Dons Notes: 2013-2014 WCC BOLD Predictions
“Legends of the Hilltop” display at War Memorial gym home of the University of San Francisco Dons. Pictured plaques of Bob St. Clair, Pete Rozelle, Phil Smith and Phil Woolert (Picture by James Stapleton)
It’s finally here; college basketball season has arrived. No more waiting, WCC action is scheduled for Friday with Loyola Marymount taking on Grand Canyon at Jenny Craig Pavilion, home the University of San Diego Toreros. It’s time to set aside those off-season hobbies and get back to college basketball. During the offseason, one of my hobbies is fantasy football. My favorite writer on the topic is ESPN’s Matthew Berry, the Talented Mr. Roto. Before kickoff each year, TMR does his “You Heard Me” article explaining his “bold” predictions for the upcoming season. This is by-far my favorite article of the entire year.
When I was first asked to write for West Coast Convo, I was very hesitant. I was scared of people criticizing my work or not being able to produce meaningful articles on WCC action. But looking back, it’s been quite fun and people’s reactions have been quite supportive – thank you. I am looking forward to the season and hoping for some great WCC action. However, as Opening Night approaches, there is one simple thing left to do: make predictions.
This is what makes the job fun. I can honestly tell you I am not certain who is going to rank where or which team is going to surprise the WCC this year. If I may, TMR sums it up perfectly:
"“I bring this up because it’s time, once again, for my bold predictions column. The idea, of course, is not that I nail outrageous predictions. To be a bold prediction, it has to be unlikely to happen. ‘Drew Brees will throw for over 4,000 yards’ is not a bold prediction because he has done that every single year he has been in New Orleans. No, a bold prediction would be Drew Brees throws for less than 2,000 yards this year. That is a bold prediction because it is highly unlikely to happen.” Matthew Berry- ESPN Fantasy Football Analyst"
With the previous premise in mind, I will now give you my 2013-2014 BOLD predictions for the West Coast Conference:
(Teams in order to how I believe they will finish in the standings after the regular season ends)
1. Gonzaga will not play in the WCC Championship game on March 11th
For many years, the WCC Tournament has protected the top teams in the regular season and pitted them against lower seeded teams that have potentially played multiple games prior to their showdown with the Bulldogs. With the addition of Pacific, a new ten team bracket will spice up the competition. Yea, Gonzaga will get an easy win over the winner of the 8/9 matchup, but I believe an evenly rested team in the quarterfinals can take the Bulldogs by surprise.
2. Brigham Young will finally get to the WCC Championship Game
This will be the Cougars third visit to the WCC Tournament. It does not take a scientist to know that BYU fans have been utterly disappointed by the basketball team’s poor performance in the conference tournament. They are a record 1-2 in the tournament with no championship game appearances. This year, I’d watch for BYU to finally get past the semi-finals and play for a chance to hoist the WCC championship trophy.
3. San Francisco will finish in third place in the WCC
The Dons have deep depth on their squad and will add newcomers Corey Hilliard and Kruize Pinkens to an already cohesive group formed during the 2012-2013 campaign. Matt Glover will amaze as he comes off his redshirt year and a fully healed Avry Holmes will give the Dons an unanticipated boost. Dickerson and Doolin will lead the charge as the Dons steal another win from Gonzaga at War Memorial Gym.
4. San Diego will win the WCC Tournament
Bringing back memories of the 2008 upset over Gonzaga, USD will catch fire at the end of the year and roll into the WCC Tournament. A win in the championship game gives the Toreros an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament making the WCC a three bid league.
James Stapleton’s predictions for the 2014 WCC Tournament in March.
5. Saint Mary’s will not finish in the top four in the WCC
Randy Bennett’s suspension at the beginning of West Coast Conference play downs the Gaels to an early hole in the standings. The make-up of the WCC schedule does not provide any favors for the Gaels and they do not finish the season on a strong note. Poor momentum leads to a flop in the WCC Tournament. All in all, the NCAA gets what they want and the little school from Moraga pays an unjust punishment.
6. Loyola Marymount will beat BYU and St. Mary’s in LA
The Lions will continue to play as they are on a roller coaster. Key losses to middle of the pack teams in the WCC will lead them to the bottom half of the conference. However, impressive play from WCC Player of the Year Anthony Ireland will keep the Lions close with BYU and SMC. The pure adrenaline will lead the Lions over the Cougars and Gaels.
7. Pacific will be one and done in the WCC Tournament
Living in Bob Thomason’s shadow, Ron Verlin struggles in his first year as head coach of Pacific. The Tigers will get a rude welcome in the conference and have a difficult game in the opening round of the WCC Tournament.
8. Portland will beat Saint Mary’s in Portland
Due to NCAA violations, Coach Randy Bennett is suspended for the first five games of the WCC season. After a loss at Gonzaga, SMC will be hoping to rebound against the Pilots. Portland wins in regulation, sending SMC into a spiral.
9. Pepperdine will not finish in last place in the WCC
Every single preseason poll I have read has Pepperdine at the bottom spot in the WCC. I just won’t have it. I know they will have at least two wins in the WCC because…
10. Santa Clara will not win a regular season conference match-up
“Yep, you heard me.” In an ironic turn of events, Kerry Keating’s Broncos will have another winless conference record only a year after winning a postseason tournament. In 2010, Santa Clara won the CIT tournament, bringing the Broncos their first postseason championship. However the 2011-2012 campaign lead to a heartbreaking season with no wins in WCC play. Surprisingly, the Broncos came back to life in the 2012-2013 season to win the CBI Championship. Watch to see the Broncos continue their trend.
One for the Road
Wild Card: University of San Francisco beats Washington Huskies in Postseason play
After carrying the Washington Huskies most of the season redshirt senior, Perris Blackwell, has a reunion game with his former team in San Francisco. Even though he led the Huskies in scoring during the season, USF coach Rex Walters makes sure Perris is shut down during the game. The Dons advance to the next round, the Huskies go home.