3 Way Too Early Predictions For the 2013-2014 Season
By Josh Horton
March. 2, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Przemek Karnowski (24) goes up for shot against Portland Pilots center Thomas van der Mars (12) during the second half at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 81-52. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Is it too early to make a prediction for the next college basketball season? Probably. Am I going to do it anyway? Yes. Here are three bold predictions for the 2013-2014 WCC college basketball season.
Przemek Karnowski Will Be An All-Conference Caliber Player
Say what you want about the big man from Poland, but you can not deny his potential. At times last season, Karnowski looked like he could average a double-double. He struggled a little bit when the competition level was raised as the season progressed but at the start of the season he was fantastic. Against Southern Utah and South Dakota, Karnowkski had 22 and 20 points respectively with a combined 19-26 from the field. His rebounding ability steadily improved throughout the season even though his minutes started to decline.
When Karnowski starts to see increased minutes, his production will rise at an exponential rate consequently.
Saint Mary’s Will Finish 4th in the Conference Standings
Gonzaga, BYU, and San Diego. These are three teams that will fare better than the Gaels in the next season.
With Matthew Dellavedova and Mitchell Young gone, Saint Mary’s will have some major holes to fill. Cullen Neal was supposed to be Delly’s replacement, but Neal went to New Mexico to play for his father. The Gaels have a great deal of production that they need to replace. In order to prove this prediction wrong, players such as Brad Waldow and Stephen Holt will need to step up in a big way next season.
San Diego Will Finish 3rd in the Conference Standings
This is an expansion of the last prediction, but the Toreros are poised for a fantastic 2013-2014 season. With Johnny Dee and Christopher Anderson returning in the back court, San Diego will be extremely successful under Billy Grier next season.
Grier and his Torero’s have regressed in the last few seasons after making the NCAA tournament in 2007. The Toreros have under performed greatly, and the former Gonzaga assistant is likely feeling the hot seat because of this. Even though losing Ken Rancifer and Chris Manresa will hurt, I believe San Diego has a chance to be very successful. Johnny Dee will be a fantastic scorer once again, and Jito Kok will step up big time in the low post. Expect big things for the Toreros next season.