petrusev and Kispert (despite Corey's poor game against Michigan) had better numbers, more points, better percentages and in a 2nd place finish.

[RenoZag]

December 9, 2019 - LMU's Eli Scott

Junior guard Eli Scott had a record-breaking week, capped by the first triple-double performance in program history in Saturday’s win over Grambling State. The junior averaged a double-double on the week 26.0 points per game, 11.5 rebounds per game, and 7.0 assists per game to move into a tie with Wyking Jones for the 17th-most double-doubles in program history with 10.

The week started with a road battle against #20 Colorado on Wednesday night. The Lions led much of the game at the ranked Pac-12 Buffs, led by Scott’s career-high 31 points on a career-best 12 made field goals. The Lions ultimately lost the near-upset in the final minutes, but Scott finished with a 31 point, 10 rebound double-double, game-highs in both categories and scored 48.4 percent of the team’s points in the game, while adding two steals.

LMU then hosted Grambling State and benefitted from Scott’s first half facilitation to topple the Tigers. Scott entered halftime with 11 assists on the 18 made LMU baskets, and was a rebound shy of hitting a first half double-double. The Lions shot 69.2 percent (18-for-26) from the field in the first half behind the newly-appointed point guards ability to find his teammates. After taking just two shots in the first half, Scott started looking for his own scoring and went 7-for-9 from the field, and 1-for-1 from long range, after intermission to finish with a game-high 21 points. Scott’s 13 assists is tied for 10th in program history.

Scott shot 65.5 percent (19-for-29) from the field on the week and 66.7 percent (2-for-3) from three. He also recorded his first two blocks on the season, both on transition chase downs. Through nine games this season, Scott is averaging career highs in points per game, assists per game, steals per game, shooting percentage, free throw percentage, and minutes per game.

Also Nominated: Yoeli Childs, BYU; Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine; Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga; Josip Vrankic, Santa Clara; Jahlil Tripp, Pacific; Kristers Zoriks, Saint Mary’s

[RenoZag]

December 16 - Jordan Ford

In the Gaels' lone game of the week, senior guard Jordan Ford led his team to victory over Cal on Saturday night in Berkeley with a 32-point showing. The senior guard was efficient in all manners of shooting as he went 10-for-14 from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 10-of-11 at the free throw line.

In addition, Ford grabbed five boards and dished out two assists in 35 minutes of play. The Folsom, Calif. native scored 25 points in the second half alone en route to his 32 total which was the second-most points he has ever scored in a game. It was the second 30-point night of the season for Ford and this is his second career WCC Player of the Week selection.

Also Nominated: Ivan Alipiev, LMU; Yoeli Childs, BYU; Pierre Crockrell, Pacific; Corey Kispert, Gonzaga; Colbey Ross, Pepperdine

LINK: https://wccsports.com/news/2019/12/1...-the-week.aspx

[RenoZag]

December 23 - Colbey Ross

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – COLBEY ROSS, JR., G – PEPPERDINE

Junior guard Colbey Ross scored 31 and 27 in the Waves' two games this week, averaging 29.0 points and making clutch baskets down the stretch in leading Pepperdine to two thrilling comeback victories.

Ross also averaged 5.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals. With several backcourt players injured or ill this week, he played all but 20 seconds in the two games (79:40 of 80:00).

In Tuesday's 77-71 win over Portland State, Ross scored 31 points (his second time this season scoring 30 or more, and the third time of his career). Twenty-two of his 31 came after halftime. Pepperdine trailed by seven with six minutes left but Ross had 11 points in a game-ending 18-4 run, including a three-pointer with 3:10 left that gave Pepperdine the lead for good, and a basket with 12 seconds left that clinched the victory.

In Saturday's 75-73 victory over Northern Arizona, Ross scored 27 points, with 16 coming in the second half. Pepperdine was once again down by seven with 3 1/2 minutes left but outscored NAU 11-2 the rest of the way. Ross scored the Waves' final nine points -- a three-pointer, then a floater in the lane to tie, then a contested jumper in the right corner to give the Waves a 73-71 lead with 52 seconds left. After NAU tied the game, Ross hit what turned out to be the game-winning free throws with 6.8 seconds left.

