West Coast Convo WCC Preseason Poll
By Josh Horton
Nov 17, 2012; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Tyler Haws (3) drives past Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard/forward Pat Connaughton (24) during the second half of the consolation game at the Coaches vs Cancer held at Barclays Center. Notre Dame won 78-68. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
2. BYU
Record Last Season: 24-12 (10-6) NIT Semifinals
Key Loses: Brandon Davies, Craig Cusick, Brock Zylstra
Key Returners: Tyler Haws, Matt Carlino, Nate Austin, Anson Winder
Key Additions: Kyle Collingsworth (return from mission), Luke Worthington, Frank Bartley IV, Eric Mika
The Cougars are looking to shake the third place monkey of their backs this season, and they just might do it. With the departure of SMC’s Matthew Dellavedova and Gonzaga’s Elias Harris and Kelly Olynyk, now’s the time for the Cougars to pounce (pun intended). Heralded recruit Eric Mika will step into the middle in Brandon Davies’ stead. Talented point guard Matt Carlino will look to step up, and star guard Tyler Haws will look to keep his level of play as high as it was last year. While the guard line will be spectacular, the lack of depth in the frontcourt may doom the Cougars. Nate Austin and Josh Sharp will provide experience when freshmen Eric Mika and Luke Worthington experience growing pains. Beyond that, BYU may need to utilize a 4-guard line up and depend on Kyle Collinsworth to provide some frontcourt help. If the big men can stay foul-free and injury-free, the Cougars will contend for the championship. If not, they will most likely find themselves lower than 2nd place.
By Andrew Perkins (@Coachamp)