Ross, who became Pepperdine's all-time leader in assists on December 14, moved into the top 20 on Pepperdine's career scoring list against Northern Arizona.

Ross improved his scoring average from 18.7 to 20.3 points this week, and he also averages a WCC-best 7.2 assists.

Also Nominated: Yoeli Childs, BYU; Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga; Eli Scott, LMU; Jahlil Tripp, Pacific; Trey Wertz, Santa Clara

[RenoZag]

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – RYAN WOOLRIDGE, SR., G – GONZAGA

Senior guard Ryan Woolridge helped No. 1 Gonzaga wrap-up its non-conference schedule with a win over Detroit Mercy Monday. He scored a season-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range. It was the senior’s 12thcareer 20-point game, but first with the Zags. He became the sixth Bulldog to score 20 points in a game this season through 15 games. Woolridge added eight assists, six rebounds and two steals.

Also Nominated: Dan Fotu, Saint Mary’s; Erik Johansson, LMU; Keshawn Justice, Santa Clara; Khalil Shabazz, San Francisco; Jake Toolson, BYU; Jahlil Tripp, Pacific

[RenoZag]

January 6, 2020

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – JAHLIL TRIPP, SR., G – PACIFIC

Helping the Tigers win their conference opener for the first time since 2015-16, senior guard Jahlil Tripp finished second on the team with 13 points while also pulling down a team-high 9 rebounds in UOP’s 59-56 victory over Pepperdine. Overall, he also added two assists and one steal.

On Saturday, January 4, Tripp enjoyed a career-night in the Tigers historic 4OT win over Saint Mary’s. The Brooklyn, NY native set new career-highs in points (39), minutes (52), field goals made (12), field goal attempts (21), free throws made (14) and free throw attempts (19). Additionally, he also tied season-highs in three pointers made (1) and assists (3).

Dominating throughout the night, he also grabbed 11 rebounds to record his fifth double-double of the season. His 39 points were also just five-short of the Pacific single-game record of 44 points, set by Bill Stricker on 12/21/68 vs. Portland.

Following this historic performance against the Gaels, Tripp is now only 51 points away from reaching the 1,000-point mark at Pacific.

Also Nominated: Yoeli Childs, BYU; Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s; Keshawn Justice, Santa Clara; Killian Tillie, Gonzaga; JoJo Walker, Portland

[RenoZag]

January 13, 2020

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – CHARLES MINLEND, JR., G – SAN FRANCISCO

Junior guard Charles Minlend was instrumental in the Dons 2-0 week which included two wins over previously unbeaten teams in conference play. For the week, Minlend averaged 22.0 points per game, while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. From beyond the arc, Minlend was 5-for-8. He also had 11 rebounds, averaging 5.5 boards per game.

In the win over Santa Clara, Minlend finished with a career-high 25 points going 7-for-15 from the field and 9-for-11 from the charity stripe. He backed that up leading the Dons with 19 points in the win on the road at Pacific where the Tigers were 10-1. Minlend went 5-for-8 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range in that contest.

Also Nominated: Kameron Edwards, Pepperdine; Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s; TJ Haws, BYU; Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga; Jahbril Price-Noel, Pacific; Eli Scott, LMU

January 6 – Jahlil Tripp, Pacific
December 31 – Ryan Woolridge, Gonzaga
December 23 – Colbey Ross, Pepperdine
December 16 – Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s
December 9 – Eli Scott, LMU
December 2 – TJ Haws, BYU
November 25 – Isaiah White, Portland
November 18 – Filip Petrusev, Gonzaga
November 11 – Jordan Ford, Saint Mary’s

[bdmiller7]

They really spread this award around, so far 9 different players in 10 weeks with only Ford winning twice and 8 teams represented. Only USD and SCU havent had a winner yet. Cant really argue with any winners so far either.

[RenoZag]

WCC POW: Corey Kispert

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – COREY KISPERT, JR., G – GONZAGA

Junior guard Corey Kispert helped No. 1 Gonzaga to its 11th and 12th straight wins this past week. He averaged 17.5 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. The junior made seven of his 12 three-point attempts (58.3 percent) and six of his seven shots from the free-throw line (85.7 percent). He grabbed eight rebounds during the week, and dished out three assists.

Against BYU Saturday, Kispert scored 19 points and made four-three pointers. The win was the Zags’ 33rd-straight regular season win over a conference opponent, breaking the league’s 27-year old record. It was also GU’s 34th consecutive victory at home, the longest active streak in the nation. Kispert is currently 10th in the WCC averaging 14.4 points per game. His 53 made three-pointers this season ranks second in the conference.

Also Nominated: Jordan Bell, LMU; Tanner Krebs, Saint Mary’s; Charles Minlend, San Francisco; Colbey Ross, Pepperdine; Eli Scott, LMU; Jahlil Tripp, Pacific

[sittingon50]

Congrats Corey. Well deserved.

[RenoZag]

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference has named its Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for January 27, 2020.

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – KAMERON EDWARDS, SR., F – PEPPERDINE

Senior forward Kameron Edwards averaged 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds as the Waves won twice and moved all the way up into a tie for third place in the WCC standings. He also posted averages of 2.0 steals, 1.5 assists and 1.0 blocks.

In Thursday's overtime victory on the road at Santa Clara -- in which the Waves ended the Broncos' 17-game home winning streak and put a stop to their 15-0 home record this season -- Edwards recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in a career-high 40 minutes of action. His 14 rebounds were a season high and it was his fourth double-double of the season. He had the final basket of regulation, which tied the game and ended up sending it to overtime. It was Pepperdine's first win at the Leavey Center since 2014.

In Saturday's home win over Portland, Edwards contributed 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The short-handed Waves won both games despite using only seven players in each contest. Edwards is averaging 16.9 points and 7.2 rebounds on the season.

Also Nominated: Jamaree Bouyea, San Francisco; Tommy Kuhse, Saint Mary’s; Eli Scott, LMU; Killian Tillie, Gonzaga; Jahlil Tripp, Pacific; Josip Vrankic, Santa Clara

[RenoZag]

Three teams won 2 games this week: GU, BYU, and Pacific. The Cougars and Tigers played home games. GU won on the road.

Am guessing it will be between Haws and Petrusev for the distinction of being the first player this season to collect POW honors a second time. Their numbers:

TJ: 35 points, 5 boards, 11 assists
Filip: 54 points, 20 rebounds.

The press release should drop around 10:45am Monday

ETA: Andy Katz selected Filip as Player of the Week for NCAA March Madness.

[RenoZag]

Filip Petrusev - February 3, 2020

Sophomore forward also named March Madness National Player of the Week

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference has named its Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for February 3, 2020.

#WCCHOOPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – FILIP PETRUSEV, SO., F – GONZAGA

Sophomore forward Filip Petrusev was key in guiding the No. 2/2 Zags to road wins at Santa Clara and San Francisco. He totaled 54 points and 20 rebounds in Gonzaga’s 35th and 36th straight regular season wins over conference opponents, and 36th and 37th consecutive conference road victories. It also lengthened the Bulldogs’ national best road win streak to 16 straight victories.

Petrusev made 22 of his 32 shots from the field (68.8 percent), including 14-of-18 at Santa Clara. Against the Broncos, he scored a career-high 31 points, while grabbing nine rebounds. The sophomore recorded his sixth double-double of the season, scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 boards.

For his efforts, Petrusev was named the March Madness National Player of the Week. It is the second WCC weekly honor for Petrusev.

Also Nominated: Kameron Edwards, Pepperdine; Malik Fitts, Saint Mary’s; TJ Haws, BYU